The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive to the trail head takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
Trip Highlights
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- The most Kilimanjaro route provide beautiful scenery
- Offers a superb personal accomplishment
- Two nights in Arusha befor and after the safari in
- Private safari arranged just for you
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft Meals: Lunch and Dinner
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby. Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early. Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there! Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Serengeti landmark vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Inclusions/Exclusions
Cost Includes
- Transfers in both directions between the International Airport and Arusha
- Two nights’ accommodation in Arusha town which is night before your tour and after your tour.
- Professional safari guide and well speaking English.
- Professional safari cook Entrance fee for all national parks.
- Accommodation at basic camping during the safari full board
- Camping fees at all national parks.
- 18% VAT to our entrance fees.
- All Government taxes
- Unlimited drinking water.
Cost Excludes
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities to your safari guide and cook
What to know about this safari
You can hike Mount Kilimanjaro all year round but the dry season from June to early November is the best time
- Extra clothing, Snacks, Gloves, Sunglasses, Wipes, Heavy boots, Warm jacket are advised to have with
- Remember to carry Powerbanks and extra batteries for the Camera
- daypack are waterproof gear, extra clothes, Snacks, Gloves, hats, Sunglasses & Wipes.
We recommend that travelers tip between the below guideline, However tipping is not mandatory or enforced but highly recommended. As it is a safari tradition & the crew will be expecting some tips. you can tip more or less depending on the performance of the crew.
