Overview
Upon your arrival you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do the equipment final check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro Climbing Route approaching from the northern side of the mountain, just near the Kenyan border. If you’re looking for seclusion this route is perfect for you. As this Kilimanjaro Route sees very less traffic due to its remote location. To add to that, the Rongai Route offers fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and overlooks the equally stunning Kenyan plains. Due to its remote location, it is less frequently climbed. The Rongai route is considered to be one of the easier Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. If you have less backpacking and lesser hiking experience then don’t worry, this route is perfect for you. The Rongai Route is the only trail ascending from the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro, starting close to the Kenyan border and rising high ‘Above the African Plains’ (thus comes our Kilimanjaro Climbing Package name of Above The African Plains for this route), offering a fantastic sense of wilderness. Rongai lies in the rain shadow of the mountain, meaning your hike is less likely to be affected by adverse weather. From early in the trek Kibo, the summit cone, looms dramatically overhead. Our itinerary includes an acclimatization day since the topography on this side of Kilimanjaro does not lend itself to climbing high and sleeping low. Camp below the imposing jagged peak of Mawenzi and enjoy a relaxed morning before undertaking an acclimatization hike. You cannot fail to be awe-inspired as you cross the vast, open saddle between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak. Physically the route is considered easier than some trails until you reach the high camp where there is a marked increase in difficulty as you climb steeply to the crater rim. Scramble over Jamaica Rocks and pop out on the rim at Gilman’s Point. Descent is via the Marangu Route.
Day by day
Day 1 — NALEMORU (1800M) TO SIMBA CAMP (2600M)
Distance: 6km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for about 5 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, we take the first hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife roaming. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first Simba campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife. Meals: Full Board.
Day 2 — SIMBA CAMP (2600M) TO SECOND CAVE (3450M)
Distance: 9km Hiking Time: 6-7 hours Habitat: Moorland Hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During the hike, view Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Mawenzi and Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After hot lunch, we have free time to rest at the camp, or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area for acclimatization and walk to Third Cave. Meals: Full Board.
Day 3 — SECOND CAVE (3450 M) TO THIRD CAVE CAMP (3880M)
Distance: 9km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Semi desert Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to third cave camp (3880m) we reach in late afternoon at third caves for dinner and overnight at the camp. Second Cave to third cave. Meals: Full Board.
Day 4 — THIRD CAVE (3880M) TO KIBO HUT (4750M)
Distance: 5km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert A Short but steep ascent to Kibo Hut(4750m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Kibo Hut. Here we will trek to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization. Enjoy and rest at the camp. Meals: Full Board.
Day 5 — KIBO HUT (4750M) TO SUMMIT UHURU PEAK (5895M) THEN DESCEND TO HOROMBO HUT (3720M)
Distance: 6km up/ 15km down Walking Time: 6-9 hours Habitat: Alpine desert Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo hut (4700m), on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo Cone, giving you stunning uninterrupted views of your final destination. The day is spent relaxing in and preparing for the final ascent before a very early night. Mawenzi Turn Hut to Kibo Hut is a 5-6 hours trek. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 6 — HOROMBO HUT (3700M) TO MARANGU GATE (1860M)
Distance:18km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent Habitat: Montane Forest This morning we make our final descent down to Marangu Gate where we started. You will be taken for lunch and here you will receive your summit certificate to commemorate your great achievement. We will then drive you back to your hotel where we will say our farewell. Meals: Full Board.
Included
Two nights' accommodation at Hotel in Moshi double or triple occupancy (before and after the climb) The first night includes breakfast Last night includes dinner & breakfast Qualified guides with mountain crew National park fees Hut/camping fees and tents Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils. Rescue fees (required by the National Park) Pulse oximeters First aid kit Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries Boiled water on the mountain Airport transfers (JRO - Kilimanjaro International Airports) All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner) Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation, and entry fees on the mountain
Not included
Single rooms supplement at Hotel. Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips Meals and drinks not specified Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags) Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. See our rental price list. Car Supplement USD$145 per car for clients who go through Lemosho/Rongai/Shira Routes Items of personal nature (expenses) Emergency Oxygen Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit). Visa fees & travel insurance. Flight tickets.