Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route

The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along with the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

You will be picked up by the staff of Wildbird safari from Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Necessary equipment will be checked.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: MOUNT MERU HOTEL

DAY 1

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RONGAI CAMP

DAY 2

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: Forest

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: KIKELEWA CAMP

DAY 3

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

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Possibility to Views the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area/ view.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: MAWENZI TARN CAMP

DAY 4

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft

Distance: 2 km/1 mile

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 f

Distance: 2 km/1 mile

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

DAY 5

Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we will have time to rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: KIBO CAMP

DAY 6

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 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 (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your achievement we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: KIBO CAMP

DAY 7

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rain forest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast /Lunch

Accommodation: MOUNT MERU HOTEL

DEPART DAY

Departure transfer which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: –

What is included in this tour

Mount Kilimanjaro Park fees

Hut/camping fees and tents

First aid kit

Guides, Porters, Cook, Waiter Salaries

JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airport | Airport transfers

All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain

Whats not included in this tour

Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)

Emergency Oxygen

Visa fees & travel insurance. Flight tickets.

Additional nights, hotel nights included

Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).

Gear for your climb, some equipment is available for rent.