The Rongai Route is the only northern route to approach Kilimanjaro. The journey takes 7 days and passes through six ecological zones. You will go through dense and lush rainforests, to the beautiful and chilly arctic zones.
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Contents
Arrival Day
The tour starts with your arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport and passing through customs. After that, you will be escorted to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge where you will spend the night, and during your stay, you will be served with a nice dinner.
Acclimatization
You will spend acclimatization at Arusha National Park, which is at the foothill of the second highest peak in Tanzania, Mount Meru. You will spend the night at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge.
img source: kilimanjaro-experience.com
1. DAY ONE- Arusha National Park- Rongai Gate- Simba Camp
The first day of the tour starts with a nice breakfast in your hotel. Afterward, at 9 am, you will be met by tour guides and start the tour with a drive to Kilimanjaro National Park.
img source: climbing-kilimanjaro.com
Upon arriving at the park, you will make your way to Rongai Gate at an altitude of 1950 m. The official trek starts from Nale Moru village, followed by 4-5 hours of trekking through the lush rainforest. After completing the trek, you will be accommodated at Kilimanjaro camping with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
2. DAY TWO- Simba Camp- 2nd Cave Camp
Day two of our tour starts at 6:30 am with a nice breakfast and coffee. After that, you will continue your journey towards Kibo, where you can witness the amazing twin peaks of Kilimanjaro- Mawenzi, and Kibo. The day ends with your arrival at the 2nd cave camp where you will be met with hot washing water and snacks. Here you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the amazing view the camping site has to offer, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner all included during your stay.
3. DAY THREE- 2nd Camp to Kikelewa Camp
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The 3rd day of climbing Kilimanjaro starts with a 4-mile trek from the 2nd Camp towards the peak of Mawenezi. A few hours later you will arrive at Kikelewa Camp where you will be met by a beautiful sight of the amazing Mount Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 3600 meters. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the camp with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
4. DAY FOUR- Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
img source: kilimanjaro.vcThe next day starts with a short 4 km trek from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, and this is usually completed during the morning. During the trek, you will gain 600 meters of altitude as you approach Mawenzi Tarn, which is located beneath the jagged teeth of Mawenzi. In the afternoon you will have the chance to witness the clear sky and the fantastic view of Kibo peak. During your stay, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included as you rest and acclimatize at Mawenzi Tarn Hut.
5. DAY FIVE- Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
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The day starts with an 8 km hike to Kibo Hut, and it will take you 5-6 hours to complete. During the hike, you can witness the amazing Kibo peek, as you are greeted by sights of untold beauty at an altitude of 4.700 meters. You will spend the rest of the day relaxing before a briefing to prepare you for the final summit day. During your stay at Kibo Hut, you will have the chance to reflect on your amazing journey so far while breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all part of that reflection.
6. DAY SIX- Kibo Hut- Gilman’s Point- Uhuru Peak- Horombo Hut
You will depart for the toughest departure at midnight after hot tea and biscuits will be served to prepare you for the long journey ahead. The first part of the climb lasts six hours where you will have the chance to see a number of incredible landmarks.
img source: Horombo HutOne such is William’s Point at 5.131 meters and Hand Meyer Cave further up at 5.292 meters, where you will take a brief pause. If lucky, you will approach Gilman’s Point at 5.681 meters and catch the amazing sunrise. After 1-2 hours of climbing, you will reach “the roof of Africa,” the highest peak in the entire continent of Africa– Uhuru Peak, located at 5.985 meters.
Congratulations as you just arrived at the summit! Take a chance to reflect on the journey so far as you have accomplished something incredible! But you are not done yet! After a few minutes, you will start your descent, as the altitudes will be dangerous for you, towards Kibo Hut where you will be greeted with a nice hot lunch and warm cheers of congratulations! After that, you will make your way towards Horombo Hut.
7. DAY SEVEN- Horombo Hut- Marangu Gate- Arusha Park
img source: Arusha Park
The day starts with a warm breakfast as our team will congratulate you on your amazing achievement. Not many people can say that they’ve climbed Kilimanjaro. The descent starts towards from Horombo Hut and towards Marangu Gate. Here you can relax and enjoy a nice beer before you make your way by van towards Moshi, where you can enjoy a nice celebratory lunch. Here you will be presented with a certificate for your amazing achievement.
Departure
Your time in Africa sadly ends today, and you have managed to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in all of Africa. Our team will then transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
