8-Day Kilimanjaro Expedition via Rongai Route

8-Day Kilimanjaro Expedition via Rongai Route

Offered by: USD Safaris & Tours
4.9/5 (1600 Reviews)
Journey Snapshot
🗺 Tanzania ⏱ 8 days 🚙 4x4 Pop-up Roof
Rongai Route
The lesser-trodden Rongai route on Kilimanjaro offers a quieter, more intimate trek. Rongai trekkers are the luckiest to see two opposite slopes at a time, starting in a pine forest from the north before descending along the southern Marangu route. The panoramic views span two volcanic cones, Mawenzi and Kibo. The 6-day journey, ideal for fit regular hikers, provides a sufficient time for acclimatization on a shorter trail, boosting summit success.

Route

Start Rongai Route (Day 1)
Day 2 From Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
Day 3 From Simba Camp to Kikilewa Camp
Day 4 From Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5 From Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Day 6 Summit Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
Day 7 From Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate
Day 8 Departure Day
End Rongai Route

Tour Features

Day 1: Arrival Day Day 2: From Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp Day 3: From Simba Camp to Kikilewa Camp Day 4: From Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp Day 5: From Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut Day 7: From Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate Day 8: Departure Day

Activities & Transportation

  • Route: Rongai Route
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Getting around: 4x4 safari vehicle (pop-up roof)
  • Transfers: airport pick-up & drop-off can be included

Accommodation & Meals

Day
Accommodation
Meals
1
Park view inn Lodge View hotel
Bed and Breakfast
2
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
3
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
4
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
5
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
6
Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
7
Park view inn Lodge View hotel
All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
8
No accommodation (End of tour)
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day by Day

Day 1 Arrival Day
Morning 🏨Park view inn Lodge 🍽Bed and Breakfast
Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport where your thrilling adventure begins! An Kitano Tours and Safariris driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. After you settle, the Kitano Tours managers will meet with you to talk about the climb and make sure you're all set and excited for your upcoming climb. On a private tour, we have group airport rides included in the package. If anyone arrives separately from the group, this individual transfer is subject to an extra cost. Check-in at the hotel starts at 2:00 PM - let us know in advance if you need an earlier check-in (can be arranged at an extra cost).
Day 2 From Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting with your guide and mountain support crew. They'll provide a quick briefing before you set off on your adventure to the northern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m / 6,627 f). After your climbing permits are registered by your guide at th entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, your group will begin the trek to Simba Camp (2,671 m / 8,612 f). The day's trek is of moderate difficulty, taking you through the stunning coniferous forest on Kilimanjaro's northern slope. Remember, there's no rush - keep a pace that feels comfortable for you. By the time you reach the camp, our experienced mountain crew will have everything ready for you. They'll have set up tents and started preparations for dinner. So, kick back and relish the memories of the day! From now on, post-dinner, your guide will hold an individual health check for each climber daily. The guide will also share instructions for the next day's expedition.
Day 3 From Simba Camp to Kikilewa Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Greet the day with a nourishing breakfast before setting off on a journey to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m / 11,910 f). If the weather is in your favor, you'll be treated to an awe-inspiring view of the Kibo Volcano at its very best. Keep in mind, this trek pushes you further, asking more of your physical effort than the previous day, so upon reaching the camp, it is highly recommended to rest and recharge at the camp.
Day 4 From Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Rise with the sun for an early morning start! Today you are mbarking on a journey to Mawenzi Tarn Camp. Nestled at the base of the formidable Mawenzi Volcano, the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro, this camp promises an experience of a lifetime. Upon arrival at Mawenzi Tarn, take some time to rest and have lunch. But the day's adventure isn't over yet! Next up is an exhilarating acclimatization hike towards the mighty Mawenzi Volcano. Prepare to conquer a gain of 200 meters in altitude before descending back to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Day 5 From Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Today brings with it an adventure like no other. You'll be trekking towards the Kibo Summit Camp (4,720 m / 15,486 f), entering a surreal world where lush landscapes give way to a semi-desert terrain scattered with rocks. The day's trek isn't too challenging, but remember, it's not a race. Maintain a steady pace to keep your energy for the ultimate challenge – the ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! Upon arrival at the camp, focus on rest and hydration. Get plenty of sleep, and avoid any strenuous activities. You'll need all the energy you can muster because tonight, you'll be scaling the heights of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 f). This is the moment you've been waiting for!
Day 6 Summit Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
Morning 🏨Budget camping On Mt Kilimanjaro 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Your mountain crew will wake you up for a quick snack before the most exciting night of the entire adventure. Shorly after midnight, your team will embark on the most thrilling part of your journey from the Kibo Camp. The climb to Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 m / 19,340 feet, is more than just a physical challenge; it's a test of your endurance as your body grapples with the effects of high altitude. Don't worry, you won't be alone! For every pair of climbers, there'll be a guide, constantly monitoring your fitness throughout this challenging climb. Once you've conquered the peak, you can opt for a spectacular walk to the nearest glacier, a reward for your hard-earned victory. Next, you'll start your careful walk down to Horombo Camp, which sits at 3,720 m / 12,205 f. You'll get a 2-hour break at Kibo Camp. Be careful, it's really important to remember that most accidents happen on the way down. Watch your step!
Day 7 From Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate
Morning 🏨Park view inn Lodge 🍽All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After a breakfast, you'll embark on the last leg of your journey, descending to the Marangu Gate, standing at 1,970 m / 6,463 f. Your mountain chef will be waiting there with a hearty lunch. This stop-off is a golden chance to share your thoughts, memories, and impressions of the expedition with your support crew. They'll celebrate your victory with certificates of achievement, a testament to your incredible journey. Then, with hearts full of accomplishment and memories to last a lifetime, you'll be taken back to the comfort of your hotel. The end of your journey, but the beginning of countless stories to tell!
Day 8 Departure Day
Morning 🏨No accommodation (End of tour) 🍽Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Take some time to unwind in the comfort of your hotel before the drive to the airport for your journey home. You'll need to check out of the hotel by 11:00 AM. If your flight isn't until later in the evening and you'd like to extend your stay, there's an option to book the room for a little while longer at an additional cost.

Rates

From: $2,000 pp (USD)
Final quote depends on date, travelers and lodge level.

No upcoming group dates found in database (group_climbs).

Inclusions

Included
  • Porterage
  • Rescue fee
  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • Camping equipment
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Pickup and Drop off to Airport
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusions

Not included
  • Climbing gear
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Bath towels
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Sleeping bag

Note: Some items may vary depending on season and lodge level.

Getting There

Start: Rongai Route

End: Rongai Route

We can arrange airport pick-up and drop-off. Ask in your quote request.

Offered By

USD Safaris & Tours
USD Safaris & Tours
4.9/5 • 1600 reviews