Kilimanjaro Trekking – Rongai Route (8 Days/7 Nights)
From
Duration
-
Time of Year
2023
Package Summary
The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro trekking path approaching from the north, offering stunning views of Kenya’s Maasai Plains. It is a quieter and less crowded route, ideal for trekkers seeking a more remote experience, with a gentle ascent through pristine landscapes of unique flora and fauna.
Included/Exclude
- Arrival and departure transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport
- Accommodation at Outpost Lodge in Arusha (first and last nights)
- Mountain huts or expedition tents with mattresses (high-quality tents provided)
- Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Park entry fees, mountain rescue fees, and government taxes
- Services of medically trained, English-speaking professional guides
- Support from assistant guides, skilled cook, and porters
- Transportation between hotel and trailhead
- Radios or phones for increased safety
- Personal items such as passport, visa, and travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- International airfare
- Optional rental of medical equipment (e.g., hyperbaric chamber, oxygen cylinder)
- Portable toilet rental if desired (USD 180 per group)
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and after immigration and customs, you’ll be greeted by our professional mountain guide. Transfer to Arusha for an overnight stay at Outpost Lodge. (Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast)
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Distance: Approximately 6-7 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive to Nare Moru Village (6,500ft) to begin the trek. Hike through cultivated lands and pine forests, reaching Simba Camp for the night. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Continue the trek towards Kikelwa Camp via the Second Cave, enjoying panoramic views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields along the crater rim. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Distance: Approximately 3.7 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Depart for Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area for acclimatization. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 9 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut at the base of Kibo Crater. Rest here in preparation for the summit attempt. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking time: 7-8 hours to the summit, 6-8 hours descent to Horombo
- Distance: Approximately 5.4 km ascent and 15 km descent
Begin your final ascent around midnight, trekking towards Stella Point on the crater rim, then onwards to Uhuru Peak. Enjoy breathtaking views before descending to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut. (Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, descend to Marangu Gate. A vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to Arusha for an overnight stay at Outpost Lodge. (Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast)
After breakfast, depart from Outpost Lodge for your flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.
Route Waypoints
| Route Segment | Approx. Time |
| Rongai Gate to Simba Camp | 4 hours |
| Simba Camp to Kikelwa Camp | 6-7 hours |
| Kikelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn | 4-5 hours |
| Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut | 5 hours |
| Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak | 6-7 hours |
| Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut | 5 hours |
| Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate | 5-6 hours |
Important Travel Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance, immunization records, cash/credit card.
Essential Items: Duffel bag (15 kg limit), day pack, sleeping bag, hiking poles, water bottle, waterproof clothing, thermal layers, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and personal medication.
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