Rongai Route 7 Days
To climb Mount Kilimanjaro using the Rongai route used to guarantee a quiet trek away from the madding crowds however with this attraction over the last few years Rongai has seen a surge in popularity with climbers heading to this remote Northern climbing route of Tanzania’s highest mountain.
Rongai does have a great success rate with a saw tooth climbing profile offering many opportunities to climb high and sleep low this route is a camp only route. This climbing route of Kilimanjaro can be tackled in 6 and 7 days but with all our climbing profiles we do recommend you build in that extra day for better acclimatization and personal enjoyment and comfort. The six and seven day Rongai trek allows you a side detour towards the impressive Mawenzi Peak with a night spent at Mawenzi Tarn. Other than the starting point of Rongai being the furthest from Moshi town meaning more driving time the route does offer a climb profile of ascending up through pine forest and farming areas on day one with plenty of black and white colobus monkey to spot as you gain altitude with a return decent route through the lush rain forest of Marangu.
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Below, we go through the adventure day-by-day, giving you a better feel of the adventure.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport - you will be collected by your driver guide and transfer to the Moshi region. Check in at your choice of accommodation.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (D)
Day 2: Briefing
After breakfast, you will meet your Kilimanjaro guide and receive a briefing on your coming climb. A great opportunity to ask any last minute questions and for you and your guide to double check your clothing and equipment. In the afternoon you will then set out on a 2-3 hour acclimatization walk, this gentle walk will help you warm up before you start Kilimanjaro tomorrow.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (B,D)
Day 3: Rongai One
You will be collected from your hotel at 8:30 am and start the transfer to Marangu where registration takes place. Then continue to Rongai and Nale Moru where you reach early afternoon and start the climb. The scenery changes from Maize and potato fields into pine forest while you climb gently – you might see Colobus monkeys on the way. When reaching the edge of the moorland zone, enjoy the views of the plains before arriving at Rongai One.
O/n Rongai One – camping (8,500 ft) (B, L, D)
Day 4: Kikelewa Caves
After breakfast, you steadily hike up to Second Cave where you enjoy a rest followed by a hot lunch – enjoy the views of Kibo. Then continue a little further across the moorland and onto Kikelewa Caves where you spend the night.
O/n Kikelewa Caves – camping (11,800 ft) (B, L, D)
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach at Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and/or exploring the area accompanied by your guide.
O/n Mawenzi Tarn – camping (14,200 ft) (B, L, D)
Day 6: Acclimatization Day
Acclimatization day! Together with your guide, head up to Saddle towards Camel’s Back and return to the amp for relaxation.
O/n Mawenzi Tarn – camping (14,200 ft) (B, L, D)
Day 7: Kibo Hut
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.
O/n Kibo Hut – camping (15,400 ft) (B, L, D)
Day 8: Summit Day
Early wakeup call in preparation for the summit attempt starting around 1 am. A slow steady pace must be used for the last part of you ascent which will also be the most demanding part of the entire climb. Short rest at Gillman’s point and if still strong enough continue up to Uhuru Peak – enjoy the views and the sunrise before you start the descent to Kibo Hut.
After a short rest and refreshments – continue down to Horombo Hut where you will spend the night.
O/n Horombo Hut – camping (B, L, D)
Day 9: Last Morning on the Mountain
After breakfast you descend slowly towards Marangu gate for a champagne lunch to celebrate with your team. Here you will meet with our vehicles and transfer back to your lodge for well deserved showers and relaxation.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 10: Departure
After a good night sleep and a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departing flight. (B)
Note: O/N = Overnight, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
| Amount of persons: | Price p.p. (usd): |
| 2 people sharing | 2670.- |
| 4 people sharing | 2210.- |
| 6 people sharing | 2160.- |
| Note: prices are based on two adults and indicative. Single supplement is $ 180 | |
- Included:
- Meals as stipulated |B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner
- Emergency Evacuation Cover
- All transfers and activities as mentioned above
- Park fee, Conservation fees and Community Development Fees
- Accommodation as stipulated
- Water, Tea and Coffee During the Climb
- Excluded:
- Visa and airport departure tax
- Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary
- Tips for Guides, Assistant Guides, Porters and Cooks
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