The Rongai route serves as the primary path beginning from the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Despite being less frequented by climbers, this section of the mountain is no less captivating than the popular southern and western routes. We recommend Rongai to those seeking more secluded climbing experiences. Accessing the trailhead – Nalemuru Gate – typically takes around 3-4 hours from Aishi Machame Hotel. Rongai is also unique as it passes by Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones and the third highest peak in Africa. The return journey follows through Marangu, allowing you to witness both sides of the mountain. While six and seven-day programs are available, opting for a longer duration is advisable for better acclimatization progress.
DAY 1: TREKKING FROM NALEMURU GATE TO SIMBA CAMP.
You will meet your mountain guides and crew in the morning before setting out for Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m). Here, the head guide will acquire the necessary permits and finalize search and rescue registration.
This day’s trek through coniferous forest of Kilimanjaro’s northern slope to Simba Camp is moderate, taking you up to 2,625 m. Remember not to hurry and maintain a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have pitched your tents and started dinner preparations.
It is advisable to adhere to the following rules from the very beginning of your climb:
Stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
Make sure you drink a minimum of 4 liters of water every day, taking it frequently and in small doses.
The use of Diamox tablets is a good idea as it staves off altitude sickness symptoms. These are taken in the morning before the day’s climb. Consult your family doctor to make sure that you can safely take it.
Do not be unduly alarmed if you experience discomfort during the night- high altitude has this effect on the human body. Nausea and headaches are a common occurrence in the mountains. However, make sure you alert your guide to any symptoms of altitude sickness.
DAY 2: TREKKING FROM SIMBA CAMP TO SECOND CAVE CAMP.
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Second Cave Camp (3,480 m). This route is rather easy and will only take around 3 hours, so when you reach the camp you will still have ample time to rest and explore the surrounding area. After lunch you will have a couple hours to rest, followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kiki Lewa Camp (3,630 m) on a stretch of the Rongai Route at a short distance with a 100-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Second Cave Camp.
Note: the acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Second Cave Camp (3,480 m) — Kiki Lewa Camp (3,580 m)
Hiking distance: 2,5 km
Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
DAY 3: TREKKING FROM SECOND CAVE CAMP TO KIKILEWA CAMP.
After breakfast you will begin trekking to Kiki Lewa Camp (3,630 m), where you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest (barring cloudy weather). This will be a relief day, so after lunch you will have time to sleep before the next trekking towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp. In the evening after dinner the guide will check health conditions of the each person of the group and give the necessary instructions for tomorrow’s trekking.
DAY 4: TREKKING FROM KIKILEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP.
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of trekking to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro’s second summit. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude, followed by a hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening.
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) — Mawenzi Volcano (4,510 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
DAY 5: TREKKING FROM MAWENZI TARN CAMP TO KIBO CAMP.
This day will be spent trekking towards Kibo Summit Camp (4,700 m). The landscape will change significantly to give
way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to
keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep
well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak
(5,895 m).
DAY 6: UHURU PEAK SUMMITATTEMP AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO HUT.
The team will depart School Hut Camp with its elevation of 4,715 m at night. The trek up to Uhuru Peak’s 5,895 m puts more of a strain on your cardiovascular system than your muscles as the high altitude takes its toll on your body despite the moderate gradient of the climb. One guide will be assigned to every two climbers, constantly evaluating their fitness over the duration of this part of the climb. A walk on the nearest glacier can be undertaken upon reaching the summit. The descent to 3,720 m at Horombo Camp will include a 2-hour rest stop at Kibo Camp. It is highly advisable to keep in mind that 9 out of 10 climbing accident happen on the way down, so watch your step!
DAY 7: FINAL DESCENT TO MARANGU GATE.
The final descent to Marangu Gate’s 1,860 m starts after breakfast. The stop at the gate presents a good opportunity for a last exchange of impressions and memories of the expedition with the whole of your support crew. The climbers will receive their certificates of achievement at our offices before being driven back to their hotel.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE.
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
- Price Include:
* All transfers* Accommodation
* all trekking fees,
* All meals while on the Mountain
* Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
* Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
* English speaking guide
* Sleeping bags
* Porters salary
• 3 meals in a day
• Mineral drinking water.Price Exclude:
* Tips,
* medical insurance cover
* all trekking personal gears
* alcohol
* all things of personal nature
When can I climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, although inclement weather and uncomfortable conditions in the Wet Seasons (April-May and November – mid-December) mean that most people climb in the Dry Seasons, from January to mid-March and June to October. The optimal climbing conditions mean that this is the busiest time for expeditions. For those who are more experienced and prefer some solitude, a Wet Season climb can be a rewarding challenge. Expeditions can encounter extreme weather events at any time, so be prepared.
Who can climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age limit to climb Kilimanjaro is 10 years old. A special exemption may be issued for younger persons at the sole discretion of the Parks Authority. The authorities do not impose restrictions on who may attempt to climb the mountain, and numerous individuals with special needs or disabilities have successfully summited. While not technical, the trek is strenuous and participants should consult their doctor if they have pre-existing conditions that may be affected by extreme exertion or altitude.
How much does it cost to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
While it is possible to climb for as little as $1500, we strongly advise against this. Operators charging low prices generally have numerous ethical shortcomings, including the mistreatment of staff. Depending on the time of year and the route you choose, you should expect to pay upwards of $2000 per person, with some “luxury” options exceeding $6000. Note, that these rates generally do not include transport, pre- and post-trek accommodation, staff gratuities or other expenses.
What overnight arrangements should I expect when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro?
Aside from the Marangu Route, all routes require sleeping in tents. Given the physical challenges, your tent is a sanctuary and an established nightly routine will refresh you. Have comfortable, warm clothes to change into and take measures to retain body heat and avoid getting yourself or your gear wet. Eat plenty to aid recovery and stamina. Visit the toilet before you go to sleep. Note that toilet facilities are basic at best.
Do I need to bring a tent and camping gear for Mt Kilimanjaro?
Tents and equipment for meal preparation are provided with quality varying between operators. All luggage and camping gear is carried by porters This necessitates large support teams. Typically, two people share a tent and they also have a large mess tent, complete with tables and chairs where meals are prepared and served. We highly recommend that you bring your own tried and tested gear, such as an expedition-quality sleeping bag (rated to -18 deg. Celsius) and walking poles.
Do I need to bring a tent and camping gear for Mt Kilimanjaro?
Good food is essential to maintain stamina on the trek. Most operators provide ample food, starting with a large breakfast of porridge and cooked items. Packed lunches are provided to be carried by participants The day’s walking ends with light snacks while dinner is prepared All dietary requirements/restrictions can be catered to, provided advanced notice is given at the time of booking your trek.
Do I need a guide and support team to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
All people wishing to climb Kilimanjaro are required by law to retain the services of a registered and licensed professional guide. All climbers must register with the Parks Authority prior to departure and sign in at each camp. Your guide and support team are essential to ensure your safety and comfort during the expedition. They are there to assist with their expertise, porterage of equipment and belongings and ensure compliance with relevant protocols.