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Offered languages
- German
- English
- Italian
- French
- Spanish
The Rongai Trailhead is Kilimanjaro's only route beginning from the north side and crossing the mountain. It is used by few trekkers. It joins with the Marangu Route on the final ascent to the summit on the fourth day, but otherwise few others are seen along the way. This route affords the opportunity to witness up-close the Mawenzi volcano, the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro, and the magnificent saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peak.
Due to the rugged terrain and the very limited acclimatization time, fitness plays a huge role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. Each day you see many changes of vegetation and scenery, due to the rising terrain and decrease in precipitation. The accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents. Toilet tents with convenient and sanitary portable flush toilets are set up at all camps.
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
You will be met on arrival usually at Kilimanjaro Airport if you arrive by international flight or in Arusha if you arrive by internal flight or shuttles bus from Nairobi or likewise. You will be escorted to waiting vehicle by our transferring driver who will then drive you to Arusha for the rest of the day your treks will start the next day morning. Depending on your arrival time our mountain guide will meet you at the hotel for briefing on the next Kilimanjaro trek. Overnight at Arusha Mvuli hotel (Bed and Breakfast)
Itinerary
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1
You will be met on arrival usually at Kilimanjaro Airport if you arrive by international flight or in Arusha if you arrive by internal flight or shuttles bus from Nairobi or likewise. You will be escorted to waiting vehicle by our transferring driver who will then drive you to Arusha for the rest of the day your treks will start the next day morning. Depending on your arrival time our mountain guide will meet you at the hotel for briefing on the next Kilimanjaro trek
Admission ticket free -
2
The starting point of your Kilimanjaro trekking Rongai Route is at Park Gate of Marangu, then you will have a transport to the Rongai trail ahead (1,950 m). Normally, the transport is of about 3 hours to the Rongai gate.
Admission ticket free -
3
If time allows, a packed lunch can be taken at Nelemoru. This trial takes you along the cypress plantations and montane forest. You can possibly spot some colobus monkeys. The path is ending at the 1st Cave camp (2,600 m) and it is gradual allows you to enjoy the surroundings. Porters & cook are moving faster so at the time you reach the camp you will find them waiting and already build up your tents. They might have even prepared popcorn for you and something hot to drink. At the camp you will get hot water to wash then changing clothes you have been trekking with, stay warm. Enjoy the camp environment waiting for dinner time. At night Mountain temperature may drop to a freezing point, be prepared.
Admission ticket free -
4
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Third Cave’ (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we continue up to Third Cave
Admission ticket free -
5
The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. We should reach School Hut Campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]
Admission ticket free -
6
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 School (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]
Admission ticket free -
7
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu then you will be transferred to Arushatown for overnight at Mvuli hotel (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking]
Admission ticket free -
8
After saying bye to our team of guides then you need a private departure transfer which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
Admission ticket free
Arrival
Arusha (1,400 m) – Rongai Gate (1950 m) – 1st Caves camp (2,600 m)
RONGAI THIRD CAVES
RONGAI SCHOOL HUT
SUMMIT AND DOWN HORROMBO HUT
HORROMBO DOWN MARANGU GATE-ARUSHA
DEPARTING DAY
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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