Rongai route approaches Kibo from the unfrequented and drier north-eastern side of Kilimanjaro. The tour departs close to the Kenyan border and offers stunning and impressive views over the African savannah and rugged Mawenzi. Just after Mawenzi Tarn Camp, climbers will pass the only mountain lake in Kilimanjaro National Park. The trails are well developed and pass through fir forest, rain forest and alpine desert. Although the Rongai route can generally be thought of as an easy route, the rockier stages in the summit area are sometimes a little more demanding. The decent follows the Marangu route and traverses the lush and green rainforest on good paths. Climbers will overnight in mountain tents during the entire climb.
After breakfast you will be driven around Mt Kilimanjaro to its north-western side and after 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at the Nalemoru Gate. After the registration process has been completed and your luggage has been divided between the porters, your adventure begins. The path runs alongside mountain farmers’ fields and pine forests before it enters the sparse mountain forest zone, where black and white colobus monkeys can often be seen. After an approximate 3 to 4 hour hike, you will reach the Simba Camp where you will spend the night.
Today’s trek passes through the heather and moorland zones and the views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes are nothing short of grand. You will have lunch at the Second Cave (3,450 m) and after a short break, you will cross the undulating terrain to Kikelewa Camp. This camp boasts with incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, you can relax and take in its peaceful ambience.
Meals plan: Breakfast; Lunch; DinnerThe typical senecien vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather you can enjoy the breath-taking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands. After passing a few more rock formations, you will arrive at the Mawenzi Hut. For many mountain climbers, it is the most atmospheric camp on the mountain.
Meals plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic for the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally you will arrive at the School Hut, where you can relax and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s summit stage.
Meals plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
The climb begins at around 00:00 h and after a 5 to 7 hour walk on frozen volcanic ash, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater’s edge. The sun rays will warm you while you trek for another 1 to 2 hours until you reach Uhuru Peak and finally stand on “Africa’s Roof”. The descent on the now thawed lava ash runs almost along the same route and you will arrive at the School Hut in the late morning. A warm meal will be served and after a well-deserved break, the descent continues to the Horombo Hut.
Meals plan: Breakfast; Lunch; DinnerAfter trekking for approximately 5 to 6 hours, you will have managed the easy descent and you will return to the Marangu Gate during the early afternoon. You will say goodbye to your mountain crew and a short transfer will take you back to the Hotel. Here you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your achievement.
Meals Plan: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
- Day 1: Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1,990 m) – Simba Camp (2,625 m)
- Day 2 : Simba Camp (2,625 m) – Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m)
- Dau 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m)
- Day 4 : Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,310 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
- Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
- Day 6 : Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Moshi
- Day 7 : Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport
| Pax | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD per person | $3050 | $3000 | $$2950 | $$2840 | $2680 | $2350 |
