The Rongai Route offers trekkers a unique challenge with its remote and less-traveled path up Africa’s highest mountain. Over the course of six days, enjoy breathtaking landscapes and the thrill of potentially spotting wildlife, including elephants and monkeys, along the way. This trek includes an acclimatization day, enhancing your chances of reaching the summit. Each step unfolds the beauty of Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems, providing a truly adventurous experience for nature lovers.
Please be ready at your hotel reception 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Look out for a vehicle marked with the RA Safaris logo.
After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to the Kilimanjaro National Park, Rongai gate (Nalemuru Gate – 2,020 m) where you will register. Then, begin an enjoyable 8 km climb through rainforest toward Simba Camp. Most animal sightings on Rongai are experienced on the first and second days, so look for elephants, buffalos and monkeys as you climb. The trek is usually 3-4 hours, then relax before dinner and overnight at Simba Camp.
After breakfast, trek toward Kikelewa Camp (approx 6 hours, covering a distance of 12 km). The climb is moderate, and passes out of rainforest and into moorland. You may enjoy stunning views of Kibo Volcano if the weather is clear.
This is a short day, but an important one. After a steep hike to Mawenzi Tarn, enjoy a acclimatization hike and then back to the camp. You will likely be feeling the high altitude this day. Instead of pushing on, you will overnight to give your body a chance to adapt to the high altitude (what is known as acclimatizing) to increase your chances of a successful summit. The main hike takes only 3-4 hours, covering just under 5 km.
fter breakfast, begin trek toward Kibo Hut. This is a long trekking day, approximately 8 hours to cover 8 km. You will likely feel the altitude more, although the trek itself is not very steep. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, it is advised to enjoy an early dinner and rest, as your summit climb begins around midnight.
Wake around midnight to begin summit attempt. After a hot drink and energizing snack, begin trekking in the dark with a headlamp, trekking poles and gear for arctic conditions – you will cross glaciers as you climb to Gilman’s Point (5,700m/18,700ft) located on the crater rim, and then on to Uhuru Peak, (5,895m/19,340ft) which is the highest point in Africa. Enjoy the summit and the sunrise with some photos, then start descent down to Kibo Hut. At Kibo Hut, enjoy a brief rest, a refreshing meal and then continue toward Horombo Hut, which is a descent on the Marangu route of the mountain.
After breakfast continue your descent to Marangu Gate. You will collect your certificates and celebrate with your climbing team for a safe and successful trek. This itinerary includes transportation to Arusha or Moshi, but does not include overnight accommodation on this day. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange your overnight stay.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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