RONGAI ROUTE

Tour Highlights:

• Route: Rongai Route, known for its quieter approach and gradual ascent.
• Duration: 7 days, offering a comfortable pace with enough time for acclimatization.
• Accommodation: Camping with meals prepared by a cook, and tents equipped with mattresses.
• Approach: Begins in the village of Nale Moru, north of Kilimanjaro, and ends at the Marangu Gate on the southern side.

Includes:

• Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
• Pre & post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi/Arusha
• Park, camping & rescue fees
• Tents & mattress
• Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters & cook
• Water, tea, and coffee with meals
• Chemical portable toilet

Excludes:

• Flights, travel insurance, visa and passport fees
• Increases in park fees (if applicable)
• Personal equipment (sleeping bags, etc.)
• Tips for guides, porters & cooks
• Soda and alcoholic beverages

Itinerary Overview:

Day 0: Arrive in Tanzania

• Accommodation: Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
• Activities: You’ll be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Your guide will brief you about the trek and perform an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Missing items can be rented on this day.

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

• Elevation: 2,625 m (Simba Camp)
• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Simba Camp

Your trek begins from the Nalemoru Gate. The route takes you through farmland and pine forests, with a chance to see wildlife such as Colobus monkeys, elephants, and buffalos. Your first night will be spent at Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)

• Elevation: 3,480 m (2nd Cave Camp)
• Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
• Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: 2nd Cave Camp

Today, the hike is a steady ascent, passing through the moorland zone. You'll have spectacular views of the Kibo peak and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Day 3: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

• Elevation: 3,630 m (Kikelewa Camp)
• Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
• Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

The trek continues through moorland, with views of the Eastern ice fields and Kibo. The camp is set in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3,630 m.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

• Elevation: 4,310 m (Mawenzi Tarn Hut)
• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Hut

The morning hike is a short but steep ascent, rewarded with views of the Kenyan plains. After reaching Mawenzi Tarn Hut, you'll have the rest of the day to rest or explore the surrounding area for acclimatization.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

• Elevation: 4,700 m (Kibo Hut)
• Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Today, you’ll trek across the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. The spectacular views of the summit and the trail ahead will keep you motivated as you reach Kibo Hut for the night.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

• Elevation: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) & 3,700 m (Horombo Hut)
• Distance: 22 km (13.7 mi)
• Hiking Time: 11 – 15 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

The big day! You’ll begin the final ascent around midnight. The climb is long and strenuous, but as you reach Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) at sunrise, the warmth of the sun will motivate you to continue. After summiting Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a short break, then continue down to Horombo Hut.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

• Elevation: 1,860 m (Marangu Gate)
• Distance: 9.1 km (7.5 mi)
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel

The final descent passes through the heath and moor zone to Mandara Hut, where you’ll enjoy a warm lunch. Continuing through the tropical rainforest, you’ll reach Marangu Gate, where you’ll say goodbye to your crew. Afterward, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha.

Day 8: Depart Tanzania

• Activities: Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have the day free to explore Arusha or relax before heading to the airport.

Summary:

The Rongai route provides a serene and less crowded alternative to other Kilimanjaro routes, with beautiful scenery and a gradual ascent. It is ideal for climbers who want to avoid the crowds and for those trekking during the rainy season. With adequate acclimatization time and stunning views of the mountain, Rongai is an excellent option for a memorable and successful Kilimanjaro summit experience.