Route overview
A remote northern start that crosses the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo before summiting and descending via the Marangu side.
Itinerary overview
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha — hotel check‑in and unwind.
- Day 2: Preparation & Orientation — private briefing, gear & wellness checks.
- Day 3: Arusha → Rongai Gate (1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,600m).
- Day 4: Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp (3,450m).
- Day 5: Second Cave Camp → Kikelewa Camp (3,600m).
- Day 6: Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m).
- Day 7: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,700m).
- Day 8: Summit Day – Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m).
- Day 9: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha.
- Day 10: Departure / Extensions.
What this route is known for
- Drier northern approach (often preferred in wet seasons)
- Quiet trails and a wilderness feel
- Excellent views of Mawenzi spires at Mawenzi Tarn
- Premium service: chef-prepared meals, attentive camp setup
Full day-by-day notes
A detailed breakdown you can review
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are warmly received by our team. A private transfer takes you to your hotel in Arusha. Unwind, savor a fine meal, and rest as your journey begins.
Day 2: Preparation & Orientation
A day dedicated to readiness and ease:
- Comprehensive orientation with your head guide.
- Meticulous gear inspection to ensure every detail is perfected.
- Wellness checks to confirm readiness for altitude.
- Afternoon at leisure: unwind at the hotel, or explore Arusha’s cultural vibrance.
Day 3: Arusha → Rongai Gate (1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,600m)
Drive to the northern slopes, where the trail begins at Rongai Gate. Trek through farmlands and pine forest, ascending gently to Simba Camp, with wide views of the Kenyan plains.
Day 4: Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
The trail continues steadily upward, through open moorland scattered with giant heathers. Reach Second Cave Camp, where Kibo’s snowy dome rises before you.
Day 5: Second Cave Camp → Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
A shorter but rewarding trek across heather and rocky terrain brings you to Kikelewa Camp, tucked in a sheltered valley with dramatic views of Mawenzi’s jagged spires.
Day 6: Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)
Climb steeply to Mawenzi Tarn, set beneath the soaring cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, perfect for acclimatization and reflection.
Day 7: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Cross the barren alpine desert of the Saddle, the wide expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo Hut, resting at the base of the summit approach. Retire early for the summit push.
Day 8: Summit Day – Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Begin your climb at midnight, ascending steadily to Gilman’s Point (5,681m), then onward to Stella Point (5,739m) and finally Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend to Horombo Hut for a well‑earned night’s rest.
Day 9: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where your summit certificate awaits. A private transfer returns you to Arusha. Relax at your hotel and toast your successful climb.
Day 10: Departure / Extensions
Choose how to continue your journey:
- Private airport transfer for your onward flight.
- A luxury safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire.
- Or extend your adventure with another Tanzanian highland experience.
Inclusions & exclusions
Our net rates are designed to be fully inclusive, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and worry-free experience from arrival to departure.
The package includes:
- All transfers as mentioned, including personalized airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Luxury accommodation with two nights before the climb and one night after the climb in a 4- or 5-star hotel. Guests may also choose from a selection of premium hotels based on personal preference.
- Lunch and dinner at your hotel in town.
During your Kilimanjaro expedition, you will enjoy:
- The expertise of professional and highly experienced mountain guides.
- All required Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
- Official rescue fees.
- Fair and ethical treatment of our porters and mountain crew.
- Premium four-season waterproof sleeping tents, private and spacious.
- Fully equipped kitchen tent and mess tent with dining table and chairs.
- A portable chemical toilet for added comfort.
- Emergency oxygen supply and a basic first aid kit on every trek.
- A dedicated mountain chef preparing fresh, nutritious meals.
- Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek.
- Three freshly prepared meals daily, plus snacks while on the mountain.
What’s Not Included
To give you flexibility, the following items are not included in our Kilimanjaro trekking rates:
- International and domestic airfare tickets.
- Optional activities and tours (e.g., safaris after your climb).
- Visas, airport taxes, and travel documentation.
- Health, travel, and cancellation insurance.
- Personal trekking gear (such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, duffel bags, and mountain clothing).
- Bottled water and other beverages outside the mountain climb.
- Tips, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses.
Ready to climb the Rongai Route?
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