Overview
As the sole route to Kilimanjaro from the East, the Rongai Route gives climbers the chance to almost completely traverse the mountain from East to south. The route gives climbers plenty of time to adjust to the elevation over the first few days as they approach the summit through the untamed forest to the north.
Excellent views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields are provided by the northern approach early in the journey, generating interest in the ascent to come. At Kibo Hut, the Rongai Route merges with the Marangu Route, taking the same route through Gilman’s Point to the Peak and then returning through Marangu Gate to descend.
This path is the best during the rainy season because the Eastern side of Kilimanjaro receives substantially less wetness than the southern side. Especially during the summer rains, climbers have a better opportunity of experiencing clear, picturesque vistas throughout the route (March to Early May).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Type of Tour: Private tour
- Level of the Tour: Basic level
- Destination Visited: Mount Kilimanjaro
- Nature of the Tour: Active Tour
Driving distance: 55km/1hrs
Meet our specialized driver when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport; he will pick you up and take you to your pre-night lodging in Arusha. Our salespeople will do a hiking briefing when they get to your property, and then your guide will check your gear against the checklist..
Overnight stay at Karama Lodge on Bed and Breakfast.
We leave your lodge at 8:00 a.m. and arrive at the Nalemuru gate at 2:00 pm where we will register and eat our lunch. After the preliminaries, we climb to a height of 2670 meters before starting our approach from the northeast. You first reach a pine forest with some vegetable farms as greenery before entering a beautiful woodland with colobus monkeys. Up until we reach Simba Camp at 2620m, the scenery changes from woodland to heathland.
Overnight stay at Simba Campsite on Full Board
Distance: 9km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 6-7 hours excluding breaks
Altitudes: from 2,620 – 3,600
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Following a leisurely breakfast at your in our campsite, we proceed on our way upward until it reaches Kikelewa Caves (3600m). From here, the scenery begins to widen, allowing you to appreciate just how enormous Kilimanjaro truly is. We spend the night camped here.
Overnight stay at Kikelewa Campsite on Full Board
Distance: 6km / 4.5 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours excluding breaks
Altitude: from 3,600 – 4300 meters
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
The beautiful Mawenzi Peak casts its shadow over today’s brief but strenuous hike. After arriving in Mawenzi Tarn at 4300m in time for lunch, we have the rest of the afternoon to explore and acclimate to the altitude. We go for a brief stroll in the evening to enjoy the scenery around the campsite and to keep ourselves physically active.
Overnight stay at Mawenzi Campsite on Full Board
Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles
Trekking time: 6-7 hours excluding breaks
Altitude: 4,300 – 4,700 meters
Zone: High alpine zone
Today’s climb will be long but steady as we ascend to Kibo Hut from Mawenzi Tarn in the west through the Saddle created by Kibo and Mawenzi peaks (4,700 meters). Despite being arid, bleak, and barren, the trail offers breathtaking views of Kibo. We’ll eat dinner in Kibo Hut, go to bed early, and get up at 23:30 to start trying to summit. Pack your supplies, which should include a headlamp, camera, insulated water, and warm-weather attire, before going to bed.
Overnight stay at Kibo Hut on Full Board
Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles ascent and then 15km / 8-mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit then 5-8 hours to Horombo Hut
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
You will start your trek in the dark via a rocky trail to the first checkpoint, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters, after being awakened with tea and biscuits at midnight at 23:30. Here is where we ought to stop and recharge with an energy bar.
2-3 hours later, as we near Gilman’s Point at 5,681 meters, the trail zigzags and becomes steeper. We’ve reached the rim of Kibo’s crater, which is a major feat! To reach the peak, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, we must still climb 200 meters.
Get the strength and resources you need to push up the last slopes. Before descending to Kibo Hut and eventually Horombo, we will have the opportunity to spend a short time at Uhuru Peak.
Overnight stay at Horombo Hut on Full Board
Walking distance: 19kms /7hrs excluding breaks
Starting elevation: 3720 meters AML
Nature of trail: Gradual walk
Vegetation: Moorland to Rain Forest
After breakfast, we proceeded to celebrate our success by making our way to the Marangu gate to pick up our summit certificate. Although getting muddy and wet can occasionally be enjoyable in the rainforest, gaiters and rain gear are necessary. To get us to our lodge in Arusha city, the driver from Tecomate Tours and Safaris would be waiting for us at the gate.
Overnight stay at Karama Lodge on Bed and Breakfast
Driving distance: 55kms /1hrs
After a restful night’s sleep and breakfast, depart from your hotel at 10:00 a.m. to catch your flight home. You can stay in the lounge until pick-up time if your flight is in the evening, though a day room can be hired for a cost. Our salesperson and driver-guide will meet you at the airport for a safari briefing if you have purchased a safari extension.
End of service
- 1- Arrival and 1- departure airport transfer
- Dedicated Mountain crew (professional English-speaking guide, potters and chef)
- Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fee
- All Meals as per itinerary
- All camping equipment
- Government taxes and 18% VAT (Value Added Tax)
- 3-ltrs treated water per person per day during trekking.
- 2 nights in Arusha before and after trekking.
- 2-way transfer from/to the mountain gate
- Any changes which attract extra charges
- Travel Insurance
- Personal mountain equipment
- Mobile toilet
- Visa ($100 for USA citizens and $50 for other nationalities)
- Tip for the mountain crew
- Things of personal nature
- Laundry service
- Sleeping bag
- Oxygen tank
- Drinks in the accommodations
