7 Days Mountain Kilimanjaro Climb Via Rongai Route

Arusha, Tanzania
Duration7 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, starting near the Kenyan border. This northern approach offers a unique perspective on the mountain and is less frequented compared to southern routes.
The route has a more gradual ascent compared to some of the steeper routes like Umbwe.

This gentler gradient can make the trek more manageable for those who are less experienced.
Due to its less popular starting point, the Rongai Route is generally less crowded than routes like Marangu or Machame.

This can result in a more peaceful and serene trekking experience.
The Rongai Route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete, allowing for better acclimatization compared to shorter routes. This helps in reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

The Rongai Route typically ascends to the summit via the Kibo Crater, and then descends via the Marangu Route, providing trekkers with a different summit experience compared to routes .

What's included

  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Dietary ,vegetarian,vegan And Gluten-free.
  • Four season, 3-person mountain tents
  • Transport to and from Arusha to the trail head
  • Items of personal nature such as passport, visa, travelers etc.
  • Tips for the crew
  • And all not mentioned in the itinerary above.

What to expect

Day 1: Rongai Gate To First Cave’s Camp
  1. Kilimanjaro National Park
    5h
    We will check-in and then transport to the Rongai trailhead to begin 7 days Rongai Route trekking. Before you begin your trip from the settlement, we will meet our porters. The twisting trail passes through corn fields before slowly ascending into a pine woodland. The first night’s camp is in First Cave, around 2,600 meters above sea level.

    Elevation (m): 1950m to 2600m
    Distance:8km
    Time: 4 hours
    Habitat:Montane Forest
Day 2: First Cave To Kikelewa Cave
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    7h
    The route ascends towards Kibo, passing through Second Cave (3450m) on the way and arriving at Kikelewa Cave at 3600 meters. From here, the vistas begin to open up, and you can see for yourself how massive Kili is. Third Cave Camp is where we will spend the night.

    Elevation:2600m to 3600m
    Distance:9km
    Time: 6 – 7 hours
    Habitat:Moorland
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave To Mawenzi Tarn
  1. Kilimanjaro National Park
    5h
    A short but steep ascent over grassy hills rewards you with spectacular panoramic vistas and a genuine sense of wildness. Soon after, we leave the forest behind and arrive to Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), which is wonderfully positioned in a cirque immediately underneath Mawenzi’s towering spires. As part of the acclimatization process, the afternoon will be free for relaxation or exploration of the local region.

    Elevation:3600m to 4330m
    Distance:6km
    Hiking Time: 4 hours
    Habitat:Moorland
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn (Acclimatization Day)
  1. Kilimanjaro National Park
    5h
    This is your extra day on the mountain, and you will spend two nights at Mawenzi Tarn. You will hike up towards Mawenzi for a splendid acclimatization hike. Then after return back to the camp for lunch, dinner and overnight.

    Elevation:4330m
    Habitat:Moorland
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn To Kibo Camp
  1. Kilimanjaro National Park
    5h
    Between Mawenzi and Kibo, we cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ to reach Kibo campground (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater rim. The rest of the day will be spent recuperating in preparation for tomorrow’s last ascent!

    Elevation:4330m to 4750m
    Distance:4 km
    Hiking Time: 3 hours
    Habitat:Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Campsite To Uhuru Peak To Horombo Hut
  1. Kilimanjaro National Park
    5h
    Summit Night! You will be woken at around midnight, for tea and biscuits before setting off into the night. You will ascend over scree and rocks until you reach Gillman’s Point at the crater rim at dawn where you will rest briefly before continuing to the summit Uhuru Peak. This is the most challenging part of the trek for most climbers with the highest chance of suffering from altitude sickness. Take in the view from the summit and ensure you have taken plenty of photographs before starting your descent to Kibo Hut where you will rest and eat. You will then trek across the saddle to Horombo Hut for your final night on Kilimanjaro.

    Elevation:4750m to 5895m
    Distance:6 km ascent/16km descent
    Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent/4-5 hours descent
    Habitat:Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 7: Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate
  1. Kilimanjaro National Park
    5h
    After breakfast we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate where you will receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you to our Gifted Adventures driver and he will drive you back to the Hotel in Arusha as your 7 days Rongai Route tour ends.

    Elevation:3720m to 1980m
    Distance:20km
    Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
    Habitat:Moorlands

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

our drive and guide will be waiting for you at the Airport with a wlcoming signboard Written Your Names on It

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$2,753.00 per person
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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