6 Days 5 Nights Rongai Route
The Quiet Northern Approach A Scenic and Peaceful Journey to Africa’s Highest Peak (5,895m)
Safari Highlight
Costs
- Total Cost for two clients: $5,133.6
- Cost per person: $2,566.8$
This 6 day itinerary takes you to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Rongai Route. Tranquil Kilimanjaro offers treks up the Rongai Route, which is recognized for being more picturesque than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and with a high success rate. Unlike the Marangu Route, where you sleep in huts, the Rongai Route requires you to sleep in tents (tents are provided) that are pitched by porters. For the summit ascent, the Rongai meets the Marangu, and then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast flank, giving you magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha for about 5 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, we take our first hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first 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.
Day 2: First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This more leisurely acclimatization day starts with a morning hike followed by a rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle 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.
Day 5: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Distance: 6 km ascent/16km descent
Walking Time: 6 – 8 hours
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Hike by the light of your flashlight for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.
The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes about two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Distance: 20km
Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to your hotel.
Includes
• Return transport to/from Moshi and Arusha
• Qualified guides and mountain crew
• Tents, sleeping mattresses & camping equipment
• All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• Boiled water on the mountain
• Rescue fees & national park fees
• Pulse oximeters & first aid kit
• Guides, porters, cook, waiter accommodation & fees
Excludes
• Flights & visas
• Climbing gear
• Tips for guides, porters, cook & waiters
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