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Duration: 8 Days
Tour Highlights:
Day 1: Airport Transfer and pre-trek-Briefing
Day 2: Arusha to Simba camp
Day 3: Simba camp to Second Cave
Day 4: Second Cave camp to Third cave camp
Day 5: Third Cave camp to Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Trail to Arusha
Day 8: Airport Transfer
The Rongai route is a less popular Kilimanjaro trail that has many unique advantages. Beginning on the northern slope of the mountain in a coniferous forest, it traverses a variety of climatic zones. The descent follows the Marangu route on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s why this route stands as a top choice for climbing Kilimanjaro in 2024:
Firstly, it’s much less crowded than the busy southern Kilimanjaro trekking routes. You will see ten times fewer trekkers on this route! Secondly, it is amazingly scenic, offering great views on Mawenzi and Kibo – two of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, the surrounding Tanzania landscapes, and unique flora like Kilimanjaro Giant Groundsels and tropical forests on the descent. While the northern slopes are drier and have less dense vegetation, there is plenty to see on your way up. Imagine awakening near the majestic peak of Mawenzi, its rocks bathed in the soft hues of sunrise, and spotting rare Bearded Vultures dance and glide, setting their course towards the distant horizon of Kenya. This route offers trekkers a more secluded andintima
After arrival to the Airport we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek, today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent trekking equipment which is needed from our Kilimanjaro trekking equipments rental store in Arusha.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: SIMBA CAMP
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’sated on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Memorable Vacation Africa vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Lodge in Arusha (about 4 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Accommodation : Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After one last breakfast, your driver will collect you from the lodge at a time previously arranged time in order to take you to the airport in good time for your return flight or onward travel arrangements.
This route is available in 6 and 7-day programs. If you’re a beginner without prior acclimatization, the 7-day itinerary offers a significantly better acclimatization profile. This means that the overall experience will be more comfortable and your chances of summiting will be higher. The 6-day itinerary would be suitable only for those with experience in high-altitude trekking and/or with prior acclimatization.
te experience for those seeking a quieter trekking adventure on Kilimanjaro.
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