Deals of The Year: Book your Safari and Hiking Deals 2024! Up to 10% OFF
d
h
m
s
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price
$3350.00
Trip Overview
Itinerary
FAQs
Other Tour Details
Trip Overview
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern part side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Despite some claims that this route begins on the “Kenyan side” of Mount Kilimanjaro, the whole of Africa’s highest mountain is within the borders of Tanzania. The start of the Rongai route is closer to the Kenyan border than other routes, but the entire trek takes place exclusively in Tanzania.
Because of its remote location, the route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo.
The northeast side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes, meaning that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded mountain views.
The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile, it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low.
It can be hiked on a six-, seven—, or even eight-day route. The seven or eight-day Rongai Routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Then, it descends via the Marangu trail.
Tour Highlights
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Machame Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveller’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
- Trip Availability: All year round.
Includes/Excludes
- Two way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Itinerary
Day 1 Rongai Gate – Rongai Caves Camp
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate to obtain the permits required for the summit and then take a short road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. We’ll come across numerous corn and potato fields and climb gently through the forest areas which accommodate a variety of wildlife which also includes the black and white colobus monkeys.
Day 2 Second Caves Camp – Kikelewa Cave
The day will begin with a morning trek where we’ll steadily incline up to the Second Cave. Continuing with the trek, we pass through the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi leaving the main trail behind. Kikelewa Camp will be our destination for the day where we’ll be spending our night.
- Rongai Cave to Second Cave
- Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 3 Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
The hike today will be short and steep but along a grassy slope. It is surrounded by a vast wilderness area, and as we exit it, we enter the Alpine Desert zone and the landscape contrastingly alters. The campsites will be at the jagged areas of Mawenzi, Mawenzi Tarn to be precise. You’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.
- Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4 Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge
You’ll be spending the entire day hiking at the Mawenzi Ridge which offer landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi. This extra day is meant for acclimatization. After exploring the area to the fullest, we’ll then head back to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare our camp.
- Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Our camp, known as Kibo Hut, will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. Once at the hut, we relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
- Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching at the Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning view of the sunrise coming over the Mawenzi Peak. Then we ascend all the way to the roof of Africa and highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Uhuru Peak. After celebration of your accomplishment at the peak, we descend down to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we’ll be having our last dinner in the mountain and we’ll then go to sleep.
- Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
- Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 7 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. Youth Adventures vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
FAQs
What is the weather on Kilimanjaro?
On Mt Kilimanjaro, conditions range from equatorial to arctic, and temperatures can vary greatly. In the rain forest, temperatures may be in the 20-32C range, while near the summit they can drop to -20C above the rain forest and tree line, temperatures generally range between 0-20C, but the weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly, so it is important to be prepared for all seasons in one day, including rain, snow, and hailstorms.
Which Kilimanjaro route should I climb?
Choosing the right Kilimanjaro route for your climb depends on your preferences, fitness level, and the experience you’re seeking. There are several routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and each has its own characteristics.
How many trekkers are in each group?
Our trek sizes are intentionally small, with a maximum of 12 climbers (average of 6-8) on any of our climbs. This allows us to offer a personalized trekking experience and ensures appropriate attention for each trekker.
However, we also offer private treks that cater to any size family group and can be arranged to suit your specific needs. In addition, our private commercial groups cater to any size group and are tailored to meet the specific needs and client numbers of the organization.
What if I am slow?
We never rush our trek, instead, we like to take in the views and enjoy the experience. Some trekkers may be slower than others, but with our client-to-guide ratio, we are able to support everyone along the way.
Our mantra, “pole pole” (Swahili for “slowly slowly”), reminds us to take our time and ensure that all of our trekkers have the opportunity to enjoy the experience fully.
What is a typical daily routine on Kilimanjaro?
Most trekking on Kilimanjaro is done in the morning when the weather is at its best. The length of the trek for the day is determined by the route chosen. On shorter days, you will reach camp and have a cooked lunch there. On longer days, you will take a packed lunch. In the afternoon, you can use your spare time to rest or go on an additional acclimatization walk.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
How far in advance should I make a booking?
We recommend booking as soon as you know you can travel, and have decided on which tour you would like to go on. Some of our tours can be quite popular so it’s best to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Do you offer private and fully customizable climbs for Kilimanjaro?
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.
Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs
An overnight stop at Crater Camp is an optional extra on any customized Kilimanjaro climb , usually lasting eight actual mountain days or more on the Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe and Machame routes. Possibly the most bizarre place you will ever see, it is visited by less than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 people who annually ascent Kilimanjaro on a distinct highlands voyage in northern Tanzania
How many hours will I trek each day?
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
What kind of food will I eat?
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day.
You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide.
Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp.
Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
How long are the treks?
The treks vary from six to eight days. The exact length of each trek is written on the Trekking dates and prices page. You can, of course, ask for treks that are longer than eight days and we can arrange this for you – though we don’t book treks for less than 6 days as we feel this is too short to allow you to acclimatize properly.
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.
Who is leading the trek?
The treks will be led by a local guide whom we have hand-picked because of their knowledge, expertise and experience on the mountain. We have an advantage here: because of the many years we have been working on the mountain and the number of times we have climbed it, so we are able to employ only those guides who meet our very stringent criteria. We employ only those who demonstrate excellent knowledge of the mountain, first-rate safety records, brilliant leadership skills and routinely provide wonderful care and attention towards all climbers to ensue their trek is a safe and enjoyable one.
Can I get an itinerary for the trek?
You will receive an exact itinerary when you send us an inquiry. In the meantime, you can read a summary of each of the treks by visiting our Routes up Kilimanjaro section. You can also find detailed day-by-day descriptions and detailed day-by-day route maps of each of the trails in the guidebook – which you will receive for free when you book a trek through us.
What currencies do you accept as payment?
As we are charged in US dollars, so all our prices are quoted in US dollars too. However, we are able to accept a wide range of other currencies too including sterling, euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Israeli shekels, Singapore dollars, Indian rupees etc etc
How many days before the start of the climb should I arrive in Tanzania?
We advise you to spend at least one full day in Tanzania before beginning your trek. Arriving by plane one day and then climbing the next is not the best way to begin a trek.
Are park fees included in your price?
Yes, all Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) fees are included in our Kilimanjaro price. Currently, the conservation fees at Kilimanjaro National Park are: US$70 per person per day and US$50 per person per night for camping. Crew entry fees and Tanzanian Forest Services Agency (TFS) fees (applicable for Rongai, Shira and Lemosho routes) are also included in our Kilimanjaro price.
How many guides will we have?
You will have one lead guide and an assistant guide for 2-3 climbers.
For 4-6 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 2 assistant guides.
For 7-8 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 3 assistant guides.
For 9-10 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 4 assistant guides.
How do I cope with change of altitude?
Always remember to maintain a slow, steady pace from beginning to end. Going slowly allows the body to acclimatize while hiking. Those who start out too quickly will have troubles higher up the mountain as the body will be overexerted. This still holds true if you are spending an extra day on the mountain.
How long does it take to reach the summit?
It will depend on the route you pick and your pace. It can take from 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the high camp.
Can children climb kilimanjaro?
The minimum age set by the National park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, younger children can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without reaching the summit.
Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.
How much is a good tip?
The typical tip is:
Porters $5 per day per porter
Cooks $8 to $10 per cook
Assistant Guides $8 to $10 per guide
Kilimanjaro Guides $20 per day and up per guide
*Tip amounts listed for Kilimanjaro are per group, not per individual traveler. For instance, if four people are on Kilimanjaro, they should each contribute $5/day if they want to tip the lead guide $20.
Who prepare the food on the mountain?
Your trekking party will be supplied with a cook to prepare your meals in a safe and hygienic manner.
Do you provide oxygen on your climbs?
We carry emergency oxygen on all our climbs, for use when someone is suffering from a serious altitude-related illness. In this event the guide would ask you to descend since this is the only way to recover; however, oxygen can help people feel better during the descent, therefore making evacuation easier and safer.
Other Tour Details
Tour Pricing
| Number of People | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,600 |
| 2 people | $2380 |
| 3 people | $2,050 |
| 4 people | $2,000 |
| 5 people | $1,980 |
| 6 people | $1,960 |
| 7 people | $1,940 |
| 8 people | $1,920 |
| 9 people | $1,900 |
| 10 people + | $1,880 |
Tour Accommodations
| Accommodations before and after Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include: |
|---|
| 1. Ameg Lodge |
| 2. Lindrin Lodge |
| 3. Keys Hotel |
| 4. Parkview Inn |
| 5. Chanya Lodge |
| 6. Panama Garden Resort |
Tour Trails Map
You may like
Featured 
Featured 
Book This Tour
Daily Day Trip Deals
Got a Question or Want Help?
Why Book With Us?
- Middle-man Free Pricing
- Customer care available 24/7
- Hand-picked Tours & Activities
- Evacuation by AMREF Flying Doctors
- 100% Customizable
- Safety and trust
- Local Knowledge
Review Us On
You may like
Featured
Featured