OVERVIEW
The Rongai Route begins near the Kenyan border on the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro. We hike through a true wilderness area to the jagged Mawenzi Peak, then cross a barren desert saddle before climbing the eastern crater wall of Kibos. The Rongai route is a more gradual ascent, so it is preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience, but it is equally enjoyable for those who want to see wild animals.
ITINERARY
Day 0: Touchdown in Tanzania
You will be met by your guide, who will give you a briefing on your forthcoming trip and check your equipment to make sure you have all the appropriate mountain gear, when you are picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi town. On this day, the missing equipment can be rented. No meals are included.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave or Simba Cave
Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, collect the bags that are supposed to go to Kilimanjaro and leave the rest at the hotel. Then we drive to Marangu Gate for permits, or straight to Rokai Gate, passing through the wooden village of NaleMoru, where the trail begins. The trail winds through corn and potato fields before gently ascending through a forest that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey. Rongai Cave is a great place to camp.
Day 2: Rongai Cave to 2nd Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation (ft): 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Health
After breakfast, collect the bags that are supposed to go to Kilimanjaro and leave the rest at the hotel. Then we drive to Marangu Gate for permits, or straight to Rokai Gate, passing through the wooden village of NaleMoru, where the trail begins. The trail winds through corn and potato fields before gently ascending through a forest that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey. Rongai Cave is a great place to camp.
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike involves a brief ascent of a grassy hill that is difficult. Beautiful views of the wilderness region can be seen. The terrain drastically changes as we get from the heath zone to the alpine desert zone. Camp is located beneath Mawenzi’s ragged spires. The rest of the day can be used for leisure activities or local exploration.
Day 4: (Acclimatization day) Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our guides will perform a medical checkup after the late breakfast to ensure that everything will be okay the following day. Today is a day of acclimatisation. We make a steady ascent of a hill that offers breathtaking views on both sides; the terrain is rough and rocky. We briefly explore Mawenzi Ridge before returning to Mawenzi Tarn to camp for a delicious lunch. This additional time on the route allows our bodies to acclimatise and support summit day.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
You will depart the camp for Kibo hut after a medical checkup and an early morning breakfast. As we travel across the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, the trail progressively ascends across the lunar terrain’s rocky terrain. At the base of the Kibo crater wall is where we will be spending the night. The rest of the day is spent relaxing and getting ready for the final ascent at midnight, early the next morning.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
The walk begins very early in the morning (between midnight and 12am) with a climb up to Gilmans Point, which is on the crater rim and at an elevation of 5700m (18,700ft), before beginning the ascent to the summit over steep and difficult scree or snow. The highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, is now our destination as we continue to climb. Amazing sights may be seen everywhere you look. To share with your loved ones, you can take pictures at the summit. After leaving this location, we descend and halt at Kibo for lunch and a break before moving on to Horormbo Hut for our final camping location.
This climb starts out in the dark, necessitating the use of headlamps or flashlights. You will need all of your warm garments because it will be really cold until you start descending. With numerous switchbacks, this is by far the hardest part of the hike. The “pole pole” method of moving slowly will get you there.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest.
Following breakfast, we descend steadily through moorland to the Mandara Hut. To reach the Marangu National Park gate, continue descending through a lovely forest route. It can be muddy and wet at lower elevations. Trekking poles and gaiters are helpful. There will probably be enough to wear in shorts and t-shirts (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). The last day of your adventure will be today. Your guides will present you with your Kilimanjaro certificate at the gate while your group sings both traditional melodies and music from the summit of the mountain.
You will be met by an African Traces car at the Marangu gate and driven back to your hotel in Moshi where you may have a hot shower and relax.
PRICE PER PERSON $
| 1 PERSON | 2-5 PERSONS |
|---|---|
| $ 2515 | $ 2296 |
| 6 - 10 PERSONS | 11 + PERSONS |
| $ 2260 | $ 2195 |
At Shalom Trekking Adventure, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality climbs at competitive prices. Our pricing ensures that we cover all park fees, provide fair wages to our staff, supply ample food, and offer proper equipment—all while delivering exceptional service to our clients. As true adventurers at heart, we are committed to making the experience of climbing Kilimanjaro accessible and affordable. We believe that achieving extraordinary feats shouldn’t come at an extraordinary cost.
Detailed Price Explanation
Included in the Price:
- Airport transfers- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- All transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Medical Check-Up More details
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- All meals while on the mountain
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Exclusions:
- International flights- Tips and gratuities (Read more about tipping)
- Beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal gear rentals (Read more about gear and equipment)
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel
- Single supplement (More details available)
