The 7 Days Rongai Route Tour in Tanzania is a popular trip and can be booked as an 8-day group or 8 or a 9-day private climb. The area receives less rainfall being on the Northeast side. It is an alternative to the Marangu route during the rainy season and is a good route for those who don’t have as much time. Request a Quote
The Rongai Route is a more gradual ascent. Therefore, it is preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience. However, it is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened trekkers. For the 9-day Rongai, an additional acclimatization day on Day five is added. During this day, you will do an additional acclimatization hike around and up to the saddle towards Camel’s Back.
Itinerary Summary
DAY 1: RONGAI GATE / NALEMORU (1950M) TO SIMBA CAMP (2650M) (FIRST CAVE CAMP)
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP (2650M) TO SECOND CAVES CAMP 3150M
DAY 3: SECOND CAVES CAMP (3150M) TO KIKELEWA CAVES (3600M)
DAY 4: TRAVEL TO THE MAWENZI TARN HUT (4,330M)
DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT (4700M)
DAY 6: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK (5895M) TO HOROMBO HUT (3700M)
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE (1800M) TO MOSHI.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Rongai Gate / Nalemoru (1950m) to Simba Camp (2650m) (First Cave Camp)
In the morning we will transport you from your hotel to the Marangu Gate (1,8km). Park registration will be completed upon arriving and then we will proceed to the Nalemoru gate (Under 2km). The extended trip to the gate is packed with astonishing sceneries and ventures through a native village. An appetizing hot lunch will be served at the gate an introduction between you and your crew members will take place. We will embark on the 9 days Rongai Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The coiling path amid the golden maize field leads to the entrance of the oak-brown forest. Fallen leaves will crackle beneath your feet as you marvel at the immensity of the emerald canopy. The knotted ember arms of the tree rise towards the sky, assisting the blue monkeys with their trapeze performance. The orchestra of birdsong floats through the mist covered air. You may encounter the striking Black and White Colobus or the adorable Bush Baby. We will arrive at the Simba Campsite where we will spend the night (2650m / 3-4 hours of hiking).
Day 2: Simba Camp (2650m) to Second Caves Camp 3150m
After a delicious breakfast we will continue to move in the direction of the looming peak of Kibo to the Second Cave. We will venture on a gentle incline through the fuscous brown moorland and heather vegetation zones. The arid plains are scattered with hoary desert plants and the heather is dominated by whimsical plantation and celestially enormous trees. Hot lunch will be provided at the Second Caves Camp (3150m / 3-4 hours). There is a possibility of small excursions towards the Third Cave – this will aid the acclimatization process, relaxing is also an option. The excursions will increase your chances of witnessing marvelous sights including the distinct crown of Mawenzi’s serrated, dark peak speckled with snow. Encountering wildlife such as buffaloes or jackals is conceivable and the spectacular figure of Kibo Peak (the summit peak) is best observed at this angle. Your tents will be assembled at the Second Cave.
Day 3: Second caves Camp (3150m) to Kikelewa Caves (3600m)
The trek advances towards Kibo and we will begin after breakfast is served. We will venture through an exposed area of moorland and heather foliage to reach the Kikelewa Caves Camp. Your chances of viewing Kibo, which is shrouded in ghost-grey mist, are high. You may spot the great buffalo with winding horns and more jackals. A tantalizing lunch will be served at the campsite.
Day 4: Travel to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m)
We will travel to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) after breakfast. We will traverse on a malachite-green slope. The chatter of the birds breaking the quiet of the world whilst clouds shaped like tufty pillows glide slowly across the sky. The parched fauna and flora of the moorland are temporarily banished as we travel through a region of wilderness. Our trek proceeds through a low desert area. The comforting aromas of your delicious hot lunch will drift through the entrance of the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. (6000m / 3-4 hour trek). Brief excursions for acclimatization may occur but the remaining hours of the afternoon will be spent lounging around the campsite.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4700m)
The route gradually develops into a steeper, rockier trail as we further ourselves from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Traveling along the meek landscape of the ashen ‘Saddle’, an expansive lava stone ridge amid Mawenzi and Kibo, provides stunning views of the lofty peak of Kilimanjaro. An appetizing, warm meal will be served when we arrive at the Kibo Hut (4703m). You will have a relaxing evening and an early bedtime to ensure that you are well rested for the midnight trek to the summit.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
We will depart from the huts shortly after midnight and undertake the most demanding day of the entire trek. Until we reach the beautiful Hans Meyer Cave the trail ensues an extended screed incline, at this stage, it adapts into a single-file zigzag. A rocky path with wildflowers bursting from the earth with their azure gongs attached will lead us to Gillman’s Point (5685m). The pollen travels like floating grains of pixie dust, scattered by the blustery wind. This is the most challenging section of the route. Gillman’s Point signifies the last two hours of the hike to Uhuru Peak are upon us (5895m). On Africa’s rooftop, the gleaming landscape is smothered in wispy clouds and pasty streaks. An amethyst-purple tint invades the skies as the sun begins to emerge, soon the sky will be a-fire in the warm glow of tree-flame. Sun washes the ice fields with a golden radiance and the sugar-frosted coating glints. We will marvel at the view and celebrate what you have accomplished before starting the descent to Kibo Hut where we will take a break. Horombo Hut is our final destination for the day and you can enjoy a well-deserved slumber.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1800m) to Moshi
After enjoying an appetizing breakfast we will circle past the Mandara Hut and through the magnificent rainforest before reaching the Marangu gate. You will receive your summit certificates for completing the 7 days Rongai Route and short festivities with your porters will occur. You will be transported to your hotel where you will rest.
What is included in the 7 Days Rongai Route Tour in Tanzania?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price. Request a Quote
- Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits (as well as gifts like local crafts etc)
- Any local and international flights tickets (airline).
- Tips for staff such as guides, porters and the cook staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
- Meals and expenses en route to Tanzania
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- We advise our clients to bring their own first Aid Kit.
What is not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of 7 Days Rongai Route Tour in Tanzania price.
- Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits (as well as gifts like local crafts etc)
- Any local and international flights tickets (airline).
- Tips for staff such as guides, porters and the cook staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
- Meals and expenses en route to Tanzania
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- We advise our clients to bring their own first Aid Kit.