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Offered languages
- English
- French
Starting from the Rongai gate, the route traverses several diverse climate zones, and each produces its own amazing views and experiences. Because of its remote location, the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo. Heading up to Kikelewa Caves on day two, the views start to open up, with the Amboseli Plains of Kenya stretching into the distance. The route continues up to the mountain’s second summit at Mawenzi, before crossing the Saddle, a barren plain that connects the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. After reaching the summit, the descent is along the more heavily traveled Marangu route, offering you the chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro from both sides.
Lying in the rain shadow of Kilimanjaro, the Rongai route is one of the best routes to make the attempt on Kilimanjaro during the rainy season.
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
We work 24, and we pick up and drop off travelers at Kilimanjaro International Airport day and night.
Itinerary
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1Moshi
Meet and greet upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrival Hall, you will discover him by a sign banner bearing a lead traveler's name or your own name if you are traveling alone.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
Following breakfast you will have a briefing from your guide. At 10 am, our staff will drive you from Keys Hotel to the wooded village of Nale Muru. The drive past villages and many coffee plantations will take 4-5 hours. When you arrive, your guides and porters will prepare your equipment and supplies while you complete registration with the Kilimanjaro Park Office. You will begin your trek through fields of maize and potatoes before you enter the pine forest. Your ascent begins in the forest occupied by various wildlife. The trees of the forest become sparser as you reach the Simba Camp which is near the First Cave. Your camp sits at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya. When you arrive, you will find your camp and tent are already set up by the porters who ran ahead. They will bring you boiled drinking water and washing water in preparation for dinner.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
After breakfast, you pack up for the day’s trek, which will consist of moorland terrain. The trek to Second Cave is pretty consistent with respect to grade and ascent. Along the way, you will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. This is where you will stop for a short rest and have your lunch. At this point, you will break off of the beaten path and head east across the moorland on a less-traveled path toward Mawenzi. After trekking 10km, you will enter a cozy valley filled with the giant Senecios plants and the nearby Kikelewa Cave. It is here at the Kikelewa Camp where you will settle in for the night.
7 hours • Admission ticket free -
4
After breakfast and packing, you begin your relatively short hiking day ascending up steep, grassy slopes. Atop the slopes, you are gifted with a beautiful 360 panoramic view. Continuing on, you leave behind all traces of vegetation as you enter into the semi-desert terrain. It doesn’t take long now to reach the Mawenzi Tarn, which sits beneath the soaring peaks of Mawenzi. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this stimulating range.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
5
Today is your extra day on Kilimanjaro, but you won’t just sit around at camp. The secret to the higher success rate of the 8-day itinerary is in today’s acclimatization hike. You will begin your day like any other on the mountain and then start a short hike towards Mawenzi. Depending on how you feel and your pace, you will ascend for 2-4 hours before returning back to camp. Roundtrip typically takes 3-6 hours. You will spend another night here at Mawenzi Tarn before continuing your journey to Uhuru Peak.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
6
After an early breakfast and packing your daypack, you begin your hike by crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain here resembles that of a lunar desert. You will begin your hike early in the morning to ensure you reach the next camp in time to rest before your summit bid. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall where you will camp in the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will join up with the Marangu Route which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of shuteye before your summit attempt!
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
7
Wake for breakfast at midnight and prepare for your summit ascent. Depart at 1 AM with the goal of reaching the peak near the same time as sunrise. Your trek will be full of switchbacks, winding you up the steep scree before reaching Gilman’s Point on the rim of the crater (18,640 ft/5,861 m) between 5 and 7 AM. Here, you are greeted by the snow-filled crater and its icecaps. Hiking along the crater rim, you will reach Uhuru Peak around 9 AM. Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! You will have time to take pictures with the world-famous Uhuru Peak sign, but it is important to begin your descent soon in order to allow yourself enough time to rest at the Kibo Huts. Upon reaching back to Kibo, have lunch, grab some much-needed rest, pack up, and return to the Horombo Huts. Enjoy some dinner and some well-deserved sleep.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
8
Wake up for breakfast, as usual, pack, and descend back through the moorland to the Mandara Huts for lunch. Continue your descent through the rainforest, reaching the park gate around 2 or 3 PM. A 45-minute drive and you will be back to Keys Hotel in Moshi. It’s time to celebrate!
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival Day
Nale Muru Gate to Simba Camp
Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Huts
Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate
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.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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