8 Days Rongai Route - Mount Kilimanjaro Tour

Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days

Destination Covered : Arusha

Tour Activities : Trekking

Tour Themes : Adventure Tours, Wildlife

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Arusha Tour Overview

The 8-day Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a quieter, scenic trek, starting from the northern side near the Kenyan border. Known for its gradual ascent, this route is one of the easier paths, providing excellent acclimatization opportunities. The journey begins in lush pine forests and passes through diverse landscapes, including moorlands and alpine desert. An additional day spent at Mawenzi Tarn aids in acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching the summit.

Trekkers approach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, via the eastern crater rim. The descent is made along the Marangu Route, offering a different perspective of the mountain. The Rongai Route is ideal for those seeking a less crowded and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.

Arusha Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at JRO/ Arusha

Arrival in Kilimanjaro International Airport, Meet and assist at the airport and after going through Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs, Transfer to Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa to overnight at on Bed and Breakfast basis. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climbing briefing and climbing equipment check. We will also confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance as well.

Day 2

Rongai One Camp

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Marangu National Park Gate in order to complete the necessary registration formalities before transferred to Rongai starting point. The climb start from Nale Moru (6,400 ft) on a small path that wind through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife including the Colobus Monkey. These monkeys are black with along “cape” of white hair and a flowing white tail. Then we take in the expansive views over the Kenyan plains as we arrive at our first campsite at Rongai One Campsite (8,500ft). It takes about 3–4 hours walking.

Day 3

Rongai Second Cave

After breakfast, the morning walk is a ready ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300) with superb views of Kibo and the eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley which is decorated with Giant Senecios near Kikelelwa Caves (11,800 ft). It takes about 6–7 hours.

Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn Hut

A short but steep climb is rewarded by a superb all around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,200 ft) spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. It takes about 3–4 hours walking.

Day 5

Kibo Hut

We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The reminder of the day is spendt resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent. It takes about 5–6 hours walking

Day 6

Summit Day – Horombo Hut

We start the final and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1:00am. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,600 ft). We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft) passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and after some refreshments, we continue the descent to Horombo Hut (12,200 ft). It takes about 11–15 hours walking.

Day 7

Marangu Park Gate – Back to Arusha

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Marangu (6,000 ft) where are transferred to Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa to overnight on Bed and Breakfast basis.

Day 8

Departure Transfer

After breakfast Relish Enthusiast Adventures can organize a private departure transfer to Arusha Airport or to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home or flying to Zanzibar Island.

End of Trip