Standing tall above the African continent, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro has long held the hearts and minds of avid trekkers and adventurers alike. The only route to approach Kili from the north, the challenging Rongai Trek, offers a quieter, steadier, and more gradual climb up to the Roof of Africa. Experience the unspoiled nature of the Rongai Route's rugged, wild beauty on this 7-day high-altitude trekking tour! This fully-serviced trek includes walk-in tents, portable toilets, showers, and safety measures, ensuring your comfort as you focus on reaching the summit.
Highlights
Hike through rugged wilderness toward the Roof of Africa
Watch the spectacular sunrise from Mawenzi Tarn
Spend 6 days hiking through Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
Avoid the crowds on one of Kilimanjaro's quietest routes
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport on the flight of your choice today. Meet your driver after customs and baggage claim, transferring to our Moshi hotel for a trek briefing and restful first night in Tanzania.
Today is a free day in Moshi to rest and prepare for your trek. Additional excursions can also be arranged, please inquire:
Arusha National Park - Introduction to game viewing with options for canoe ride on Small Momela Lake or a walking safari.
Coffee Cooperative and Village Tour - Visit the village of Uru on the slopes of Kilimanjaro which produces some of the world's finest coffee. Get an understanding of village life for people living on Africa's highest mountain.
Mountain Biking - Day trips are available to stretch your legs and explore the backcountry.
In the evening, join a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide. We retire early for a good night's rest - Kilimanjaro awaits us!
Rise early this morning for a hearty breakfast, departing soon thereafter for the Rongai Gate located near Nale Moru village (6,397ft). From here we begin our trek, walking through farmland and pine forest to the edge of moorland zone, where we will find expansive views across the Kenyan plains. Arrive at Simba Camp (8,530ft) in time for dinner. Camp will be set up prior to your arrival, leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy our first night on Kilimanjaro.
Hiking time: 4 hours Distance: Approximately 4 miles Camp altitude: 8,530 feet
Today we set out early for a long trek through the moorland zone, steadily gaining elevation as we make our way toward the jagged Mawanzi Peak. Along the way we will witness superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields along the crater rim. After a full day of trekking we drop into the Kikelewa Caves valley (11,811ft) for dinner and overnight. Settle into your comfortable tent for a much-deserved rest.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours Distance: Approximately 7.3 miles Camp altitude: 11,811 feet
Leave Kikelewa Caves behind as we set out for Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,173ft). Our trekking time today is relatively short, albeit steep with significant elevation gain through grassy slopes. Arrive at camp in time to acclimatize and explore the base and rocky slopes of Mawenzi. Mawenzi Tarn Camp is situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, making this a spectacular site for camp and dinner.
Hiking time: 3 hours Distance: Approximately 2.2 miles Camp altitude: 14,173ft
This morning we rise to the spectacular sunrise at Mawenzi Tarn, just as the light cascades through the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. We then make our way across the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, arriving at Kibo Camp (15,584ft) in time for dinner and much-needed rest - our final ascent begins shortly after midnight tonight!
Our final push to the summit begins just after midnight! Under the starlit sky, make your way up the zigzag path of loose volcanic scree toward the summit, stopping frequently to catch our breath as we continue to gain elevation. The next five or so hours to Gillman's Point (18,651ft) are the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, but upon reaching the peak around sunrise we are rewarded with stunning views of the Eastern Ice Fields. Just another 45 minutes and we reach the highest point of Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) - the Roof of Africa awaits you! Take some time at the summit for photos and simply relishing in the moment before descending 7 hours to Horombo Camp (12,204ft). Find much-deserved sleep upon arrival at camp.
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs up, 7 hours down (overall walking time may vary from 10 - 16 hours) Distance: 3.1 miles ascent + 9.3 miles descent Summit altitude: 19,340 feet
Camp altitude: 12,204 feet
Awake with the sun for our final day of descent down Kilimanjaro. Today's descent is quite gentle and steady, and soon we find ourselves at the Marangu Gate (5,905 ft). After collecting your certificate, meet your transfer back to our lodging for the evening. As you look in the review mirror, remember the triumphs and tribulations of your time on Africa's highest mountain. Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy dinner on your own before settling in for a peaceful night sleep.
Day 9: Departure
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, meet your Kilimanjaro Airport transfer and arrive at the airport on time for your flight. Return home, or extend your trip to the white sands of Zanzibar!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge. prior to departure
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
