Duration

6 Days 5 Nights

Country

Tanzania, United Republic of

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

6 Days Rongai Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking, Trekking

Overview

Probably the least-used route to the summit of Kilimanjaro is the Rongai route. It starts on the northern side of Mt Kilimanjaro where it can be relatively dry even in the rainy months. Rongai traverses lesser-known areas of Kili and is perfect for hikers than want a more remote route. This camping route is only available as a private climb. This means that the client will select the suitable day of departure and can make up his own group of hikers.

Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map
Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then be transferred by vehicle to the Rongai trailhead, which is 2.5 hours away from the Managu Gate. The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. This trail has a gradual ascent and allows hikers to enjoy their surroundings. About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
- Distance: 8 km Hiking
- Time: 5 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 2
1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 3
Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 5
Summit Attempt
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
- Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
- Time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
- Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
- Distance: 27 km Hiking
- Time: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.

Cost Info

Price includes

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Government Tax
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Pre and after Trek accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights at hotel in Moshi with bed & breakfast (BB) meal

Price excludes

Both Local and International Flights
Visa cost which is 50$ except for Canadian and USA passport holders which are 100$
Items of a personal nature
Medical insurance
Laundry Services
A doctor for the group
Tips and gratitude for the mountain crew
A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Kilimanjaro?
The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.
- How high is it?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
- What kind of experience do I need?
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
- What gear do I need?
You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 liters of water and snacks. Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.
- Can I shower?
There are no bathrooms on Kili. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost.
- How long is the hike?
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five).
- How much will it cost?
Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
- What will I eat - I am a vegetarian?
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.
- Where does the water come from?
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
- Do we sleep in hotels?
No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from us.
- What dangers are there on the mountain?
You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.
- Do we tip the hiking crew?
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
- How old should I be to make it to the top?
No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. We prefers our climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. Climbers older than 70 years are required to show a medical certificate.
- Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear. You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatizing to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatize and pace yourself.

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from $2,150.00

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6 Days Rongai Route

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1

Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)

Day 2

1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Day 3

Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Day 5

Summit Attempt

Day 6

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

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