The heart and soul of an East African Adventure - sunrise over Kilimanjaro
Specializing in adventure holidays to Tanzania and Kenya

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Climb Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route trek - this is one of the best trekking routes on Kilimanjaro, as it is one of the longest routes on the mountain and is therefore one of the most gradual. Starting in rain forest near the border with Kenya there are views of Kibo and dramatic Mawenzi as the route comes out and climbs through alpine heather and moorland. Stopping at caves and experiencing the unique environment, this trek up Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route is one of the most scenic, with views looking into Kenya and the famous Amboseli National Park, as well as the peaks above. Taking a rest day at Mawenzi tarn helps acclimatise and it is great to be so close to the rocky ridges and spires of Mawenzi. Leaving the tarn the route then crosses the Saddle, a harsh expanse of alpine desert separating Kibo from Mawenzi that is seemingly lifeless, and dominated by Kibo, now close by. Reaching the edge of the Saddle, camp is at Kibo Hut.

The summit is now above and an early start of around 2 am is made to reach the crater rim and the top, Uhuru Peak, for sunrise. Kilimanjaro is one of the world's highest free-standing mountains (not part of a range) so there are 360 degree views of the African plains roughly 4000 metres below from the summit, as well as Mt Meru and Mt Kenya (50 km away and over 250km away respectively!) making it a truly unique experience. Descent is by way of the Marangu route, which goes past the other side of Mawenzi and down into moorland and forest on its way to the Marangu gate. To climb Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route trek is one of the quietest, most enjoyable and diverse of all the routes on Kilimanjaro making it an ideal choice of ascent.

Why not extend your trip and enjoy East Africa for a little longer either by combining any of our trips, or by adding a safari or beach extension detailed on our Trip Extensions page.


Itinerary

11 days, with 7 days on the mountain to climb Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route trek (see Altitude and Acclimatisation)

Day 1: Fly from UK on overnight flight to Kilimanjaro airport
Day 2: Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport in the morning, drive to hotel in Moshi (DBB)
Day 3: Drive to the Kilimanjaro NP, Rongai Gate, trek for 4-5 hrs to overnight at Simba camp at 2600m
Day 4: 6-8 hr trek on the northeastern slopes of Kili, camp at Kikelewa Caves at 3600m
Day 5: Trek for 5-6 hrs to the foot of dramatic Mawenzi, & camp at 4300m at Mawenzi Tarn
Day 6: Acclimatisation walk on Mawenzi, afternoon at rest, camp at Mawenzi Tarn
Day 7: 4-5 hr trek across the Saddle to Kibo Hut 'base camp' at 4700m, & an early night
Day 8: Leave camp around 1am to reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) around 8-9 am, back
           to Kibo Hut, down Marangu Route to Horombo Huts camp at 3700m: a 12-16 hr day
Day 9: 5-6 hr trek to Marangu park gate, drive to Moshi hotel (DBB)
Day 10: Day at leisure, transfer to airport for overnight flight
Day 11: Mid-morning arrival back in the UK

Click here for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Detailed Itinerary online
Click here for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Detailed Itinerary online
Click here for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Detailed Itinerary as a PDF
Click here for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Detailed Itinerary as a PDF


Dates
Thursday 14 June - Sunday 24 June 2012 Trip Ref - KR140612
Saturday 14 July - Tuesday 24 July 2012 Trip Ref - KR140712
Wednesday 15 August - Saturday 25 August 2012 Trip Ref - KR150812
Saturday 15 September - Tuesday 25 September 2012 Trip Ref - KR150912
Friday 19 October - Monday 29 October 2012  Full Moon Trip Ref - KR191012
Friday 11 January - Monday 21 January 2013 Trip Ref - KR110113
Friday 15 February - Monday 25 February 2013 Trip Ref - KR150213
Thursday 13 June - Sunday 23 June 2013 Trip Ref - KR130613
Wednesday 17 July - Saturday 27 July 2013  Full Moon Trip Ref - KR170713
Wednesday 14 August - Saturday 24 August 2013  Full Moon Trip Ref - KR140813
Saturday 14 September - Tuesday 24 September 2013  Full Moon Trip Ref - KR140913
Friday 18 October - Monday 28 October 2013 Trip Ref - KR181013

If you want to travel on a different date, and/or with your own group of family or friends, just go to Make my own adventure to create your own adventure trip.


Prices
Trip Price including flight from £ 1725
National Park fees (in US dollars) $ 745
Insurance £ 63
Single Supplement £ 95
Carbon Offsetting £ 8.50

When comparing trip prices, in addition to the trip price itself, it is just as important to compare the $ exchange rate used that the trip price is based on.

 



 

General Information | How to Book | Group Size | Trip Extensions


Top tips to save you time & trouble
Trekking across moorland before Kikelewa Caves with views to Mawenzi
One of Kilimanjaro's three peaks, Mawenzi (5,149m) is due east of Kibo
Acclimatisation and rest day at Mawenzi Tarn around 4,300m
Crossing the Saddle around 4,300m, getting ever closer to Kibo