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7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

OVERVIEW

Starting from the northeastern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route rises above the Amboseli plains and approach the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the Mawenzi peak.There are two variations to this route. You can choose to attempt the summit via Mawenzi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut. The former is longer and more popular. 

Day 1; Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

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.

Day 2; Simba Camp to 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
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Day 3; Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn hut
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. Views of 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, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
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 ft
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; Mawenzi Tarn hut 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 rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
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 accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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 rainforest. 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 Moshi.

Budget Price

1 Pax $ 1808

2 Pax $ 1847

3 Pax $ 1708

4 Pax $ 1745

5 Pax +$ 1608

Medium Price

1 Pax $ 2055

2 Pax $ 2005

3 Pax $ 1955

4 Pax $ 1905

5 Pax +$ 1855

Luxury Price

1 Pax $ 3720

2 Pax $ 3420

3 Pax $ 3320

4 Pax $ 3120

5 Pax +$ 2970

– Private Transport to & From Kilimanjaro International Airport to Your Accommodations in Moshi
– 2 Nights of Accommodation in Moshi
– Transportation to & From the Kilimanjaro Gate
– Park Entry Fees
– Camping Fees
– Team Kilimanjaro Rescue Fees
– 18% Vat on Tour Fees & Services
– 4 Season Mountain Tents
– Double Layered Sleeping Mats
– 3 Hot Meals Daily While on the Mountain
– Enough Treated & Filtered Drinking Water Throughout the Trek
– Hot Water for Washing
– Fair Wages for the Mountain Crew as Approved by the Kilimanjaro National -Park Authority (Kinapa), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (Kiato)
– Government Taxes
– Portable Oxygen Tanks & Ox Meter
– Emergency First-aid Kit

– Lunches, Dinners and Drinks at Your Hotel Before and After Climb.
– Travel Insurance
– Portable Flush Toilet With a Toilet Tent is Available for Extra Charges $ 70 for the Entire Trek.
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at Hotel)
– Personal Items and Toiletries
– Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook (This is a Guide to Tipping on the Mountain) https://kiliporters.org/get-involved/tipping-recommendations/
 
TIPPING POLICY
– Guide $17 – $20/guide/day
– Cook $12 – $15/day
– Porters $8 – $10/porter/day

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