Trip Overview
This 6-day itinerary takes you to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Rongai Route. Tranquil Kilimanjaro offers treks up the Rongai Route, which is recognized for being more picturesque than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and with a high success rate. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, the Rongai Route requires you to sleep in tents (tents are provided) that are pitched by porters. Meals are served outside on a blanket or under a dining tent. One of the least trafficked routes, the Rongai begins on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border. For the summit ascent, the Rongai meets the Marangu, and then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast flank, giving you magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.
Detailed Itinerary
7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
We will transport you to Rongai from Moshi Town after breakfast to begin your 6-day Rongai Route trek. The ascent begins on a little trail that passes past maize and potato fields before entering a pine forest from the charming wooden town of Nale Moru (1,950 m.). The trail then begins a steady but gentle rise through lovely woodland, which is home to a variety of species, including the gorgeous Kilimanjaro Colobus Monkey. These monkeys have a flowing white tail and a large ‘cape’ of white hair. The forest thins out, and the first camp (at 2,600 meters) sits at the edge of the moorland zone, with expansive views of the Kenyan lowlands. [Walking time: 3–4 hours]
5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude gained: 852m
The morning trek is a steady rise to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.), which offers spectacular views of Kibo and the Crater‘s Eastern ice fields. After lunch, we depart from the main trail and follow a narrower path through the moorland to Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. Near the Kikelewa Caves, our campground is in a hidden valley with spectacular views (3.600 m.) [Walking for 6-7 hours]
3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
Altitude gained: 449m
A short but steep ascent over grassy hills is rewarded with spectacular vistas all around and a distinct sense of wildness. We leave the vegetation behind just before arriving at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), which is magnificently located in a cirque right underneath Mawenzi’s towering spires. As an assist to acclimatization, the afternoon will be free to rest or explore the local region. [Walking time: 3–4 hours]
6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
Altitude gained: 1238m
Between Mawenzi and Kibo, we cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ to reach the School Campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater rim. The rest of the day is spent recuperating in anticipation of the last ascent and an early night! [Walking for 4-5 hours]
4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | -Horombo Huts: 15.75km /9.8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
Around midnight or 1 a.m., we’ll begin the last, and by far the steepest and most difficult, section of the ascent by torchlight. We trudged up a switchback track over loose volcanic scree in the dark to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m). We’ll take a little break there to see the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still in good shape may go to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m) in three hours, passing close to the stunning glaciers and ice cliffs that still comprise the majority of the summit region. The drop to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly quick, and after refueling, we continue down to Horombo, our final campsite (3,720 m.). [Walking for 11 to 15 hours]
20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
Wake up early for a long descent across moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first halt before reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance (1,830 m.). (Walking for 5-6 hours). For the night, you will be taken to Springlands Hotel or alternative hotel in Moshi marking the end of our 6-day Rongai Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Inclusions
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain (Good portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food)
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Exclusions
- Tips for drivers and porters.
- Items of personal nature.
- Laundry services.
- Beverages/drinks.
- International flights.
- Visas.
- Hotel accommodations before and after safari.