Rongai Route

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS

$2,100

/ per person

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north close to the Kenyan border. It is a very secluded, scenic and relatively untouched route compared to the others. We recommend this route to our novice clients that are new to backpacking and to those that desire a quieter and more peaceful climb. It has a more gradual slope, however it has a longer trek on summit day compared to the other routes. Most climbers choose this route as an alternative to the very popular Marangu Route.You will descend on the same route as Marangu. This route is also preferred during the rainy season.

ITINERARY

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Arma Expeditions representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp | 2626 m/8,615ft

After your restful night at the hotel you will be picked up for your 2-3 hours drive to the Marangu park gate for registration. From there you will travel to Naro Muru, north-east of Kilimanjaro, a further 68 km/42.25 miles and approximately 1.5 hours to the Rongai start point (1996 m/6,54ft) where you begin your Hike. The trail is not steep, it is rather a beautiful scenic walk surrounded by lovely flora, gorgeous hidden rivers and rustic small bridges leading you to your first camp of your trek (Simba Camp) The camp facilities include a public toilet, a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Your porters would have already set up your tent and stored your belongings inside. Dinner will be served in the dining tent as you take in the quietness of the evening.

Hiking for the day: 3-4 hours, 7 km/4.35 miles,

Elevation gained 638 m/ 2,093ft

Simba Camp to Simba Cave Camp | 3450 m/11,642ft

Wake up to dew on the grass and the white necked ravens waiting patiently to scavenge your campsite after you leave. You will be served a well balanced breakfast as your guide briefs you on the walk ahead. After your morning health check you will begin your hike to Simba Cave Camp. You will walk past a sunning stream with smooth rocks and hanging green vegetation floating above. As you continue your trek the views start to open up, you begin to feel you are really on Mt Kilimanjaro! Wide open spaces, view of the mountain peaks in the distance, and no one around but you, your team and guides. You will walk by a cave. Be sure to go inside and have your guide take a picture from the outside as you pop your head out of a hole in the cave. Very trippy!

Hiking for the day: 3 hours, 8km/4.97miles,

Elevation gained 824m/2,703ft 3450 m/11,642ft

Second Cave to Third Cave | 3800m/12,467ft

You will be woken up by your server with a cup of coffee or tea and clean water for personal use. You will step out of your tent to the view of the majestic Kilimanjaro, the peak appears to be close but yet still so far away. The morning light bathing it in yellow will forever be stuck in your mind. After breakfast your porters will hurriedly pack up camp and rush ahead of you to Third camp. Your hike will take you through the mooreland which is surrounded by large plants and unique vegetation. Third Camp is located at the foot of the mountain alongside a massive dried up riverbed. Take time to explore this camp, walk to the other side of the riverhead and see giant volcanic rocks, marvel at the many mini caves and watch the sunset over the mountain. You will be able to see the milky way on a clear night at this camp.

Hiking for the day: 3-4 hours, 4 km/2.5,

Elevation gained 350 m/1,148ft, at 3800m/12,467ft

Third Cave Camp to Kibo Hut | 4720 m/15,419

Be prepared this will seem like a long walk when in reality it is only a 5km walk. Walking at high altitude can play tricks with your mind. After breakfast you will make your way to Kibo hut where you will rest for the long summit night ahead.

Hiking for the day: 4-5 hours, 5km/3.11mi 920m/3,018ft,

Altitude gained 920m/3018ft

Kibo Hut to The Summit and onto Horombo Hut | 5895 m/19,340ft

Your server will be giving you a wakeup call around midnight. After tea and light snacks you will fasten your head lamp, stuff your hands in your warm mittens, say a prayer to the universe and begin your very steep climb to Uhuru Peak. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150 m/16,896ft) which provides a good resting spot. You will then make your way on a zigzag steep incline of sandy rocks, wind in your face while stepping over volcanic rocks to ascend at Gilman’s Point (5 681m/18638ft). At this point you may have exerted a tremendous amount of mental and physical energy. Your reward will be the most spectacular sunrise of beautiful colors decorating the sky as you sit above the clouds with a greater appreciation for life. You will discover a new found energy as you plow along to the summit. Poli poli is the name of the game! Total exhilaration and satisfaction, you made it! congratulations!!! Don’t forget to take lots of pictures to share with your family and friends back home. After the celebration you will start your descent to Kibo Hut. It will take you roughly 3 hours of careful walking. You will get a short reprieve before heading back to Horombo Hut for the night. The total time spent walking on this day will be around 14 hours.

Hiking for the day: Kibo – Uhuru: 6-8 hours, 6 km/3.72miles ,

Elevation gained 1180 m/3871ft; 5895 m/19,340ft

Uhuru – Horombo Hut: 5-6 hours, 16 km/9.9 miles

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Today you descend the same way you ascended, pass Mandara Hut, through the rainforest and onto the gate. Once at the gate you will be fed a hearty meal before heading back to your hotel where you will receive a bonafide certificate of your achievement.

DEPARTURE

Ground transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport and departure or on to your safari and cultural adventures with us.

Nb: Typical check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late checking out is available for guests with late flights, though they may incur extra fees.

Main Destination:

Moshi

Accommodation:

No Accommodation
(End of 7 days Mount Kilimanjaro climb Rongai route)

Meals & Drinks :

Breakfast only
( Drinks not included)

Transfers:

Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:

Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Brubru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);

Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and Safety equipment:

4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
GPS-tracking service;
Complete medical kits.

Climbing Crew:

Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

We are proud to be the members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators Altezza is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks and other Kilimanjaro teammates. You may read more about our Kilimanjaro crews here.

Taxes:

18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Arma Expeditions is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

International flights;
Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3 people);
Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.

Rest assured - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with our professional guides will be successful.

You do not need special alpine skills or experience to take part. Together with Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a “hiking”, not climbing “mountain”. Neither ropes, nor ice axes or helmets are necessary - the trekkers reach the Socialist Peak (4,562 m/14,967 f) on foot, and for the majority of them, Mt Meru is the first mountaineering experience.

Ordinary fitness level is ok. Meru hiking does not require anything special - as long as you can comfortably walk up to 10 km/6 miles per day, you can do it. Trekking level there is moderate.

PREPARE FOR THE CLIMB

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