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Kilimanjaro Climb: Rongai Route

An 8 day tour (with 6 day trek) taking a more off-the-beaten-track route starting on the Eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro – a relatively dry area with a short forest zone .The route skirts the base of Mawenzi, ascends via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak and descends via the Marangu route trail.

  • Off-the-Beaten-Track Adventure: This 8-day tour takes you on a less-traveled route on the Eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and less crowded experience. You’ll explore a relatively dry area with a short forest zone, making it an excellent choice for adventurers seeking a more secluded trek.
  • Scenic Mawenzi Base: As you trek, you’ll have the opportunity to skirt the base of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s stunning volcanic cones. The breathtaking views of Mawenzi’s jagged peaks and the surrounding landscape add a captivating dimension to your journey.
  • Summiting Uhuru Peak: The trek includes a challenging ascent via Gilman’s Point to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the tallest peak in Africa. Standing on Uhuru Peak and witnessing the sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a testament to your determination and spirit.
  • Diverse Accommodation Options: Depending on your preference, you have a choice of accommodation. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, accommodation is provided at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha, while others will stay at Parkview Inn in Moshi. This variety allows you to customize your journey to suit your comfort level.
  • Cultural Experience: Beyond the trekking adventure, the journey begins with a pickup in Kilimanjaro and a transfer to Moshi. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and landscapes of Tanzania, providing a well-rounded and enriching travel experience.
  • Transfers and accommodation as stated.
  • Full Board on trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner), guest tent, mess tent, table, chairs, lamps and fully trained, expert guides, porters and cook and all park fees, camping fees and rescue fees.
  • Luxury tour also has private portable wc, larger tents (3-person tent used for 2 people) with 3 inch foam mattresses, 18 Celsius rated sleeping bags with liners, pillow, a large walk-in mess tent.
  • All tours include safety equipment, safety briefings and staff fully trained in First Aid.

LENGTH

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

ALL YEAR

FROM

US$3,730

Kilimanjaro Climb: Rongai Route

An 8 day tour (with 6 day trek) taking a more off-the-beaten-track route starting on the Eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro – a relatively dry area with a short forest zone .The route skirts the base of Mawenzi, ascends via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak and descends via the Marangu route trail.

  • Off-the-Beaten-Track Adventure: This 8-day tour takes you on a less-traveled route on the Eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and less crowded experience. You’ll explore a relatively dry area with a short forest zone, making it an excellent choice for adventurers seeking a more secluded trek.
  • Scenic Mawenzi Base: As you trek, you’ll have the opportunity to skirt the base of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s stunning volcanic cones. The breathtaking views of Mawenzi’s jagged peaks and the surrounding landscape add a captivating dimension to your journey.
  • Summiting Uhuru Peak: The trek includes a challenging ascent via Gilman’s Point to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the tallest peak in Africa. Standing on Uhuru Peak and witnessing the sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a testament to your determination and spirit.
  • Diverse Accommodation Options: Depending on your preference, you have a choice of accommodation. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, accommodation is provided at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha, while others will stay at Parkview Inn in Moshi. This variety allows you to customize your journey to suit your comfort level.
  • Cultural Experience: Beyond the trekking adventure, the journey begins with a pickup in Kilimanjaro and a transfer to Moshi. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and landscapes of Tanzania, providing a well-rounded and enriching travel experience.
  • Transfers and accommodation as stated.
  • Full Board on trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner), guest tent, mess tent, table, chairs, lamps and fully trained, expert guides, porters and cook and all park fees, camping fees and rescue fees.
  • Luxury tour also has private portable wc, larger tents (3-person tent used for 2 people) with 3 inch foam mattresses, 18 Celsius rated sleeping bags with liners, pillow, a large walk-in mess tent.
  • All tours include safety equipment, safety briefings and staff fully trained in First Aid.

LENGTH

7 nights / 8 days

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

ALL YEAR

FROM

US$3,730

Itinerary in Detail

DAY BY DAY

Tour Experiences

Day 1: Kilimanjaro - Moshi/Arusha

Pick up in Kilimanjaro and transfer by road to Moshi and to Parkview Inn. For the semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation will be at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Moshi - Simba

After breakfast transfer by road to Rongai Gate to register and meet your guides. The hike commences through farmland and pine plantations and then continues through afromontane forest. Overnight at Simba Camp (Full Board).

Day 3: Simba - Kikelewa

After breakfast we ascend to Second Cave and its views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch we leave the main trail and head towards Mawenzi and later to the Kikelewa Caves Camp in a sheltered valley. Overnight Kikelewa Caves Camp (Full Board).

Day 4: Kikelewa - Mawenzi

Breakfast followed by a hike to see Mawenzi Tarn located beneath Mawenzi Volcano at 4330 metres. In order to avoid altitude sickness we head out for an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Full Board).

Day 5: Mawenzi - Kibo

Today we cross the saddle between the majestic volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo through the alpine desert zone to reach Kibo Camp which is situated at 4700 metres. After an early dinner there is a chance to get some rest before departing late this evening / early next morning on the final ascent to the summit. Overnight Kibo Camp (Full Board).

Day 6: Kibo - Horombo

Depart very early (around midnight) to arrive in time for dawn to break on the Roof of Africa! We ascend Kibo Volcano via Gilman’s Point (5685 metres) which takes around six to seven hours. It is then a further one and a half to two hours to the summit. Descend to Kibo Camp for refreshment and food and then continue down to Horombo Camp. Overnight Horombo Camp (Full Board).

Day 7: Horombo - Moshi/Arusha

The final section descends to Marangu Gate via Mandara and Marangu. From here we transfer back to Parkview in Moshi (standard option). For semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Moshi - Kilimanjaro

After breakfast transfer back to Kilimanjaro. Drop off at the international airport for your onward flight.

Tour Experiences

Day 1: Killimanjaro - Moshi/Arusha

Pick up in Kilimanjaro and transfer by road to Moshi and to Parkview Inn. For the semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation will be at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Moshi – Simba

After breakfast transfer by road to Rongai Gate to register and meet your guides. The hike commences through farmland and pine plantations and then continues through afromontane forest. Overnight at Simba Camp (Full Board).

Day 3: Simba - Kikelewa

After breakfast we ascend to Second Cave and its views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch we leave the main trail and head towards Mawenzi and later to the Kikelewa Caves Camp in a sheltered valley. Overnight Kikelewa Caves Camp (Full Board).

Day 4: Kikelewa - Mawenzi

Breakfast followed by a hike to see Mawenzi Tarn located beneath Mawenzi Volcano at 4330 metres. In order to avoid altitude sickness we head out for an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Full Board).

Day 5: Mawenzi - Kibo

Today we cross the saddle between the majestic volcanic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo through the alpine desert zone to reach Kibo Camp which is situated at 4700 metres. After an early dinner there is a chance to get some rest before departing late this evening / early next morning on the final ascent to the summit. Overnight Kibo Camp (Full Board).

Day 6: Kibo - Horombo

Depart very early (around midnight) to arrive in time for dawn to break on the Roof of Africa! We ascend Kibo Volcano via Gilman’s Point (5685 metres) which takes around six to seven hours. It is then a further one and a half to two hours to the summit. Descend to Kibo Camp for refreshment and food and then continue down to Horombo Camp. Overnight Horombo Camp (Full Board).

Day 7: Horombo - Moshi/Arusha

The final section descends to Marangu Gate via Mandara and Marangu. From here we transfer back to Parkview in Moshi (standard option). For semi-deluxe and luxury options, accommodation at Rivertrees Lodge in Arusha for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Moshi - Kilimanjaro

After breakfast transfer back to Kilimanjaro. Drop off at the international airport for your onward flight.

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