Rongai Route
Duration:
9 Days
9 Days
Location:
Tanzania
Tanzania
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Strenuous
About the Kilimanjaro trip:
We are specialists in bespoke private tours. Just contact us if you would like to discuss.
Embark on the ultimate adventure with our Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route expedition! We choose this remote route to give you an exceptional African wilderness experience. This is the route less travelled giving you time and space to soak in this amazing place. Taking in the breathtaking views daily, before making the summit of 5895 meters to the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
Renowned for its untouched wilderness and boasting a high success rate due to its gradual ascent, this journey promises an unforgettable experience. Traverse diverse landscapes from lush forests to rugged alpine terrain, culminating in the majestic summit of Africa’s tallest peak. Guided by expert local guides and supported by skilled cooks and porters, immerse yourself in Tanzania’s vibrant culture while conquering one of the Seven Summits. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or an intrepid explorer, join us for this extraordinary trek and bask in the glory of reaching Africa’s pinnacle.
What’s included in our trip:
- 2 nights’ accommodation at a quality Kilimanjaro Hotel.
- All nights accommodation in tents during the trek.
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides.
- All park fees and rescue fees.
- All meals while on the Mountain.
- Arrival and Departure transfers.
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees.
- Mess tents with table and chairs.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food.
- Clean, purified drinking water.
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters.
- Sleeping mattress.
What’s not included:
- Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (We can arrange for you if you prefer)
- Personal Travel Insurance – Essential
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival (price correct at time of writing)
- Tips for the guides, cooks and porters
£2595 £3795
Exc. flights. Inc. flights.
We believe in affordable adventure. That’s why you can pay for all of our trips on monthly direct debit.
Dates and Availability
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Available Booking Dates
Kilimanjaro trip itinerary
Day 2: Transfer to our hotel in Arusha
After recovering from your journey, we will take some time out to take you through a detailed event briefing.
Day 3: Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast we drive to Marangu Gate (1980m) where porters organise and pack our equipment while we register. We then transfer by vehicle (2.5 hours) to Rongai trailhead. The trail begins in tall cornfields and leads into pine forest. Gradual ascent. Great views. About halfway up the trail we will have lunch. Arrive at 1st Caves Camp early evening. The porters and chef will reach camp beforehand, set up tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks. Hot dinner will be served. Temperatures may drop to freezing, be prepared!
Day 4: 1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
After breakfast, we continue our ascent, passing Second Cave (3450m) a good spot to take a lunch break. Our tents will be set up upon arrival at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water. After snacks follows a hot dinner. Prepare for a cold night as temperatures will drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Day 5: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
Hiking time 4 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
A short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, in the moorland, a good day to spot exotic plants including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, there are spectacular views. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared as we enjoy a magnificent sunset whilst acclimatising
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
We ascend east for a half day to Kibo Hut, located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but we can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so we can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief us in detail on how to prepare for this. Get to sleep by 7pm!
Day 7 - 1st March Summit Night! Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
Habitat: Stone scree/ice/Snow
Wake around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. We’ll then begin our summit attempt. The trail is rocky to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m).
We continue our ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is a great achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From here, you usually experience a snow-covered trail until the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Kili is a lifetime accomplishment!
You’ll spend a short time on the summit taking photographs before descending to Barafu. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours where we rest and enjoy lunch in the sun. After eating, continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). We have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a long and strenuous day.
Day 8 - 2nd March Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Following breakfast, we have a celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here we present our tips to the guides, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, we descend 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m) where we receive certificates of completion.
Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. We are then driven back to our hotel.
Trip gallery
Trip downloads
Here you’ll find important additional trip supporting documents.
Kind words from fellow adventurers
Frequently asked questions…
How fit do I need to be to trek Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is a serious undertaking, and you will need a good level of fitness to enjoy the experience. It is very achievable, but do have a training plan.
The best way to get ready for this event, is to get your gear on and go hiking as much as possible. That way your muscles, feet and joints will be ready for what’s to come. We can provide you with a more detailed plan based on your level of fitness.
Is altitude sickness a risk?
Altitude sickness is caused by the body not adapting fast enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air at an increased height. And it’s important to know that everybody reacts differently to altitude but there are some things you can do to help your body.
Our route and timings allow gradual acclimatisation to the altitude which will allow your body to adjust. So take it steady.
Make sure to stay hydrated as dehydration. can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend drinking 3-4 litres of water per day.
Listen to your body and please let your guides know if you feel unwell at any point during your trek.
What kind of food do we eat on the trek?
We offer a selection of food on Kilimanjaro. You will also be accompanied by a skilled mountain cook who will take care of your well-being. They will prepare all meals, often even including a packed meal for a picnic lunch. Early morning porridge, eggs, sausages, coffee and bread, snacks and evenings with stews and salads.
The tents and food will be set up and prepared for you so that you can relax and enjoy your trekking on Kilimanjaro, we do ensure there is plenty of food which is varied and wholesome.
Dietary restrictions and allergies can be catered for, just let us know in advance.
What happens if I can't continue and need to go back down?
During the trek, it is common that some may have to turn around on the mountain due to altitude sickness, exhaustion or a variety of other reasons. Each group will have a lead guide, several assistant guides depending on the party size, and lead porters – all of whom can escort climbers down. Therefore, if a person cannot continue the ascent, one of the staff members will accompany this climber while the lead guide takes the group onward. The remaining party is unaffected and continues their climb as scheduled.
If you need to leave the mountain earlier than planned, your guide will take you back to the hotel where you will have to pay for additional room nights.
Have more questions?
We would love to hear from you. Just give us a call or drop us an email, we have real humans always on hand to help.
Why book your next adventure with us?
Your experience is our mission. We offer unique adventure tours and events that cater to the specific needs of individuals and small groups, corporate clients, and charities. Everyone who works with us is fully qualified, paid fairly for the work they do and treated with respect and kindness.
We use local services and people in every possible instance to ensure that we create maximum benefit for the communities in the regions we visit. And above all, you and your group will make memories that will last a lifetime.
20+ years adventure
organisation experience
Full liability &
financial protection
Great team of liked
minded supportive staff
All activities are
fully risk assessed
Full liability &
financial protection
