Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Rongai Route – 6 Days
Overview
Rongai Route is the only route that approaches the mountain from the north side of the Kenya border. The route has almost the same ascending profile as the Marangu route Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Rongai Route – 6 Days allow you to hit the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro comfortably.
Duration: 6 Days
Destinations: Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Rongai Route – 6 Days
Major Attractions: Vegetation zones, Wildlife, Mt Kilimanjaro
At Lodge
Overnight at a beautiful lodge located on the outskirt of Arusha town.
Kilimanjaro airport/Arusha.
Our driver will pick on your arrival and drop you at the hotel booked for overnight. Dinner and overnight at lodge.
Simba Camp
- Campsite
Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp: | Rainforest
Elevation: 1996m/6552ft to 2625m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638meters (20,66ft)
After an early breakfast in Moshi / Marangu, you will drive to the Rongai -Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenya border. We begin our climb on this unspoiled wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently, but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking]
Overnight Accommodation: | Kikelewa Camp
- Campsite
Simba Camp – Kikelewa Camp: | Moorland Zone
Elevation: 2,626m/8,615ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 1057meter
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our “Upper Kikelelwa” campsite is on a small plateau above a sheltered valley with giant scenarios past Kikelelwa Caves [7-8 hours walking]
Overnight Accommodation: | Mawenzi Turn
Inside the park
- Campsite
Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Turn: | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3675m/12057ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at “Mawenzi” (4,300 m.), spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]
Overnight Accommodation: | Kibo Hut
Inside the park
- Campsite
Mawenzi Turn – Kibo Hut: | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night. [5-6 hours walking]
Overnight Accommodation: | Horombo Huts
Inside the park
- Campsite.
Kibo Huts – Summit: up – Horombo Huts: down | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
We will start the final and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo [11-15 hours of walking].
No Accommodation: End of tour
- Meals & Breakfast
Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate: |Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through the lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours of walking].
Accommodation at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort or similar :
Included
- 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Moshi/Arusha (before & after the climb)
- Group transport to and from Moshi to the trailhead
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
- Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
- mountain tents, double occupancy
- Sleeping pad, foam, sleeping bag & trekking poles
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport
- All Ground Transfers
Excluded
- flights
- Lunch or dinner at the hotel
- Beverages at the hotel
- Personal gear and equipment (see rental prices)
- Tips (see recommended tipping guideline)
- Kilimanjaro search & rescue – air evacuation (Insurance that covers up to 6000m recommended.
Customized vacation to Tanzania?
Wildlife safaris, beach holidays, Kilimanjaro & Mt. Meru trekking, hiking and cultural tours.