7 Days Rongai Route
Tour snapshot
Duration
7 Days, 6 Nights
Tour Type
Trekking
Tour Style
Private
Tour Overview
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
Tips:
Crater camping is possible with an extra day & costs
- scenic Kilimanjaro trail
- crossing the barranco wall
Tour Plan
DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO RONGAI CAVE
- Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
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.
DAY 2: RONGAI CAVE TO SECOND CAVE.
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11, 300 ft
- Distance: 6 km/ 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN
- Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN TO MAWENZI RIDGE.
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mwenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 2 km/ 1 mile
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
DAY 6: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK
- Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance; 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 19,341 to 12,250 ft
- Distance: 16km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft.), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
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.
DEPARTURE
You will be picked up from the hotel and be transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home.
What are Included on the Trek
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary.
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Portable Private Toilet and Porter
- Quality Imported Equipment’s
EXCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Extra hotel nights if early arrival or descent from the mountain$120 per room
Packing List for Mount Kilimanjaro Trek
Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Mount Kilimanjaro hike. Please take this as a starting point.
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
- Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Knitted hat
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Neck gaiter
Torso
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
Lower Body
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Hiking pants (2)
- Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Hiking shorts
Hands
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
Feet
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional such as silk)
- Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Ice Cleats/Micro Spikes (recommended to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
- Casual shoes
- Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
Undergarments
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
- Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
- Sports bras (women)
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
First Aid Kits and Medications
(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Ointment
Optional
- Power bank or extra batteries
- Cameras and mobile phone
- Cards/book
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Whistle
- Thermos for hot water
Speak to an Expert
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