6 Days Rongai Route Safari

The Rongai Route is the only route on the north-eastern part of the mountain. This route is gaining in popularity, because it is the second easiest after Marangu and it has amazing wilderness conditions. The Rongai Route is recommended for climbers who want to avoid the huge numbers of climbers on other routes.

This route can be started from the Tanzanian or the Kenyan side of the mountain and can be achieved in 6 days. The Rongai Route is only used to climb up the mountain and at the final stage it joins up with the Marangu Route, which is also the ascending route. This route has lots of caves, which are partly also used as overnight accommodations.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi or Arusha, Tanzania

DEPARTURE TIME

A prompt departure at 8:30 AM.

RETURN TIME

Approximately 2:00PM to 4.00 PM.

SAFARI TYPE/STYLE

Private Safari/Mid range/Tented camp/Camping (budget). Kindly confirm this with our safari specialist

TREK STYLE

Private accompanied by a ranger

WEAR

Click here for the list of equipment to include with you

INCLUDED

Professional Mountain Guide

Drinking water

Transportation to park gate returns

Accommodation on Mountain huts during trek

Meals-breakfast, lunch and dinner

Entrance and hut fees

Porters

NOT INCLUDED

Visas

Tips

International flights to the country

Any personal items of nature

Day 1: Rongai Gate- Rongai Cave

You’ll be picked up from your Arusha or Moshi hotel after breakfast and make your way to the Marangu gate for the formalities of climber registration.

You’ll then be transferred overland to the Rongai Gate, which is located roughly 2.5 hours drive away.Your walk takes you through towering fields of corn and lush pine forest on a pleasantly gradual ascent towards 1st Caves Camp.

Arriving in time for a hot dinner, you’ll overnight here.

Elevation (m): 1,950 m to 2,830 m
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

MEALS

Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch


Day 2: Rongai Cave - Kikelewa Cave

Starting your day with a delicious breakfast, you’ll begin the long ascent towards Kikelewa Cave.

Stopping along the way at 2nd Caves Camp for lunch, you’ll arrive at Kikelewa in time for a hot lunch and some fireside banter. You’ll really start to appreciate just how high you are up here, as the stars unfold overhead and the Tanzanian landscape unfurls below.

Elevation (m): 2,830m - 3,600m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath

MEALS

Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch


Day 3: Kikelewa Cave - Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today’s hike is short but steep, taking you from 3,600m at Kikelewa to 4,330m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Your landscape today is one of scrubby alpine moorland dotted with plants you’ll have seen nowhere else in Tanzania. Mawenzi Tarn boasts a spectacular view and ominous towers of stone, making for a unique camping experience.

Elevation (m): 3,600 m to 4,330 m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 - 6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert

MEALS

Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch


Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp - Kibo Hut

You’ll hike for 4-5 hours today towards Kibo Hut in the Kibo Saddle between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Today’s hiking takes you through true alpine desert – a place of stark beauty. You’ll overnight at Kibo Hut ahead of your summit attempt.

Elevation (m): 4,330m to 4,703m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time:4 - 5 hours
Habitat: Kibo Hut

MEALS

Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch


Day 5: Kibo hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo hut

You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!

Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.

You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.

Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it! You’ll then descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut. At anywhere between 12 and 16 hours of hiking, this is sure to be one of the longest, most gruelling days of your life!

Elevation (m): 4,100m - 4,700m
Distance: 6km ascend, 21km descend
Hiking Time: 3 - 5 hours
Habitat: Heath

MEALS

Full Board - Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch


Day 6: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate. It’s an almost 20km walk today, but the steady downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.

Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.

Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.

Elevation (m): 4,681m - 5,895m - 3,100m
Distance: 20km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

MEALS

Half Board - Breakfast and Lunch


END OF SAFARI

The Above Trip Includes

When selecting your accommodation for your itinerary, it's important to bear in mind that the type of accommodation you choose can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of your trip. It will also determine whether your itinerary falls into the budget, medium, or luxury category. We recommend that you consult with our safari expert to identify the accommodation options that best align with your budget and requirements.

Meals

Full Board: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Transport

4x4 Landcruiser with Pop-up roof

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