7 Days - 6Nights Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Rongai Route
Description
The unique Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the North, closest to Kenya's Border which is known to be more scenic than the popular Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and its success rate is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, you sleep in tents. No worries the porters will always pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. The Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain's other routes and is one of the least travelled routes. The Rongai joins the Marangu for the summit climb and then you will also descend via the Marangu Route on the mountain's southeast side. This way you will see Kilimanjaro from many viewpoints.
Tour Photos
Program itinerary
- Climbing the steeper trails
- Sleeping in tents
- Experiencing different types of vegetations (rainforest, heather moorland, alpine desert, and ice)
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1
DAY 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
HighlightsTransfer to your Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Meeting your Mountain guide for the upcoming climb and checking your climbing gear.
SummaryArrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be transferred to your Hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay. Dinner and Breakfast are Included.
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2
Day 2: Climbing from Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
HighlightsClimbing gently from 1950.1 m to 2834.6m
Climbing Distance 8km
Hiking time: 3-4 Hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Experience pine forest and some wildlife
SummaryThe day starts early with a delicious nutritious breakfast, followed by a transfer to the Rongai gate passing the wooden village on a path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before you reach the entrance gate. The climb begins from the gate After signing in and then you and your guide start to climb consistently, but gently through an attractive pine forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone(2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
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3
Day 3: Climbing from Rongai Cave to second Cave
HighlightsSteady Hiking challenge from altitude 2834.6m to 3444.2m
Climbing Distance 6km
Hiking time:3-4 hours
Habitat: heath land
Hiking from the second Cave to the Kikelewa cave
Steady hiking challenge from Altitude 3444.2m to 3599.9m
Climbing distance: 6km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath land
SummaryWe begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking through the moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at the Kikelewa Cave for the night
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4
Day 4: Climbing from kikelewa cave to Mawenzi tarn
HighlightsHiking challenge from altitude 3599.9m to 4315.9m
Climbing Distance 5km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
SummaryThis day’s hike is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. Since it exits the heath zone and emerges into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
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5
Day 5: climbing from Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
HighlightsClimbing challenge from 4315.9m to 4389.1m
Climbing distance 5km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Descent from Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn- Descending from 4389.1m to 4315.9m
- Distance 2km
- Hiking time 1-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
SummaryYour extra day on the mountain, and you will spend two nights at Mawenzi Tarn. You can hike up to Mawenzi for a splendid acclimatization hike.
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6
Day 6: climbing from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
HighlightsClimbing challenge from 4389.9m to 4703m
Climbing Distance 8km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: alpine Desert
SummaryClimb steadily, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here, we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
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7
Day 7: Climbing from Kibo Hut to Uhuru peak
HighlightsSummiting the highest peak in Africa 5895m
Climbing challenge from altitude 4703m to 5895.1m
Hiking Distance 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5hours
Habitat: Heath
Descent from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut- Descend from 5895.1m to 3733.8m
- Descending distance 16 km
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
SummaryAround midnight we start to set in motion to the summit. This is the most challenging part of the trek. The wind, cold temperatures at this elevation and in this time of the day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the uppermost point of the African continent.
After spending a few moments at the top roof of Africa we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoyed our last dinner and an overnight stay on the mountain.
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8
Day 8: Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
HighlightsDownhill challenge from 3733.8m to 1842.8m
Distance 20km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
SummaryA long trek, mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Reaching the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates and drive back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
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9
Day 9: Transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport
SummaryTransferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for
- Extension to Zanzibar
- Safari extension
- Leisure stay with various day trip excursions
- Cultural tours
We are also pleased to draw up an itinerary that perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Skill Level Required
Good physical health
Equipment needed
Meals and Drinks
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), water, tea and coffee are available,
Note: For special meals such as Vegetarian meals, gluten-free, food allergies and anything else, please let us know in advance.
Children Options
Children starting from the age of 12 are allowed to take part.
Transfer Options
Other Services
- Various cultural tours near Moshi before or after the trekking .
- Safari to Tanzania’s major Parks such as Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti.
- Day Trips in Moshi – please see this link for available and recommended day trips.
Location
Reviews
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