9 Days Kilimanjaro climb - Rongai route
You will embark on 9 days hiking or climb of Mountain Kilimanjaro. This hike will take you to the Rongai route which ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route has unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. This route has a topography that is steep, and hikers usually suffer from altitude sickness compared to other routes.
Day 1- Arrival in Tanzania
Our Kilimanjaro adventure starts the moment you land at Kilimanjaro international Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.
Day 2- To Simba Camp (2600m)
You will be picked up from your accommodation and drive for two hours and a half to Marangu park gate for formalities and registration. After that, transfer to the Rongai trailhead in about 3hours. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep but is rather a gentle hike through the beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at Simba camp, which is at about 2,600 meters. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below samba camp.
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 Hours.
- Distance: About 8 Km.
- Habitat: Montana forest
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3- Simba Camp to Second Cave (3450M)
After a late breakfast, enjoy the morning at Simba camp before proceeding with hiking very slowly to acclimatize your body until you reach the Second cave (3450M) for hot lunch. In the afternoon relax at the second cave with dinner and overnight.
- Hiking Time 2 – 3hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4- To Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
After breakfast, you will then continue up towards Kibo, reaching Kikelewa Cave at about 3600 metres. At this point, the views start to open up and you begin to feel that you are on a big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 1- Arrival in Tanzania
Our Kilimanjaro adventure starts the moment you land at Kilimanjaro international Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.
Day 2- To Simba Camp (2600m)
You will be picked up from your accommodation and drive for two hours and a half to Marangu park gate for formalities and registration. After that, transfer to the Rongai trailhead in about 3hours. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep but is rather a gentle hike through the beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at Simba camp, which is at about 2,600 meters. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below samba camp.
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 Hours.
- Distance: About 8 Km.
- Habitat: Montana forest
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3- Simba Camp to Second Cave (3450M)
After a late breakfast, enjoy the morning at Simba camp before proceeding with hiking very slowly to acclimatize your body until you reach the Second cave (3450M) for hot lunch. In the afternoon relax at the second cave with dinner and overnight.
- Hiking Time 2 – 3hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4- To Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
After breakfast, you will then continue up towards Kibo, reaching Kikelewa Cave at about 3600 metres. At this point, the views start to open up and you begin to feel that you are on a big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5- To Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Habitat: Moorlands.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6- To Kibo Hut (4700m)
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.
- Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours.
- Habitat: Alpine desert.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7- To Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
You will wake up around 23:30 hrs, and after a snack, you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman’s Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut for a short rest before your descent to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The descent to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around almost 14 hours. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru
- 6 hours to descend to Horombo.
- Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent.
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8- To Marangu Gate (1980m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha or Moshi to your accommodation for overnight.
- Hiking Time: 6 hours.
- Distance: About 27 Km.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5- To Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours.
- Habitat: Moorlands.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6- To Kibo Hut (4700m)
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.
- Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours.
- Habitat: Alpine desert.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7- To Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
You will wake up around 23:30 hrs, and after a snack, you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman’s Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut for a short rest before your descent to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The descent to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around almost 14 hours. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru
- 6 hours to descend to Horombo.
- Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent.
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8- To Marangu Gate (1980m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha or Moshi to your accommodation for overnight.
- Hiking Time: 6 hours.
- Distance: About 27 Km.
- Meal Plan- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9- End of tour and departure
Depending on the time your flight departs today, there may be some time to enjoy the pool, have a massage or take a yoga class. All the activities you plan for today are at your own expense. If you need an airport transfer, please let us know at the time of your booking so this can be arranged for you at an additional cost.
Meal Plan- Breakfast
Tour Package Includes:
- Transfer from Arusha to the Mountain’s gates and back
- English speaking certified mountain guide
- Personal cook for the group
- All food and catering equipment
- Certificate of Achievement
- Park fees, Hut fees, Ranger fees and Rescue Fees
- Porter to carry provisions and client’s private bags (no more than 15 KG per person)
- Full board during your days on the mountain, breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Purified water during the trekking (treated by guides or participants)
- Mess tent, tables, chairs and stools
- 2 nights on bed and breakfast at Planet lodge in Arusha
Excludes:
- Airport transfers at US$ 100 per way per vehicle (maximum 7 persons)
- Personal Mountain Equipment, sleeping bag below -40 degrees
- Oxygen and mobile toilet
- Hard and soft drinks
- Luggage insurance
- Evacuation insurance
- All expenses of personal nature
- Excess luggage (more than 15 KG per person)
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Government tax or park fees increase
- Tipping – ask your Travel Consultant for guidance
- Easter & Christmas supplements
Day 9- End of tour and departure
Depending on the time your flight departs today, there may be some time to enjoy the pool, have a massage or take a yoga class. All the activities you plan for today are at your own expense. If you need an airport transfer, please let us know at the time of your booking so this can be arranged for you at an additional cost.
Meal Plan- Breakfast
Tour Package Includes:
- Transfer from Arusha to the Mountain’s gates and back
- English speaking certified mountain guide
- Personal cook for the group
- All food and catering equipment
- Certificate of Achievement
- Park fees, Hut fees, Ranger fees and Rescue Fees
- Porter to carry provisions and client’s private bags (no more than 15 KG per person)
- Full board during your days on the mountain, breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Purified water during the trekking (treated by guides or participants)
- Mess tent, tables, chairs and stools
- 2 nights on bed and breakfast at Planet lodge in Arusha
Excludes:
- Airport transfers at US$ 100 per way per vehicle (maximum 7 persons)
- Personal Mountain Equipment, sleeping bag below -40 degrees
- Oxygen and mobile toilet
- Hard and soft drinks
- Luggage insurance
- Evacuation insurance
- All expenses of personal nature
- Excess luggage (more than 15 KG per person)
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Government tax or park fees increase
- Tipping – ask your Travel Consultant for guidance
- Easter & Christmas supplements
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