8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route
8 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Via Rongai Route: Day 1: Arusha, Day 2: Rongai gate to 1st Caves, Day 3: Kikelewa, Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn, Day 5: Kibo hut, Day 6: Uhuru Peak to Hormbo Hut, Day 7: Marangu Gate and Day 8: Departure.
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
Detailed Itinerary for 8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb
Day 1: Arrival – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. Arusha, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, is a bustling town situated at the base of the great mountain. This day will be dedicated to resting and preparing for the adventure that lies ahead. You’ll have time to check your gear, ask questions, and receive an informative briefing about the Rongai Route trek. The guide will go over the itinerary and the trekking procedures, ensuring you are well-prepared for the climb. The evening will be spent relaxing, with an optional visit to Arusha’s vibrant local markets or cafes. After a wholesome dinner, you’ll retire early to rest and gather energy for the days ahead.
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)
The excitement begins as you head to the Rongai Gate (1,950 meters or 6,398 feet) to start your climb. After registering and meeting your trekking team, you will begin your ascent on the Rongai Route, known for its gentle gradients and stunning views. The trail leads you through dense forest and lush vegetation, giving you a great chance to spot local wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and occasionally elephants. The day’s trek to 1st Caves Camp (2,600 meters or 8,530 feet) takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering a gradual climb with breathtaking views of the mountain’s northern slopes. Upon reaching camp, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy a nourishing dinner while taking in the serene surroundings. The altitude at this camp allows for a perfect start to the climb, ensuring a steady and manageable pace. The night is spent in tents under the stars.
Day 3: 1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
After breakfast, the trek continues toward Kikelewa Cave (3,600 meters or 11,811 feet), which is situated on a plateau below the towering Mawenzi Peak. The trail begins with a steady climb, taking you through heath and moorland vegetation. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more arid, and the panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and ice cliffs begin to emerge. The trek today will take about 6-7 hours, and along the way, you’ll cross a variety of terrain, including rocky paths and grassy slopes. Kikelewa Cave is a spectacular spot for rest, offering views of the vast landscape and the peaks of Kilimanjaro. The camp is situated near a small stream, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting for the night. This day’s altitude gain helps with acclimatization and prepares you for higher elevations in the coming days. Enjoy your dinner and rest as your body adjusts to the increasing altitude.
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3600m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
Day four brings a significant ascent as you head from Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 meters or 14,200 feet). The route is more challenging as you enter the alpine desert zone, where the terrain becomes rockier and the vegetation sparse. The climb will take about 5-6 hours, with the path ascending steadily toward the base of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with barren rocky hillsides and expansive views stretching in all directions. Once you arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, you will be rewarded with incredible views of Mawenzi Peak and its jagged, craggy ridges. The camp is situated next to a tarn, a small mountain lake, providing a serene atmosphere for resting and acclimatizing. After a delicious meal, take time to relax and enjoy the unique beauty of the camp, preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
On day five, you’ll leave Mawenzi Tarn Camp and begin the ascent to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters or 15,419 feet). The trek will take around 5-6 hours, with the route becoming progressively more difficult as you approach the summit zone. As you cross the barren slopes of the high-altitude desert, the vegetation thins out completely, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by jagged volcanic rock. The landscape is stark but beautiful, with wide, open views of the crater and the summit. Kibo Hut is situated on the edge of the Kilimanjaro Crater and serves as the last base camp before attempting the summit. Once you arrive at Kibo Hut, take the opportunity to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt. The altitude can be challenging, so it is essential to relax and conserve energy for the final push. The evening is spent resting, with an early dinner and a brief rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Today marks the most challenging and exhilarating day of your climb. You will begin your summit attempt from Kibo Hut at around midnight, trekking through the night in a bid to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters or 19,341 feet) before sunrise. The climb to the summit is strenuous, taking about 6-8 hours, and you will ascend through the Hans Meyer Cave and the final, steep section known as the “Crater Rim.” The cold, high-altitude environment requires determination and stamina. As you reach Uhuru Peak, you’ll be greeted by an awe-inspiring sunrise, panoramic views of the ice fields, and a sense of accomplishment like no other. After taking photos and savoring the moment, you will begin your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters or 12,204 feet). The descent is easier but still requires caution as you navigate through rocky terrain. Once at Horombo Hut, you’ll enjoy a hot meal and rest after a long, tiring day of trekking.
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
The final day of the trek is dedicated to your descent to Marangu Gate (1,980 meters or 6,496 feet). This day involves a steady descent through the forest zone, which is rich in biodiversity. You will pass through lush rainforests filled with giant ferns, moss-covered trees, and a variety of bird species. The trek down will take approximately 5-6 hours, offering a chance to reflect on the remarkable journey you’ve completed. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved rest, where you can relax and share stories of your adventure with fellow trekkers.
Day 8: Departure
On the final day of your journey, you’ll have time to relax and reflect on the life-changing experience of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward journey. As you depart, you will carry with you the memories of an unforgettable trek and the sense of achievement from conquering Africa’s highest peak via the Rongai Route.
Tour Price:
US$ 2700 for 1 Person sharing.
US$ 2515 for 2-4 Persons sharing.
US$ 2430 for 5-9 Persons sharing.
US$ 2270 for 10+ Persons.
Tour price includes:
-Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
-Rongai route trek as itinerary depicts
-Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
-Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodations at budget hotel for 2 nights and huts on the mountain as per the itinerary
-All park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Service of an English speaking professional Mountain guide on the mountain, porters and skilled cook
-All services begin and end at Kilimanjaro Airport as per the itinerary
-Treated water on the trek
-Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport
Excluded:
-Tips, laundry, sleeping bags, drinks and climbing gears
-Medical evacuation, USD 30 per person value
-International flights and taxes
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
For more Tanzania and Kilimanjaro Safaris, contact Bushtroop tours and Safaris on www.bushtroop-safaris.com, by email at: info@bushtroop-safaris.com, bookings@bushtroop-safaris.com or call/whatsApp us on +254 722 802513
