Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
From $. 1,407 USD* / 24/7 service / 6 days + 2 Hotel Nights
Price p.p. incl. guide, Porters, Meals, Transport, Camping equipments, Hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (Based on 6 persons).
"Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route"
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro Route that starts from the northern side of the mountain, offering unique and diverse landscapes, better acclimatization, and a less crowded and remote climbing experience.
The Rongai Route is an excellent option for trekkers who want to experience Mount Kilimanjaro’s unique landscapes and wildlife. The route is known for its diverse terrain and scenic beauty, as well as its relatively low traffic compared to other routes, making it perfect for those seeking a more peaceful and secluded trek.
The route begins at the remote and less-traveled Rongai village near the Kenyan border, and it passes through a variety of landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. Since the Rongai Route starts on the mountains northern slopes, it offers climbers a unique and breathtaking view of the mountain from a different angle than other routes.
The Rongai Route is a good choice for climbers who prefer a more gradual and gentle ascent, allowing them to acclimatize to the higher altitude slowly. Most climbers use the Rongai Route on a six or seven-day itinerary, but Dahlia Africa offer a shorter five-day climb for experienced hikers.
Over the course of the Rongai Route, trekkers will pass through several different camps as they ascend to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. These camps are strategically located to ensure a gradual and safe ascent, allowing climbers to acclimatize to the altitude.
Overall, the Kilimanjaro Rongai route is a remarkable experience that gives you an opportunity to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Tanzania while pushing yourself physically and mentally. From the scenic landscape to the challenging terrain, taking on this route requires careful preparation and a reliable, experienced tour operator, we are one of them. While the climb can be challenging, it is also highly rewarding and can leave you with a sense of achievement unlike any other. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that combines scenic beauty with a physical challenge, the Kilimanjaro Rongai route is one of the best choices you can make.
Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town
You’ll meet our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
• Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
We drive from Arusha/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: Rongai Cave 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 Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
• 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: Marwenzi Tarn 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
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic
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.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
• Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
• Distance: 16 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath
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 at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
• Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
• Distance: 20 km
• 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 at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Departing Tanzania or Going to Safari or Beach Extension:
Depending on your flight details, our driver will pick you from the hotel in Moshi and drive you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight back home. / If you choose to extend your Kilimanjaro adventure with Safari or beach extension we will proceed with the plan as your itinerary suggested.
Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town
You’ll meet our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation: 6,627 ft to 8612 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Our guides and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,625 m). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro’s northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Cave
• Elevation: 8,612 ft to 11,910 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) where you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest (barring cloudy weather). This trekking is more physically demanding than the previous one, so once you are in the camp, full rest is recommended.
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
• 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 School Hut
• Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
This day will be spent trekking towards School Hut Camp (4,715 m). The landscape will change significantly to give way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Day 5: School 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
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.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
• Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
• Distance: 16 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath
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 at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
• Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
• Distance: 20 km
• 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 at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Departing Tanzania or Going to Safari or Beach Extension:
Depending on your flight details, our driver will pick you from the hotel in Moshi and drive you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight back home. / If you choose to extend your Kilimanjaro adventure with Safari or beach extension we will proceed with the plan as your itinerary suggested.
Price per Person in Us Dollars:
Group Size | 6 Days Marangu Route | 5 Days Marangu Route |
2 – 3Pax | $. 1,811 | $. 1,648 |
4 – 5 pax | $. 1,732 | $. 1,451 |
6 – 7 pax | $. 1,650 | $. 1,407 |
8 – 10 pax | $. 1,628 | $. 1,385 |
Number of Crew team based on group size
Crew | 2 – 3 pax | 4 – 5 pax | 6 – 7 pax | 8 – 10 pax |
Guides | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Porters | 4 | 6 | 10 | 14 |
Chef | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Total Crew | 6 | 9 | 14 | 19 |
Price Item Includes:
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at the hotel.(3-stars)
- Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
- Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter.
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
- All mentioned activities unless labeled optional.
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the Climb.
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Well maintained Camping equipment’s.
- Water for washing up daily.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- All Airport Transfers.
Price Item Excludes:
- International and airport taxes.
- Travel Insurance.
- Passport and travel visa requirements (Tanzania visa is required).
- Customary tips for crew/day from group not from person (average tip is anything from USD $20/Chief guide | USD $15/assistance guide | USD $10/Chef | USD $5/@porter.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Accommodation after Trekking (available on request).
- Visa fees.- USD. 50/person
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Additional Private portable toilet on mountain – $100/group.
Practical information’s
- Children under 10 years are not allowed to Summit Kilimanjaro.
- The duration of transfers/walking are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions and customers fitness.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
What to Pack:
Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings.
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- Long Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper
- Hiking Pants
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Sport Bra (women)
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons*
- Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
- Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)*
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel Bag, 70L-90L, for porters to carry your equipment
- Daypack, 30L-35L, for you to carry your personal gear (recommended)
Other
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer (REQUIRED)
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional)
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Headwear
- Face Mask (REQUIRED)
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava or Buff (recommended)
Headwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Gloves, light
Footwear
- Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof
- Socks, wool or synthetic
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Paperwork
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available to JRO)
- Immunization Papers
- Insurance Documents
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
- Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
- Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
- Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Ziploc-Type Plastic Bags^ to keep gear dry and separate
*These items can be rented on location – payable in USD cash only.
^There is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, but Ziploc-type bags are permitted for tourists.
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