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Rongai Route - From $1,250 Per Person

There is so much more to the Mount Kilimanjaro than just its summit. A journey up its slopes takes you on a climatic world tour from the tropics to the arctic. The grassy slopes turn to lush rainforest, above the tree line is the heath and moorland, dominated by giant heathers and Senecio trees. Then the landscape shifts dramatically to alpine desert and finally the top, you’re met with a covering of ice and snow.

Rongai Route is an excellent alternative to the Marangu Route! It is scenic and technically easy route, starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Usually completed in six days (five nights), do not underestimate, as walking the Rongai Route is quite strenuous. It is gaining popularity because of its unspoiled wilderness atmosphere. The main disadvantages are the longer journey to the starting point, which is on the northern side of the mountain near the Tanzania-Kenya border, and higher transportation costs. For descent the Marangu Route is used, so you do get the added variety of two routes with this trek.

Note:
Accommodation is in tents. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a serious attempt and proper acclimatization is important. An extra day for acclimatization will increase your chances to summit the mountain.

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Trek Itinerary

Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for pick up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at your arranged Hotel.

  • Hotel Bed & Breakfast

Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

  • Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 4hours – 5hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch at cave camp we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m

  • Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
  • Approx. time taken: 6hours to 7hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

This morning we have a short, but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

  • Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 5hours – 6hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Our day starts by descending into the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical, but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which is our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Scree now forms the terrain as we walk through arid and desolate land towards Barafu camp.

  • Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 5hours – 6hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.

  • Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
  • Approx. time taken: 12hours – 15hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

  • Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
  • Approx. time taken: 8 hours
  • Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
Depart Moshi

Congratulations is in order, you successfully reached the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain and now its back to reality. This day is spent on your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to begin your safari or you might be opting to relax in Zanzibar, so a quick flight might be the next steps. If so, our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

  • Meals: Breakfast Included

Trek From £1,250 PP:

  • Private pick up at JRO
  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation
  • Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 Season big sleeping mountain tents
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats
  • Transportation to & from the mountain gate
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain
  • Filtered water throughout the trek
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Hot Water For Wash
  • Flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry Services
  • Tips to mountain crew