The Rongai route on Mount Kilimanjaro is seven days and camping only, this route is regarded as a lower traffic and easier route compared to those on the southern slopes. It's advantages are a more gradual ascent in terms of terrain which allows for excellent acclimatisation plus we include an additional days acclimatisation so you can enjoy the stunning scenery from Mawenzi camp. The days are shorter and less demanding on the Rongai route.
It takes five days ascending through the forest, onto the heathland and to the summit coming from the NNE side of the mountain and after summiting there are two days of descent and exit through Mweka Gate on day seven. The trip is a great opportunity to see diverse vegetation and wide-eyed views especially from higher camps.
The Rongai Route is a camping trip for an average group size of 8 (we can take up to a maximum of 25 people but this is usually only for organised private groups; most team sizes are 6 - 8 people) using top quality mountain tents, comfortable mattresses, and qualified guides who work with us full time, porters who carry the bags and equipment, and cooks who provide fresh, tasty food every day. The ratio of guide:climber is 1:4.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will accompany you to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.
You will have breakfast before all the gear is loaded. It is a long drive – about four hours – to the north side of Kilimanjaro. After registration at Nalemoru Gate, the hike begins. You will walk pass small farms, pine trees and the up into the forest on the mountain slopes. You might be lucky to see the colobus monkeys with extravagant black and white tails. The porters will go in front to set up camp while you will hike at a moderate pace to reach the Simba campsite (2625 m) in about four hours. The tents and some warm washing water will be ready. A warm supper will be served.
After some hot porridge and eggs you will set off on today's section. Vegetation is changing and you see more shrubs as you walk through the moorland zone. On a clear day you should see the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi peak. There will be a break at Second Cave (3450 m) where you will stop for lunch before crossing over some ups and downs to reach Kikelewa Camp. Tea is served! The camp has great views. Relax and breathe in the tranquillity of the mountain.
Today you will not see the weird-looking senecias as the landscape change to resemble a rocky moon landscape. If there are no clouds, you will see the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.After about six hours of work you should reach Mawenzi Hut. A small lake nearby freezes over at night so expect the night to be very cold. Fear not, a hot supper waits.
On a good firm path, you will cross the Saddle today. You will feel the altitude and might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headache and nausea? Takes lots of fluid and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole pole – slowly slowly. One last tough section and you will be there. You will camp at School Hut tonight, but not before some dinner and hot chocolate. Get your daypack ready and go to bed early as you will be woken up at around 00:00 to start the final stretch to the summit.
Rise and shine! It will be dark and very cold when you enter the darkness on the way to the top. A row of headlights in front of you will show the way. Take it slow and listen to your guide. The ground will be frozen and you will get very tired, but keep going. After about seven hours you will be standing on the crater's rim – Gilman's Point (5685 m). Warming up in the sun, it is just an hour or two to reach Uhuru peak at 5 895m. You will be standing on the highest mountain in Africa! The return path is almost the same, but now the ground is defrosted and it will be dusty. It will be late morning when you arrive at School Hut. Here you will rest for an hour and have a hot meal. Onwards! The descent continues to Horombo Hut where you will rest for the night.
Today is the last day on the mountain. The descent to Marangu Gate will take about six hours. Here, the crew will say farewell and the transfer driver will be waiting. At Sal Salinero Hotel, cold drinks will be waiting too. No doubt you will enjoy a shower and a swim before sitting down for supper to celebrate your adventure.
» Private transport from the hotel to the Park s gate (starting point for the climb)
» All National Park entry fees
» All camping fees
» 2 night's hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included
» Hut fees [ Marangu route]
» Friendly and competent Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
» 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by skilled professional cooks(we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
» Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provide everyday on the mountain.
» Quality specious tents, sleeping mats, camping tables ,camping chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.
» Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
» Qualified medical guides
» Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
» Salaries for Guides, cook and porters.
» Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees)
» Government taxes
» Pickup and drop off to Airport
» Evacuation services
» Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
» ulse oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
» 3-4 liters of mineral/treated water (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
» Portable toilet available at an additional cost (There are public toilets on the mountain)