The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches the summit from the north and starts near the border of Tanzania and Kenya. For those looking for a more remote route, Rongai is an excellent choice, as traffic is low and it offers a different perspective of the mountain as you conquer it from the north. Climbs usually take six to seven days; however, we always advise choosing the longer route which is seven days for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit. To make your trip as easy as possible, we can arrange accommodation in Moshi before and after the climb. Or if you’d prefer, you can stay at a hostel/hotel of your choice. We can also offer airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Airport if required. A pre-climb briefing will be arranged with one of our mountain guides to ensure that you have all the correct mountain climbing gear (see our packing list for further information).
Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
Whatever the time you will arrive our guide driver will be waiting for you at the Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) with a warmly welcoming smiling face. After greetings, a driver will assist you to pack all your luggage inside the car, and thereafter he will drive you to your arranged booked accommodation in Arusha. After arriving at the hotel, a guide will arrange with you an appointment for briefing and a Mount climb checklist, afterward enjoy your moment while viewing the surrounding environment of the hotel.
After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your hostel/hotel and driven to the starting point at Marangu Gate (which is approximately one hour from Moshi). After registration, we will then take a short transfer to Rongai Gate which is approximately 2km, where you will begin ascending the mountain. The path winds through maize and potato fields and then gently climbs through the rainforest habitat which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro and is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, we will continue to move in the direction of the looming peak of Kibo up to Second Cave where you will stop for lunch. From here you will continue through the moorland zone towards to Mawenzi Peak, giving you a great chance to take in the breathtaking views of the mountain along the way. If the skies are clear, you should be able to get some fantastic shots of Kibo Peak. The afternoon is gentler as you continue across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley at Kikelewa or the third cave. Encountering wildlife such as buffaloes or jackals is conceivable.
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s hike is short but steep along a grassy trail. Continuing to trek at a slow pace through the moorland heath, you will begin to notice a change in the scenery as you enter the alpine desert zone. After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut which sits right beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the surroundings before a hearty dinner and overnight rest.
Today you can have a lie-in, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn Hut for a second night and spend the day on an acclimatization walk. Depending on how you are feeling after yesterday’s climb, you can either take a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi or enjoy a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert visiting the site of a plane crash on the way. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and an afternoon of rest.
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a full breakfast, you will then cross the lunar-like landscape between the Mawenzi and Kibo saddles. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut. Upon arriving you will start to prepare for your final ascent – THE SUMMIT – which you will begin around midnight!
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is where the going gets tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After taking breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Marangu Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!
Departure: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be taken to Kilimanjaro Airport or you can extend your holiday with a safari or beach stay.
Breakfast
Yes, we specialize in creating personalized tours based on your preferences, whether you’re looking for a honeymoon getaway, adventure trek, or special-interest safari. Please contact us to design a tailor-made itinerary that suits your needs.
For safaris, we recommend packing lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera. For trekking, you’ll need hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof gear, and other essentials. We will provide a detailed packing list for specific tours upon booking.
We offer a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges and tented camps to more budget-friendly options like campsites. The type of accommodation will depend on the tour package you choose, but all our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and location.
Departure: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be taken to Kilimanjaro Airport or you can extend your holiday with a safari or beach stay.
Breakfast
Feel free to reach out and we’re happy to answer any questions you have.
At Wildsmile Adventures, we believe that the best moments in life are found when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the wild. Read more…
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