TREKKING ITINERARY Overview
The Rongai Route is one of the routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a less crowded option that approaches the summit from the northeastern side of the mountain. Here’s a sample 8-day itinerary for the Rongai Route.
Day 1: Your Arrival Day.
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Gran Melia Arusha
Day 01: Arrival Day
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through 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.
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Accommodation
Gran Meia Arusha
Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) To Simba Camp (2625m)
Kilimanjaro experience
Simba Camp
Day 2: 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.
Trekking Experience
Camping
Simba Camp
Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) To 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
Kilimanjaro Experience
Simba Camp
Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) To 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
Leaving the pine forest behind us 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
Trekking Experience
Camping
Simba Camp
Day 4: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) To Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
Kilimanjaro Experience
2nd Cave Camp
Day 4: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) To Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Trekking Experience
2nd Wave Camp
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) To Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Kilimanjaro Experience
Kikelewa Camp
Day 5: 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.
Trekking Experience
Camping
Kikelewa Camp
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) To Kibo Hut (4700m)
Kilimanjaro Experience
Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) To Kibo Hut (4700m)
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Trekking Experience
Camping
Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Day 7: Kibo Hut (4700m) To UHURU PEAK (5895m) & Down To Horombo Hut (3700m)
Kilimanjaro Experience
Kibo Hut
Day 7: Kibo Hut (4700m) To UHURU PEAK (5895m) & Down To Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Trekking Experience
Camping
Kibo Hut
Day 8: 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.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Experience
Tour Include
- Transfers in both directions between the International Airport .
- Transfers in both directions between the International Airport .
- Accommodation at the lodge in Arusha.
- Extended 4 x 4 safari jeep with pop up roof for game viewing
- Professional English, France, German Speaker safari guide
- Entrance fees to all national parks and Crater fees.
- All meals while on safari and mineral drinking water during the safari.
- Government taxes
Tour Exclude
- International flights
- Travel and personal accident insurance
- Visa
- Passport
- Vaccinations & medicines
- Tips/gratuities for guides, cook and porters
- Other expenditures like luxury drinks/beverage, alcoholic drinks at lodge/hotels or on your trip as well as souvenirs and personal items after or before trip.
- Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
- Any additional services that will be requested
