8 day climbing adventure rongai route
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Despite gaining popularity among climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. It has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes, making it the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, those who prefer a more remote hike, and those climbing during the rainy season, as the north side receives less precipitation. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
Join us for an extraordinary adventure on the Rongai Route, where every step brings you closer to the summit of Africa’s highest peak!
Price:
$2,100 Per Person
Difficulty:
Intermediate
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Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfers to and from the trailhead
All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee, and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority)
Two nights at Salinero Hotel (before and after the expedition) with breakfast
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-season tents North Face VE-25 or Mountain Hard Ware Tents)
All meals on the hike, including energy-rich and highly nutritious options prepared by professional high-altitude cooks
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water)
4-inch thick and comfortable sleeping mats
All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
GPS-tracking service
Complete medical kits
Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park, all with Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications and 10+ years of successful mountaineering experience
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
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Airline tickets
Visa fee
Personal gear rentals
Tips for the mountain crew
Mountaineering insurance
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at the hotel. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check, and to arrange any equipment rentals you may need.
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A guide and support crew will arrive at the hotel to meet you and hold another briefing. After a 4-5 hour drive through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru, we will reach Nalemuru Gate. Here, we will complete the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail starts near the Kenyan border, and we will spend the entire day hiking through the forest before reaching Simba Camp, located in a transition zone between the lowland forest and the moorlands. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and the wildlife you are likely to see. Simba Camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offering spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Distance: 7 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
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After an early wake-up and breakfast, the first part of today’s trek is a steep climb to the Second Cave Camp (3487m/11440ft), which will take around 3 hours. We will enjoy lunch and the scenery of the Kibo Volcano and the Eastern Ice Fields. After lunch, we will continue to Kikelelwa Cave (3675m/12057ft), passing through areas with giant heathers and wildflowers. After navigating the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, we will reach camp where we will enjoy dinner and rest. The day's trek continues along moorland terrain on a consistently ascending path. As the shrubs become thinner, the views of Kibo and the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim become more prominent. Temperatures begin to drop as we approach the Second Cave.
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft
Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
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After breakfast, we will have a short but steep climb up a grassy slope to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4302m/14114ft), located at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano. The landscape changes dramatically from moorlands to barren volcanic plains. After reaching the camp, we will enjoy lunch and spend the remainder of the day exploring the area and resting to aid acclimatization. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 3936m/12913ft
Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
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Early wake-up, then we begin a gradual climb across the lunar desert, also known as the "saddle," between Mawenzi and Kibo. We will camp at either Kibo Huts or the School Hut, depending on the crowd at Kibo. After we arrive at camp, you will need to sleep and rest as much as possible because at night we will begin the climb to the summit. As you depart from the Third Cave early in the morning, you will begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. Prepare your clothing and equipment before going to bed by 7 PM, and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
Elevation: 3936m/12913ft to 4714m/15466ft
Distance: 6.7 km / 4.2 mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Excitement builds as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, it’s a remaining one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, where you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we begin our steep descent down to Horombo Huts, stopping at Kibo Huts for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4714m/15466ft to 5895m/19341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3721m/12208ft
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi up, 15.75 km / 9.8 mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent
Habitat: Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
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After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). The whole group will gather at the hotel, where we will present you with your commemorative certificates.
Elevation: 3721m/12208ft to 1905m/6250ft
Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
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As your adventure comes to an end, it's time to say goodbye. Check out of your accommodation by 11 AM, and enjoy a seamless transfer to the airport provided by one of our friendly Morning Glory team members. We hope you had an unforgettable experience and look forward to welcoming you back soon!