5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route
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The Rongai Route
A Scenic and Less Crowded Path to Kilimanjaro’s Summit
The Rongai route is one of the seven main routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its scenic beauty and less crowded trails compared to other popular routes. This trek is perfect for those seeking a more serene and nature-immersed journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit.
The Rongai Route offers a unique experience with its diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and barren alpine deserts. As you ascend, you’ll be captivated by the ever-changing scenery and the breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak.
The standard Rongai route trek usually spans about six to seven days, including acclimatization days to help you adjust to the altitude. This gradual ascent not only enhances your chances of reaching the summit successfully but also allows you to savor the surroundings at a leisurely pace. However, if you have limited time and are looking for a shorter option, it is possible to complete the Rongai route in just five days, making it a versatile choice for trekkers.
Day 1
- Arrival
- ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.
🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.
🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.Day 2
- Rongai Gate Hike to Simba Camp (2830m)
- Depart from your hotel and head to the Narumuru Gate near the Kenyan Border, the starting point for the Rongai route.
- Hike through farmland, Rongai Forest, and heather moorland, encountering unique vegetation and possibly wildlife.
- Reach your overnight campsite, Cave 1 (Simba Camp) at 2830 meters elevation. Enjoy a delicious meal and share stories with your fellow travelers.
Day 3
- Simba Camp to Third Cave (3900m)
- Begin the day with breakfast at Simba Camp and hike through moorland.
- Notice the growing altitude; follow the “pole, pole” pace and enjoy scenic views.
- Stop for lunch at Second Cave and continue to Third Cave as the route splits.
- Camp at an altitude of 3,900m at Third Cave, prepare for a chilly night.
Day 4
- Third Cave to Kibo Hut (4700m)
- Embark on a steep climb through the arid montane desert.
- Reach Kibo Hut at an altitude of 4,700 meters, where you’ll camp overnight in preparation for the midnight summit push.
- Receive guidance from your guide on what to wear and how to approach the final leg of the summit.
- Wake just before midnight, enjoy a hot drink and snack, and commence the climb. Joining other climbers, you’ll ascend slowly, and faint lights dot the frosty night as everyone heads for the summit.
Day 5
- Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
- Start your challenging climb to the summit from Kibo Hut between midnight and 2am, reaching Gilman’s Point at 5700m/18,700ft.
- Ascend further to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, and capture amazing views.
- Descend from the summit, have lunch and rest at Kibo Hut, and be prepared with warm layers and lights for the dark initial descent. The trek includes numerous switchbacks, so keep a steady “pole pole” pace.
- Proceed to the Horombo encampment, enjoying varied scenery during the gradual descent.
Day 6
- Hike Horombo Hut to Marangu gate , drive to Moshi
- Begin the day with breakfast and embark on a steady descent from Horombo Hut through the moorland.
- Keep descending as you follow a lush forest path to reach the National Park gate at Marangu.
- Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles are useful. You can switch to shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible.
- A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate, providing transportation back to your hotel in Moshi, which is approximately a 1-hour drive. It’s time to celebrate your successful trek.
RONGAI ROUTE 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
: Price/per
| No. of Persons | Days | Luxury($) | Mid-Range($) | Budget($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 2933 | 2407 | 1817 |
| 2 | 2226 | 1819 | 1507 | |
| 3 to 4 | 1921 | 1725 | 1313 | |
| More than 4 |
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Your Package Categories:
| Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Park fees | Park fees | Park fees |
| Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee |
| Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee. |
| Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel |
Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel |
Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation |
| 3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
| Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds | Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress | Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet. |
| camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters |
- If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
- Click here to get more details about the price categories.
Included
- Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
- Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.
$1,120 to $2,400 pp. (USD