7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route
The “desert route” has its own very special charm
The Rongai route leads across the rarely used, rain-poor northeast flank of Kilimanjaro. The route starts near the Kenyan border, and offers great views of the Kenyan savannah and rugged Mawenzi. The trail leads first through fir forest and lighter rainforest, whilst at the Mawenzi Tarn Camp you will pass the only mountain lake on Kilimanjaro. The mountain massif is exceeded during this tour, and the descent is via the Marangu route. Due to the drier climate, the route is also suitable for ascents during the rainy season. The route is relatively easy, but some rock passages in the summit area require a certain degree of surefootedness.
We recommend the Rongai route as a 7 day tour. For very fit mountain hikers, the 6 day tour is also suitable. The second day of the 6 day tour walks directly from the Simba Camp to the Kikelewa Camp, as the
intermediate stage over the Second Cave Camp is omitted.
Highlights:
- Exceeding the Kilimanjaro
- Ascent via the Rongai route, descent via the Marangu route
- Very varied route from the dry north to the lush south
- Great views in the savannah and on the Mawenzi, on the route is the only mountain lake at
Kilimanjaro - Total distance about 70 km
Includes
- Mountain climbing certificates
- Hotel/airport pickup and drop off
- Government taxes
- Accommodations
- Emergency first-aid kit
- English professional speaking guide
- Park entry fees, Camping fees
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Meals during Climbing
Excludes
- Visa fees
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for safari guide
- Flights (International)
- Meals while in Hotel
- Optional activities
- Personal spending money for souvenirs
- Travel insurance
Words from Our Clients
Tour Plan
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5km
- Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
- Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
- Approx. time taken: 3-4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi Approx.
- time taken: 3-4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
- Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
| Pricing for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 days (per person) | ||||
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3-4 Persons | 5-6 Persons | 7 Persons and more |
| 2250 USD | 1960 USD | 1810 USD | 1760 USD | 1730 USD |
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary | Professional, English-speaking guide | Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters) | Overnight stays in tents | Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.) | Meals according to the itinerary | Drinking water, tea & coffee | Oxygen tank and oximeters | All national park fees | Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
- Alcohol and soft drinks | Sleeping bag | Flights | Visa fees | Tips | Personal spending money for souvenirs | Travel insurance | Airport Transfer | Pre and Post climb Hotel Accommodation
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