Rongai Route 7 days
Mount Kilimanjaro
This climbing route of Kilimanjaro can be tackled in 6 and 7 days but with all our climbing profiles we do
recommend you build in that extra day for better acclimatization and personal enjoyment and comfort.
The 7 day Rongai trek allows you a side detour towards the impressive Mawenzi Peak with a night spent at
Mawenzi Tarn. Other than the starting point of Rongai being the furthest from Moshi town meaning more
driving time the route does offer a climb profile of ascending up through pine forest and farming areas on
day one with plenty of black and white colobus monkey to spot as you gain altitude with a return decent
route through the lush rain forest of Marangu.
The Rongai Route does have a great success rate of reaching the summit.
Day 1
After breakfast you will transfer to the Rongai gate. Enjoy a coffee or tea while your guide secures the climbing permits and then start the climb. The scenery changes from maize and potato fields into pine forest while you climb gently. You might see Colobus monkeys on the way. When reaching the edge of the moorland zone, enjoy the views of the plains before arriving at Rongai One.
O/n Rongai One - 2,590 meters (B, L, D)
Day 2
After breakfast you steadily hike up to Second Cave where you enjoy a rest followed by a hot lunch – enjoy the views of Kibo. Then continue a little further across the moorland and onto Kikelewa Caves where you spend the night.
O/n Kikelewa Caves – 3,595 meters (B, L, D)
Day 3
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach at Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and/or exploring the area accompanied by your guide.
O/n Mawenzi Tarn – 4,330 meters (B, L, D)
Day 4
Acclimatization day! Together with your guide you head up to Saddle towards Camel’s Back and return to the camp for relaxation.
O/n Mawenzi Tarn – 4,330 meters t (B, L, D)
Day 5
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.
O/n Kibo Hut – 4,695 meters (B, L, D)
Day 6
Early wakeup call in preparation for the summit attempt starting around 1 am. A slow steady pace must be used for the last part of your ascent which will also be the most demanding part of the entire climb. Short rest at Gillman’s point and if still strong enough continue up to Uhuru Peak – enjoy the views and the sunrise before you start the descent to Kibo Hut. After a short rest and refreshments you continue down to Horombo Hut where you will spend the night.
O/n Horombo Hut (B, L, D)
Day 7
After breakfast you descend slowly towards the Marangu gate for celebrations and champagne brunch with the entire team. You transfer vehicle will be taking you to your hotel for well deserved showers and relaxation.
(B, L)
Summary:
Day 1: 7 hours of walking – Rongai One at 2,590 meters
Day 2: 8-9 hours of walking – Kikelewa Caves 3,595 meters
Day 3: 4-5 hours of walking – Mawenzi Tarn at 4,330 meters
Day 4: Acclimatization day – Mawenzi Tarn at 4,330 meters
Day 5: 5-6 hours of walking – Kibo hut at 4,695 meters
Day 6: 6-7 hours of walking – Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters
Day 7: 6-7 hours of walking to Marangu Gate
Inclusive:
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Meals as stipulated
Professional mountain guide, chef and crew
Camping equipment such as sleeping tents, mess tent, table and stools and cooking equipment
Private chemical toilet and toilet tent
Emergency Evacuation Cover
Emergency oxygen
All transfers and activities as mentioned above
Exclusive:
Tips:
guide $80-$150
assistant guide $60-80
chef $50-$70
porter $25-$40 (per porter)
Drinks (drinking water will be boiled and treated on the mountain)
Personal climbing gear including sleeping bag and thermarest
Visa and airport departure tax
COVID testing and additional transport if required
Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary