Tour Overview
Rongai is the only of routes of Kilimanjaro starting on the northern slope of the mount. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.
Getting to the trailhead - Nalemuru Gate - usually takes 3-4 hours from the hotel in Moshi.
Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.
Though six and seven-day programs are available for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route itinerary, the longer option is recommended for better acclimatization transition.
Itinerary / Tour Schedule
Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Afterward, your Wild Wonders Expedition guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear.
A guide and a mountain support crew from Wild Wonders Expedition will meet you for a briefing before traveling to Nalemuru Gate (2,020m). After registering with the search and rescue service, begin trekking through the coniferous forest up the northern slope. Keep a comfortable pace as you head toward Simba Camp (2,671m) where the crew will have your tents ready.
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Tropical Rain Forest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Continue hiking up to the second camp located in the moorland zone. On this day, you will enjoy excellent views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. This shorter trekking day helps with the gradual acclimatization process.
Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Enjoy another beautiful day with superb views of the eastern ice fields of Kibo. It will take approximately 3 hours to cross the moorland zone on a smaller path heading toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi (5140 m) to reach Kikelelwa for lunch and your overnight stay.
Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today features a short but steep climb up grassy slopes where you will be rewarded with a tangible sense of wilderness and stunning views. The camp is spectacularly located in a cirque beneath the spires of Mawenzi. Use the free afternoon to rest or explore the area to aid acclimatization.
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Semi desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach Kibo Hut. You will spend your afternoon resting and having lunch at Kibo while preparing for the final midnight ascent to the summit.
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
The climb starts around 00:00. This steepest part of the journey requires a slow, steady pace. It takes about 5 hours to reach Gilman’s Point (5685 m) on the crater rim for sunrise. Continue for another hour to UHURU Peak (5895 m), the top of Africa. After celebrating, descend to Kibo Hut for lunch and a rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 22 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
On your final day, pass through the moorland to Mandara Hut for a hot lunch. Continue the descent through the tropical rainforest to the Marangu Gate. After collecting your certificates, the Wild Wonders Expedition vehicle will take you to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and celebration.
Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 7 hours
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Wild Wonders Expedition can also arrange affordable safaris to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park for those wishing to extend their stay.
Package Pricing
Pricing
Above Cost Includes
- Two nights accommodation in Hotel
- Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
- Transport
- Rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
- Pulse oximeter
- First aid kit
- Emergence oxygen
- Katady filtered water through the trek
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
Cost Does Not Include
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi pre/post climb
- International and Domestic Airfare
- Tips for Guide, Porter and Chef
- Travel insurance and medical coverage
- Tanzanian Visa Fee
