Kilimanjaro rongai route 9 days

OVERVIEW

Starting from the north side of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than other routes. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having extra, with longer and shorter walking days during the trek to the 19,340 foot summit and return. We believe that the longer you take on the mountain, the more chance you have to acclimatize to the elevation, and have success in reaching the summit. This route is considered to have less climbing, but only during the ascent; when descending, it joins up with the Marangu Route — the most popular tourist route on the mountain, but only for one night, at Horombo Hut and Campground.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival/Arusha

Upon arrival at Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by a driver/guide and transferred to the L’Oasis Lodge in nearby Arusha for the night.

DAY 2 – Arusha/Preparing for Mt. Kili Trek

Today is a free day, during which you’ll meet with your guide and discuss the climb, the route, and make sure that you have all of the correct equipment. Dinner and overnight at L’Oasis Lodge.

DAY 3 – Kili trekking Altitude: 6,396′ to 8,530′; Hiking time: 3-4 hours

This morning you’ll depart Marangu for a 2.5 hour drive on an unpaved road to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your climbing staff and begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The winding path wanders along maize and sugar cane fields before entering pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the Moorland zone, with expansive views of the Kenyan plains and Kibo peak above. Dinner and overnight at Rongai Campground.

DAY 4 – Kili trekking Altitude: 8,530′ to 11,320′; Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Set off with Kibo Crater in sight today for a challenging ascent to the “Second Cave,” where you will relax and eat a hot lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch we head east towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley. Dinner and overnight at Kikelewa Caves Campground

DAY 5 – Kili trekking Altitude: 11,320′ to 14,210′; Hiking time: 3-4 hours

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. We’ll take a short acclimatization hike this afternoon which will take us to 15,500 feet, preparing us for the altitude of Kibo Hut that we’ll reach tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut.

DAY 6 – Kili trekking Altitude: 14,210′ to 15,580′; Hiking time: 4-5 hours

We cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut. The trail is fairly straight today but the distance will be deceptive. We arrive at Kibu Hut in time for lunch, and the remainder of the day is spent resting, in preparation for the final ascent. Dinner and half-night at Kibo Hut before final ascent

Day 7 – Final Ascent Altitude: 15,580′ to 18,650′ (Gillman’s Point) to 19,340′ (summit) then down to 12,200′; Hiking time: 12-16 hours

Begin the final, steepest, and most difficult part of the ascent at 12:00am. Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Along the way we pass the markers to rest for a short time and enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. For those who feel strong enough, continue (3 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak, passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest, then continue down the Marangu Route to our Horombo Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 – Descent to Marangu/Arusha; Altitude: 12,200′ to 6,250′; Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu Park gate, and drive back to Arusha to L’Oasis Lodge for a hot shower, dinner, and overnight.

Day 9 – Arusha shopping/Departure for home

A dayroom will be provided for you at L’Oasis Lodge. In the morning go shopping for souvenirs and goods in Arusha, then back to the Lodge for lunch and packing your duffle. Enjoy an early evening dinner and transfer to the airport for home departure, or extend your African experience with one of the available options.

What's Included

Kilimanjaro rongai route 9 days

NUMBER OF DAYS: 9

scenically beautiful trail

Starting from the north side of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than other routes.

Kilimanjaro Itineraries

8
Days

KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route is an unspoiled, remote, little-used, and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau.

7
Days

KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE

Also known as the “Coca Cola route” – the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

14
Days

KILI CLIMB (MACHAME ROUTE) AND SAFARI

This trip itinerary allows you to experience two of the most outstanding experiences Tanzania has to offer

Kickstart Your Safari

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