Rongai route
Trekking mt. Kilimanjaro Rongai route 6 days 5 nights
Description
Kilimanjaro is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa and this correlates with your trek sublimely. The enchanting views start with the golden savannah, journey amid the ancient caves and travel to the frosty region of the summit. The canopies in the cloud forest are ridden with cracks that allow the mystical light rays and clouds to seep through. The 8 days Rongai Route is the only route that tackles Kilimanjaro from the north side. This offers an exclusive journey to the summit. The neighbouring Kenyan region provides the scenic plains of the Maasai land where conspicuous splotches of wildlife including buffalo, elephants and monkeys emerge. This is the least frequented trail and the tranquillity compels East Africa’s fascinating birdlife and you may encounter some of the diverse wildlife whilst on your trek. The drive to get to the gate it is filled with fantastic sights. In the rainy seasons the route is ideal because the north side receives less precipitation, permitting a safer trek.
- Hike time: 5-6 hrs
- Elevation gain: 840 m
- Estimated distance: 12 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Itinerary
Day 0: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
- Walking Distance: approx 6.5km in duration of 3-4 hrs Altitude Gain 700m
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1,8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (Just under 2km). There will be an opportunity to meet your crew and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate. We will embark on the great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize. We will enter the ember canopies of the dense forest and walk along the moist floor. The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities are provided.
Day 1: Rongai Gate / Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp)
- Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6.5km Altitude Gain: 700m
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1,8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (Just under 2km). There will be an opportunity to meet your crew and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate. We will embark on the great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize. We will enter the ember canopies of the dense forest and walk along the moist floor. The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities are provided.
Day 2: Simba Camp (2650m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m) (Third Caves Camp)
- Walking Time: 6-7hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 950m
In the morning the journey towards Kibo will resume. At the second ancient cave, an appetising hot lunch will be served. After lunch we will trek through a brief section of the barren dunes of the moorland and continue amid the heather vegetation zone which is studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias. There is a high possibility of viewing the breath- taking display of the Kibo peak. There is also a chance that we may spot jackals and the odd buffalo – there is no need to panic as your guide accompanies you at all times. Once we reach the Kikelewa Caves camp, you can relax for the remaining hours of the day (3600m).
Day 3: Kikelewa Caves (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)
- Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6.5km Altitude Gain: 700m
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1,8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (Just under 2km). There will be an opportunity to meet your crew and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate. We will embark on the great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize. We will enter the ember canopies of the dense forest and walk along the moist floor. The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities are provided.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4700m)
- Walking Time: 4-5hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 370m
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1,8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (Just under 2km). There will be an opportunity to meet your crew and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate. We will embark on the great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize. We will enter the ember canopies of the dense forest and walk along the moist floor. The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities are provided.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
- Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent Altitude Gain:1195km Altitude Loss:2195m
Note that the trail progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance further away from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. We will travel up a desolate site that leads to ‘The Saddle’ – an extensive lunar lava stone landscape that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo. The journey is complimented by the marvellous views of the towering upper regions of the Kilimanjaro. Our trek will come to an end when we reach the Kibo Huts (4703m) and a steaming hot meal will be served in the afternoon. You can relax for the remainder of the day. We recommend that you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1800m)
- Walking Time: 5-6hrs Distance: 20km Altitude Gain: 1195m Altitude Loss: 1900m
Note that the trail progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance further away from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. We will travel up a desolate site that leads to ‘The Saddle’ – an extensive lunar lava stone landscape that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo. The journey is complimented by the marvellous views of the towering upper regions of the Kilimanjaro. Our trek will come to an end when we reach the Kibo Huts (4703m) and a steaming hot meal will be served in the afternoon. You can relax for the remainder of the day. We recommend that you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.
Day 7: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
Today we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go in a safari – well, that’s another adventure and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you!
- Single Traveler
- 2 Pax
- 3 Pax
- 4 Pax
- 5 Pax
| Single Traveler | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1900 | $1800 | $1700 | $1670 | $1650 | |
| Optional: Extra night at | 250$ | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 |
Whats is included
- Government tax and levy
- Arrival & Departure Transfers
- Quality waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Experienced and professional mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Whats is NOT included
- Accommodation in Iringa
- Please bring your own sleeping bag but you can still rent them in Arusha at reasonable price paid once for the whole trip
- Tanzania Visa
- Gratitudes/Tipping for guide & porters
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above