Overview of the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Embark on the ultimate adventure with Bakia Africa Safaris as you conquer the majestic Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. This 9-day, 7-night journey promises an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of high-altitude trekking with the stunning diversity of Tanzania’s landscapes. The Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the northern side, offers a less crowded path with breathtaking views of Kenya’s plains and the Amboseli National Park. This route is known for its gradual ascent profile, providing trekkers with an excellent chance of acclimatizing well and reaching the summit successfully. The Rongai Route is considered one of the easier routes to summit Kilimanjaro, boasting a success rate of around 85% to 90%, making it a popular choice for both experienced climbers and adventurous beginners.

Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “Roof of Africa,” stands at a towering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) and is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route offers a unique opportunity to explore the remote wilderness areas of the mountain, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the vast African plains. The trek starts in lush forests and passes through various ecosystems, including moorlands, alpine deserts, and finally, the glacial summit zone. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to March, when the weather is more predictable, and the skies are clear. This itinerary not only provides a structured approach to summiting Kilimanjaro but also incorporates cultural experiences, comfortable accommodations, and expert guidance, ensuring a safe and memorable journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our Bakia Africa Safaris team. After a brief introduction, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. Arusha serves as the gateway to your Kilimanjaro adventure, and tonight you’ll rest and acclimate in preparation for the days ahead. You may choose to relax at your accommodation or explore the town’s bustling markets and cultural sites. This evening, our guides will conduct a pre-trek briefing, where they will discuss the climb, review your equipment, and answer any last-minute questions.

• Accommodation Suggestions:
  • Budget: Meru House Inn
  • Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
  • Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Meal Plan: Dinner at the accommodation.
• Extra Activities: Explore Arusha town, visit local markets, optional cultural tour.

Day 2: Arusha to Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,398ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft)

Your adventure begins with a drive from Arusha to Rongai Gate, located on the northeastern side of Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border. The drive offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll complete the necessary registration before beginning your trek through the lush rainforest. The path gradually ascends through cultivated fields before entering the montane forest, where you may spot various wildlife, including colobus monkeys. As you continue, the forest gives way to moorland, and you’ll reach Simba Camp, your first overnight stop.

• Altitude: From 1,950m to 2,600m
• Hiking Distance: 8km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Montane Forest
• Major Activities: Registration at Rongai Gate, trekking through rainforest and moorland.
• Accommodation: Camping at Simba Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at the accommodation in Arusha, Lunch en route, Dinner at Simba Camp.
• Extra Activities: Wildlife spotting, photography.

Day 3: Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) to Second Cave (3,450m/11,319ft)

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set out on a trek that continues through the moorland, offering stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The path is gentle, allowing for a steady pace and plenty of time to acclimatize. You’ll pass through beautiful landscapes, including heather and giant lobelias, before reaching Second Cave. This campsite offers a great opportunity to rest and enjoy the panoramic views. Today’s trek is shorter, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.

• Altitude: From 2,600m to 3,450m
• Hiking Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Moorland
• Major Activities: Trekking through moorland, acclimatization.
• Accommodations Budget: Camping at Second Cave
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Simba Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at Second Cave.
• Extra Activities: Stargazing, acclimatization walks.

Day 4: Second Cave (3,450m/11,319ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,811ft)

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the moorland as you head towards Kikelewa Camp. The trail begins with a gentle incline before becoming steeper as you approach the camp. Along the way, you’ll have incredible views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak, and the surrounding plains. The landscape becomes more rugged as you ascend, with fewer plants and more volcanic rocks. Upon arrival at Kikelewa Camp, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the tranquil environment.

• Altitude: From 3,450m to 3,600m
• Hiking Distance: 5km / 3.1 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Moorland transitioning to Alpine Desert
• Major Activities: Trekking, photography, rest at Kikelewa Camp.
• Accommodations: Camping at Kikelewa Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Second Cave, Lunch en route, Dinner at Kikelewa Camp.
• Extra Activities: Acclimatization walks, photography.

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,811ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft)

Today’s trek is one of the most scenic as you make your way towards Mawenzi Tarn, nestled at the foot of the impressive Mawenzi Peak. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort. The rugged landscape of the alpine desert is a stark contrast to the lush rainforest you experienced at the start of your journey. Upon reaching Mawenzi Tarn Camp, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the tarn (small mountain lake) and the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak.

• Altitude: From 3,600m to 4,330m
• Hiking Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Alpine Desert
• Major Activities: Trekking, acclimatization, exploring the area around Mawenzi Tarn.
• Accommodations: Camping at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Kikelewa Camp, Lunch en route, Dinner at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
• Extra Activities: Acclimatization hike to Mawenzi Ridge, photography.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft) to Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft)

The trek from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut is a crucial part of your climb, as it prepares you for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The trail crosses the lunar-like landscape of the Saddle, the barren area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is mostly rocky, with little vegetation, and the air becomes thinner as you ascend. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Your guides will give a detailed briefing on what to expect during the summit night.

• Altitude: From 4,330m to 4,700m
• Hiking Distance: 8km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Alpine Desert
• Major Activities: Trekking across the Saddle, rest and preparation for the summit attempt.
• Accommodations: Camping at Kibo Hut
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Lunch en route, Early Dinner at Kibo Hut.
• Extra Activities: Rest, briefing for summit night.

Day 7: Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft)

Summit Day! You’ll begin your final ascent to the summit just after midnight. The trail is steep and challenging, passing through the rocky slopes of Kibo and the final ascent up to the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. From here, you’ll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. The reward for your effort is a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains and the immense satisfaction of reaching the “Roof of Africa.” After taking in the views and capturing the moment, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night.

• Altitude: From 4,700m to 5,895m (summit), descending to 3,720m
• Hiking Distance: 22km / 13.7 miles (total)
• Hiking Time: 12-15 hours (total)
• Habitat/Environment: Arctic Summit Zone to Moorland
• Major Activities: Summit attempt, descent to Horombo Hut.
• Accommodationst: Camping at Horombo Hut
• Meal Plan: Midnight snack at Kibo Hut, Breakfast at Kibo Hut after descent, Lunch en route, Dinner at Horombo Hut.
• Extra Activities: Celebrating summit achievement, rest and recovery.

Day 8: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft) to Arusha

On your final day of trekking, you’ll descend through the moorland and into the lush rainforest as you make your way back to Marangu Gate. The descent is much faster, and you’ll have a chance to reflect on your incredible journey as you pass through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems one last time. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

• Altitude: From 3,720m to 1,860m
• Hiking Distance: 20km / 12.4 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Moorland to Montane Forest
• Major Activities: Descent, certificate ceremony, transfer to Arusha.
• Accommodation Suggestions:
  • Budget: Meru House Inn
  • Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
  • Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Horombo Hut, Lunch en route, Dinner at the accommodation in Arusha.
• Extra Activities: Relaxation, optional Arusha town exploration.

Our pricing is based on per-person sharing, unless specified otherwise. Kindly consider the provided rates as indicative and subject to change:

All rates are contingent upon availability and are susceptible to alterations without prior notification. Additional charges for single accommodations may be applicable. Feel free to request a personalized quote or engage with our Tanzania Safari Experts to obtain the latest and most accurate rates.

Inclusions:

• Park fees and camping fees.
• A Professional English / Spanish / French / German / Italian – speaking mountain guide
• Porters and A Mountain Chef
• Accommodation as listed (tents and huts) and hotel stays in Arusha.
• All meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Drinking water and hot drinks during the climb.
• Group equipment, including tents, tables, chairs, and sleeping mats.
• Emergency oxygen cylinder and basic first aid kit.
• Transport to and from Kilimanjaro National Park gates.
• Summit certificate upon completion.

Exclusions:

• International flights to and from Tanzania.
• Tanzania visa fees.
• Travel insurance (highly recommended).
• Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.).
• Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommendation: $20-$25 per day).
• Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, snacks, etc.).
• Optional tours and activities not included in the itinerary.
• Excess baggage charges.

This detailed itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded Kilimanjaro climbing experience. With its careful attention to altitude, acclimatization, and the scenic beauty of the Rongai Route, this journey ensures both a safe and awe-inspiring adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.