Majestic Kilimanjaro Mountain

Challenge Yourself: Reach Uhuru Peak!

Rongai Route 7 Days | Kilimanjaro Climbing

From

$1750.00

Duration

7 days
4.33 by 3 reviews
  • Quality4
  • Location4.67
  • Amenities4
  • Services5
  • Price4

Tours Overview

The Rongai Route, once starting directly at the Kenyan border, now begins in the Tanzanian town of Loitokitok, leading to its colloquial name change, though it’s still commonly referred to as the Rongai Route. This route is less traveled compared to others, offering a more secluded trek through Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.
Due to its isolation, trekkers on the Rongai Route are more likely to encounter wildlife, as animals tend to thrive in areas with fewer human disturbances. The route traverses through varied environments, from the lush rainforest where you can observe a plethora of unique plant species, into the moorland, and then through the semi to alpine desert zones. Each zone presents its own set of botanical treasures and scenic beauty, making this path not only a journey to the summit but also a botanical and ecological adventure.

 

Itinerary

Day one of your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins with an exhilarating journey from the moment you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative who will escort you to your comfortable hotel in Moshi, where you can rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. After settling in, you'll head to our office for a crucial pre-trek briefing. Here, you'll meet your mountain guide and a dedicated consultant who will walk you through the itinerary, ensuring you understand the trek's challenges and highlights. They will meticulously check your gear, confirming that you have everything required for the ascent, from proper clothing to trekking poles. This briefing is not just about logistics; it's also an opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and get acclimated to the idea of climbing Africa's highest peak. With all preparations in order, your Kilimanjaro adventure officially kicks off with this foundational day, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Today's Stats
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Total Distance: 7 km
  • Starting Altitude: 1,950 meters (6,400 feet)
  • Final Altitude: 2,600 meters (8,530 feet)
  • Environment: Montane Forest
After breakfast, we'll embark on a 3-4 hour drive from Arusha, approaching Kilimanjaro from the east, passing through Chagga villages nestled on the mountain's slopes, before nearing the Kenyan border and then turning into the Loitokitok Gate.
Our trek starts from the small village of Nalemoru at 1,950 meters (6,400 feet), where we'll follow a trail that meanders through lush farmland and pine and cypress forests. As we ascend, we enter the thick rainforest zone, where you might encounter troupes of black and white colobus monkeys, notable for their black fur, long white hair 'cape,' and flowing white tail.
Our campsite is set at the edge where the rainforest transitions into moorland, offering panoramic views of the Kenyan plains. As evening approaches, listen for the distinctive shrieking call of the tree hyrax.
Today's Stats
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Total Distance: 11.8 km
  • Starting Altitude: 2,600 meters (8,530 feet)
  • Final Altitude: 3,621 meters (11,811 feet)
  • Environment: Moorland
Today's journey starts with a steady climb to the 'Second Cave' at 3,450 meters, where you'll be treated to exceptional views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields along the crater rim. Our trail is adorned with a variety of flowers, including Carduus keniensis and vibrant red gladioli.
After lunch, we'll diverge from the main path, heading across the moorland on a less-trodden trail toward the dramatic, jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Along the way, you'll encounter Lobelia deckenii, a plant species unique to this moorland zone of Kilimanjaro. Our campsite tonight is nestled in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves, surrounded by giant senecios (Dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro), providing a unique botanical spectacle.
Today's Stats
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Total Distance: 7 km
  • Starting Altitude: 3,621 meters (11,811 feet)
  • Final Altitude: 4,328 meters (14,200 feet)
  • Environment: Semi-Desert
Description:Today's trek begins with a gentle walk, followed by a short but steep ascent through a forest of senecios, leading us into the highland desert zone. Here, the landscape is characterized by helichrysum flowers, low heathers, and groundsel.
The stark contrast of the environment is highlighted by the Western slopes of Mawenzi, which rise abruptly to form numerous craggy peaks, with Hans Meyer Peak being the highest at about 5,149 meters (16,990 feet).
Our camp tonight is dramatically placed in a valley right beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, providing breathtaking views of both Mawenzi and Kibo. Your afternoon is at leisure, allowing you time to rest or explore the surroundings, including the high bluffs (barrancos) and the nearby mountain lake (tarn) where our campsite is located.
Today's Stats
  • Hiking Time: Not specified, but assume several hours for exploration and acclimatization
  • Total Distance: Not specified, likely a few kilometers given the nature of the activity
  • Starting Altitude: 4,328 meters (14,200 feet, from yesterday's final altitude)
  • Final Altitude: 4,328 meters (14,200 feet, returning to Mawenzi Tarn Hut)
  • Environment: Rugged, Rocky Ridge
Today, you'll embark on a hike along a ridge, offering spectacular views on both sides. The terrain here is rugged and rocky, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the unique landscape around Mawenzi. After spending time on the ridge, you'll return to Mawenzi Tarn Hut camp. This additional day on the trail is strategically planned to help your body acclimatize to the high altitude, which is crucial for a successful summit attempt on Kilimanjaro.
Today's Stats
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Total Distance: 5 km
  • Starting Altitude: 4,328 meters (14,200 feet)
  • Final Altitude: 4,748 meters (15,580 feet)
  • Environment: Semi-Desert
Description:We depart from camp retracing our steps from the previous afternoon. Upon reaching the ridge, we follow an undulating trail through the foothills of Mawenzi towards the saddle, the barren alpine desert expanse that lies between Kibo and Mawenzi. This area is stark, with only scattered tufts of grass, rocks, and the remnants of a plane crash to break the monotony.
At the saddle, the trail splits; we take the right path leading to School Hut, where we'll set up camp tonight. The ascent from here becomes steeper, slowing our pace. After a lunch stop, we continue climbing for another 2.5 hours until we reach School Hut. Here, the rest of the day is dedicated to hydration, nourishment, and enjoying the panoramic views of Kibo. We'll retire early to prepare for the summit attempt, ensuring we're well-rested for the final push.
Today's Stats
  • Hiking Time: 11-15 hours
  • Total Distance: 18.5 km
  • Starting Altitude: 4,748 meters (15,580 feet)
  • Summit Altitude: 5,895 meters (Uhuru Peak)
  • Final Altitude: 3,700 meters (12,140 feet)
  • Environment: Alpine Desert
After an early rise with a warm drink and a light snack, we set off from camp around 6am for the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek – your summit attempt of Kilimanjaro. You'll ascend northwest through rough scree, passing Hans Meyer Cave.
After about 5-6 hours of arduous hiking, you'll reach Gillmans Point, marking the end of the most physically taxing part of the climb. Here, we'll pause briefly to rehydrate and snack before pushing on.
Continuing upward, you'll reach Stella Point at the crater's rim (5,685 meters), where another break is taken for lunch and to soak in the views. From Stella Point, the trail is typically snow-covered, and the final 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak is demanding, passing near the vibrant Rebmann and Tarzel glaciers, with Elveda Point (5,882 meters) as the last major landmark before the summit.
Reaching Uhuru Peak brings immense joy and a sense of achievement; this is Africa's highest point, and you've conquered it. We'll spend time here, depending on the weather and temperature, to fully appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
After taking summit photos, we'll retrace our steps back through Gillmans Point to Kibo, where we'll shed some layers, take some refreshments, and then continue the descent. Approximately six hours after summiting, we'll arrive at Horombo Hut Camp at 3,700 meters, tired but triumphant.
Today’s Status

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Total Distance: 20.4 km
Starting Altitude: 4328m (14,200ft)
Final Altitude: 1830m (6004ft)
Environment: Semi-Desert
Over the next 4 hours, we rapidly drop elevation as we descend through the thick montane forest on Kilimanjaro’s southern flank via Mandara Hut (2700m) and finally emerge at the Marangu Gate where we stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch.
Here successful hikers will receive their summit certificates (gold for Uhuru Peak, Green for Stella point) from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Post celebrations, we are taken by either private bus or Jeep to our hotel in Moshi

On this final day of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you have two paths before you:
Depart Tanzania: For those whose journey with Kilimanjaro marks the end of their Tanzanian adventure, we facilitate a smooth transition back to daily life. After a relaxing morning at your hotel, perhaps savoring one last Tanzanian breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or the local bus station, depending on your onward travel plans. This transfer ensures you reach your destination with plenty of time for check-in if flying or to catch your next bus. As you leave, you'll carry with you not just souvenirs but memories of an incredible climb, one that will linger in your mind for years to come.
Continue Your Dream with Amazing Safari Extensions: Alternatively, if your spirit of adventure is still aflame, this is the perfect opportunity to delve into the wonders of Tanzania's wildlife. We offer a variety of safari extensions, where you can explore some of Africa's most renowned national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire. Imagine swapping the mountain air for the savannah breeze, watching the Big Five in their natural habitat, or witnessing the Great Migration. Our safaris are tailored to provide an intimate experience with nature, all while ensuring comfort and safety. Whether you choose a short game drive or an extended journey through multiple parks, this extension will round off your Tanzanian experience with the vast, wild beauty of Africa.
Regardless of your choice, day seven is about transitioning from one adventure to another or returning home enriched by your experiences. We ensure that your departure or continuation is as seamless and enjoyable as the journey itself.

Included/Exclude

  • Airport transfers
  • Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping/hut and rescue fees
  • 2 - nights Accommodations on BB at The Better Inn
  • Professional Up-to-date wilderness first responder trained guide or equivalent Assistance Guide
  • Gamow bag (portable hyperbaric chamber)
  • Expedition medical kit
  • 3 person expedition tents (2 clients/tent)
  • Mountaineering mattress
  • Lightweight mess tent
  • Expeditions walk-in mess tent
  • Lightweight aluminum table
  • Luxury chair with backrest
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Return transfer Arusha/Arusha hotel to Park Gate
  • Wine and Champagne at the summit
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Salary for the porters
  • Salary for the Guides
  • Salary for the Cooks
  • Government taxes
  • VAT 18% on park entrance fees
  • Hot steamy towel on the camp
  • Bowl of hot washing water in the morning and evening
  • Shower/wash tent.
  • International airfare
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Costs of visas
  • Immunizations
  • Personal expenses such as beverages (other than those included with meals, as listed in each itinerary)
  • Room service
  • Souvenirs
  • Laundry
  • Communication charges
  • Medical or extra evacuation fees
  • Staff gratuities
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Additional transportation
  • Meals incurred by a client unable to continue a planned itinerary due to illness
  • Medical conditions or airline schedule changes.

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12+

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