Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

7 Days
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Gallery

9 Days of Trekking

The only route starting on the northern side of Kilimanjaro

Package Details

Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes.

We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.

Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu,  and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Arrive in Tanzania
You will arrive latest 1pm to begin the expedition. Destination airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will be greeted by our friendly ground staff and transferred for an overnight stay in Moshi in an exclusive setting. There will be a final gear inspection on arrival with the opportunity to procure any last minute items locally.
Day 2 :
Rongai Gate to 1st Caves Camp
Breakfast at hotel then drive and register at Kilimanjaro National Park Gate and transfer (approximately two and a half hours) to the Rongai trailhead near the Kenya border. Begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. Altitude: 1 950m to 2 600m Hiking time: 3-5 hours Distance: 8Km Difficulty: Low Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 3 :
1st Caves Camp to Kikelewa Caves
Challenging ascent to the "Second Cave" where you will relax and have lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch proceed towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves. Altitude: 2600m to 3450m Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 10Km Difficulty: Medium Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 4 :
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp Altitude: 3450m to 4335m
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising. Altitude: 3450m to 4335m Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 6Km Difficulty: Medium Habitat: Moorland
Day 5 :
Rest day at Mawenzi Tarn
Active rest day to assist in acclimatization for successful summit – Group overview of the geological superlative: African Rift Valley volcanics and a short acclimatisation walk. Altitude: 4335m Hiking time: 0hours Distance: 0Km Difficulty: Nil Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6 :
Mawenzi Tarn Camp - Kibo Hut
We trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent with an early night. Altitude: 4335m to 4750m Hiking time: 5-6 hours Distance: 9Km Difficulty: High Habitat: Arctic
Day 7 :
SUMMIT DAY: Crater Camp - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
A very early start (midnight) for the final challenge to reach Gilman’s Point (5 756m). We hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree. Rest for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Continue slowly across to Uhuru Peak passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. After some summit celebrations and photo’s of your achievement we descend to Kibo. After a welcome break we then continue down the Marangu Route to Horombo Camp for a well-deserved rest. This is a long, yet highly rewarding day. Altitude: 4750m to 5895m to 3720m Hiking time: 12-14hours Distance: 21Km Difficulty: High Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 8 :
Descent to Hotel
Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu Park Gate where transport will be waiting to drive you back to Moshi. Overnight and time for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner and enjoy summit celebrations. Altitude: 3720m to 1900m Hiking time: 5-6 hours Distance: 18Km Difficulty: Medium Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9 :
Departure
Depart from Tanzania - Expedition ends.

Inclusives

  • Transfers:
  • - Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • - Transfer to the Rongai gate - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park
  • - Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel
  • Accommodation-Shared:
  • - One night at 3* hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool
  • - Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents)
  • Please note:
  • All accommodation is on sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).
  • Meals:
  • - Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
  • - All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost
  • - All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water)
  • Hiking & Safety Equipment:
  • - 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
  • - All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • - Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • - GPS-tracking service
  • - Complete medical kits
  • Climbing Crew:
  • - Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 7+years of successful mountaineering experience
  • - Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)

Excludes

  • Excluded
  • - Spending money for on mountain drinks, personal items and souvenirs for the full duration of the excursion.
  • - COVID vaccinations and insurance.
  • - Any costs outside the itinerary.
  • - Any unforeseeable increase in Park permit and entrance fees, camping fees and/or any other associated park and government fees.
  • - All international flights.
  • - Travel and Expedition cancellation Insurance recommended.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
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Call | 076 666 1211
Email | booking@saraykhumalo.com

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