9 Days Rongai Route Trekking Safari in Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Adventure Tanzania Safari

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative route to the popular Marangu route, those who like a more remote hike, and for those who like to climb during the rainy season. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Highlights

• Guided hiking
• All park entry fees included
• Challenging hiking and trekking experience
• Certificate of achievement upon completion
• Witness wild animals in the mountain
• 6 nights’ accommodation
• Daily meals

Day 1: Arrival

Today, upon your arrival, you will be able to stay in a hotel in Moshi or Arusha on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 2: Rongai Gate - Rongai Cave

You will drive from 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.

Elevation: 6,398 feet to 9,300 feet

Distance: eight kilometers or five miles

Hiking time: three to four hours

Habitat: rain forest

Day 3: Rongai Cave - Second Cave - Kikelewa Cave

You will begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. You will continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Rongai Cave - Second Cave

Elevation: 9,300 feet to 11,300 feet

Distance: six kilometers or four miles

Hiking time: three to four hours

Habitat: heath

Second Cave - Kikelewa Cave

Elevation: 11,300 feet to 11,811 feet

Day 4: Kikelewa Cave - Mawenzi Tarn

The hike for this day is short and steep up a grassy slope. The views of the wilderness area are stunning. As you exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. The 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.

Elevation: 11,811 feet to 14,160 feet

Distance: five kilometers or three miles

Hiking time: three to four hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn - Mawenzi Ridge - Mawenzi Tarn

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and you can spend the day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area, you will head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

Elevation: 14,160 feet to 14,400 feet

Distance: two kilometers or one mile

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn - Kibo Hut

You will climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once you are there, you can rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 14,160 feet to 15,430 feet

Distance: eight kilometers or five miles

Hiking time: five to six hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you will begin your 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. You will ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks.

At Gilman’s Point (18,600 feet), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you will arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, you will descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,430 feet to 19,341 feet

Distance: six kilometers or four miles

Hiking time: six to eight hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 19,341 feet to 12,250 feet

Distance: 16 kilometers or 10 miles

Hiking time: four to five hours

Habitat: heath

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

On your last day, you will have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, you will collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you there and drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation: 12,205 feet to 6,046 feet

Distance: 20 kilometers or 12 miles

Hiking time: five to seven hours

Day 9: Departure

This is the end of your safari. You will be able to head home, or you can go to your next destination.

"The cost for the safari is 3,465 usd  per person.

The tour is available throughout the year.

Price includes;

• 3 daily meals whilst on the mountain
• 8 nights’ accommodation
• All hut and camping fees
• All park entry fees
• Breakfasts in the hotel in Moshi or Arusha
• Certificate of achievement
• Services of porters, guide, and cooks
• Transportation to and from the mountain

Price excludes;

• Beverages and mineral water
• Items of personal nature
• Personal climbing gear, such as clothing and rucksack
• Personal travel insurance
• Tips to the guide, porters, and cooks
• Visa