6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route
Duration
6 Days
Destinations
Mount Kilimanjaro
Best Time
June – October (or all year round)
Travel Style
Trekking
Safari Overview
Rongai Route known to be more scenic than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and the success rate on the Rongai is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai you sleep in tents (tents are included), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. The Rongai starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes.
Why Travel With Us?
- Best Price Guarantee
- Expert Local Guides
- Tailor-Made Safaris
- 24/7 Support
- Responsible Tourism
Detailed Itinerary
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields 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 campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant views near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) [6-7 hours walking].
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge 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.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. Take some photos and enjo the beautiful view of the mountain.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
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 (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking].
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. A trip for safari or zanzibar beach holidays can be arranged or back to the airport.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
Included in Cost
- Airport pick up and drop off in Kilimanjaro / Arusha
- All park fees and government taxes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Game drives and all activities mentioned
- 24/7 support from our local team
Included in Cost
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, souvenirs, laundry)
- Optional activities not mentioned
- Tips for guide and hotel staff
Let's Plan Your Climb
What to Expect
- Abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes
- Game drives in iconic national parks
- Breathtaking views and photo opportunities
- Unique cultural experiences
- Comfortable accommodations
- Perfect for couples and honeymooners
How to Book
- Contact us with your preferred travel dates
- Receive a detailed itinerary and quotation
- Confirm your booking with a deposit
- We organize your safari and provide all details
Enjoy your - unforgettable Tanzania safari!
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