Rongai Route Mt. Kilimanjaro
8
Days Tanzania Safari
Safari Overview
The remote Rongai route begins on the side of the mountain close to the Kenyan border, running on the dry northeast side of Kilimanjaro. It takes a long drive to get to the starting point. It is the only route that approaches from the north and can be drier than most routes if you hike during the rainy season. The acclimatization profile is fair. The route is less crowded, moderately steep, crosses a beautiful alpine desert zone and allows for good views towards Kenya and the Kibo summit. On this route, you return via the Marangu route.
8
Days / 7 Nights
Safari in Tanzania
Walking Safari
DAY 1
PRE DAY: Arriving in Tanzania
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
A Hotel/Lodge in Arusha
Our Kilimanjaro adventure starts the Moment, on your arrival at Kilimanjaro international Airport / Arusha Airport, one of our welcoming transfer drivers will take you to your selected accommodation for the night, Rest in the afternoon or relax at the pool. Our operations team will meet you to check all your equipment and to give you a thorough briefing of what to expect on your trek.
DAY 2
Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park. You will then be transferred by vehicle to the Rongai trailhead, which is 2.5 hours away from the Marangu Gate. The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest.
DAY 3
1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave Camp (3600m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Kikelewa Cave Camp
Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing
DAY 4
Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Mawenzi Tarn Camp
On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.
DAY 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Camp (4700m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Kibo Camp
After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Prepare for summit night at this day.
DAY 6
Kibo Camp(4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Camp (3720m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Horombo Camp
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak. The hike down to Kibo Camp takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch.
DAY 7
Horombo Camp (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) – Arusha
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
A Hotel/Lodge in Arusha
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You will drive back to Arusha.
DAY 8
Drop off at Arusha or JRO Airport for onward journey.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Upon request at extra cost
After breakfast, Kim’zebra Adventures & Safaris representative will transfer you to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar {In case you will suggest to extent a tour} or to Dar es Salaam for your onward flight to your home country. Please tell us at the time of the booking for short safari after your climb eg. Zanzibar Excursion or Arusha/Moshi Day Trip.
The Tour Price Includes
- Filtered water throughout the trek.
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain.
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate.
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit.
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters.
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture.
- Accommodation and meals per the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
- Dinner on day 1, breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2-7 and breakfast on day 8 of your trip.
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- All Park fees, Rescue fees, Camping fees, and 18% VAT on tour fees and service which cost nearly 60% of the total cost.
- Pre and after trek accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights in your chosen hotel/lodge/resort in Moshi/Arusha with bed & breakfast (BB) Meal.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
- Luggage allowance for your main bag, that will be carried by a porter, up to max. 15 kg. To make the porter’s life easier, we however strongly recommend to limit the weight of your main bag to 12 kg. For all bags exceeding 15 kg, you will need to pay for an extra porter
The Tour Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights and departure taxes (Quoted separately where applicable)
- Meals not listed above. eg Breakfast & Lunch on the first day, Lunch & dinner on the last day.
- Tanzania Visa cost which is 50% except for Canadian and USA passport holders which is US$100.
- Post Accommodation in Arusha / Moshi The next day after trek (Can be arranged upon request at an extra cost ).
- Optional Tours (short safari/tour after your climb can be arranged upon request at an extra cost).
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)
- Mountain gears + Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking).
- Inoculations and personal insurance (e.g. Tanzania Visa, Travel, Medical and Baggage insurance, A doctor for the group, Laundry, Souvenirs, Telephone, Beverages (available to purchase) and all other services that are not mentioned as included.
- Tips for the crew, which are mandatory on Kilimanjaro. The minimum amount is 15 USD per day per guide, 10 USD per cook per day and 10 USD per porter per day. We however strongly recommend a more correct tip of 25 USD per guide per day, 15 USD per cook per day and 15 USD per porter per day. All these amounts are to be divided by all group members.
- Holiday Surcharge : A supplement of US $ 40.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31 December and 1st January
- A supplement of US $ 35.00 per person will apply to all bookings between Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge.
