About Rongai Route
This route has fewer crowds and passes through wilderness areas. It is the only route that seeing wildlife on the first day is a possibility. Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike on stepper paths. It is also the most preferred route during the rainy season – the only route on the northern side that receives less precipitation in a year.
Day 1: Regal African Safaris welcomes you to Tanzania to discover the wild and rugged country of superlatives! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be met and warmly greeted by Regal African Safaris’ representative who will take you to your place of stay in Moshi for Dinner and an Overnight.
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (Elevation: 6’548ft – 8,615ft)
After breakfast and a thorough briefing, you will be transferred (45mins.) to Marangu Gate for Park formalities and 2hour drive to Rongai trailhead. The path winds through maize and potato farms and pine fields at Nale Moru Village and then climb gently across forest which is home to a variety of wildlife including the beautiful Black and White Colobus Monkeys. Your first night on Kilimanjaro will be at Simba Camp.
Hiking Time: 4hours, Distance: 6.7Kms, Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (Elevation: 8,615ft – 12,070ft)
This morning you begin the ascent to the Second Cave for lunch and a break before continuing up to Kikelewa Camp for the night. Here you will have an amazing view of the surrounding including a stream of water below the Cave.
Hiking Time: 6 – 7hours, Distance: 11.8Kms, Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn (Elevation: 12,070ft – 14,117ft)
The hike today is relatively short but a bit steep, on a grassy slope that offers stunning views of the wilderness areas around you! The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the Heath Zone behind and emerge into an Alpine Desert. Your camp will be at Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. The rest of the day can either be spent on exploring the areas adjacent (hiking on Mawenzi Ridge) from where you can enjoy the views of both Kibo and Mawenzi or relax at the camp – this gives you an opportunity to get more acclimatized with the climb.
Hiking Time: 3hours, Distance: 3.7Kms, Habitat: Moorland
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (Elevation: 14,117ft – 15,520ft)
From the Mawenzi Tarn, you gradually climb and cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Your camp will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall where you will spend the remainder of the day resting and getting ready for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.
Hiking Time: 5hours, Distance: 9Kms, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
(Elevation: 15,520ft – 19340ft – 15,520ft)
Today is the “Big Day” – the final stage to the summit and you will begin to ascend at around midnight – this will be a long and strenuous day. The climb is slow but surely goes upward. At sunrise, you will be at Gilman’s Point (18,640ft), the rim of Kilimanjaro where the sun starts to warm up the land and make you forget the cold of the night. After 1 – 2hours you will have reached at Uhuru Peak at 19,340ft, the highest point in Africa. Afterwards, you will have 3hours descend back to Kibo Hut, take a break and collect all the gears you left behind on your ascent and walk down to Horombo Hut (3hours) for overnight. The return to Horombo seems surprisingly fast compared to the ascent.
Hiking Time: 7 – 8hours, Distance: 5.5Kms, Habitat: Stone screes to Icecap (Ascent)
Hiking Time: 6 – 8hours (Uhuru to Horombo Hut), Distance: 15Kms (Descent)
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (15,520ft – 5,240ft)
A gentle trek takes you down through the montane forest to Marangu Gate, where you will complete Park formalities and receive Certificates, which you can hang up with pride! You are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Arusha, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!).
Hiking Time: 6hours, Distance: 19.7Kms, Habitat: Montane Forest
Price Per Person
| Number of Pax | Price Per person in US$ |
| 1Pax | 2,050 |
| 2Pax | 1,960 |
| 3 – 5Pax | 1,875 |
| 6 – 10Pax | 1,765 |
| 10Pax and more | 1,690 |
Inclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A Professional driver/guide
- All Transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- All Airport transfer
- All Meals
- Drinking water
- Camping Equipment
- Porterage
Exclusions
- International Flights (from/to home)
- Tips (Tipping Guideline US$20/Person per day)
- Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, Alcohol…)
- Rescue Fee
- Climbing Gear – can be hired before the climb
Sleeping Bag – can be hired before the climb