Tour Description

the Rongai Route is unique as it is the only path that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. This route takes you past Mawenzi, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, while offering stunning views of the mountain’s lush rainforest. Its gentle incline and gradual acclimatization make it a safe option to reach the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Uhuru, standing at 5,895 meters. With success rates of 84% for the 6-day climb and 94% for the 7-day climb, the Rongai Route is ideal for those with prior high-altitude experience. Although it involves the longest drive to the park gate, this route offers a quieter trekking experience. Spanning 65 kilometers (40 miles), the Rongai Route is accessible year-round and promises an unforgettable adventure that will challenge your endurance

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

Morning picks up at 4:00hrs from Dar es salaam transfer to Mikumi National Park: a journey will take you to the Tanzania rural life, see the highland, mountain, forestry, local village and plantations, Lunch, go to Mikumi for game drive in the park, see the wild animals, giraffe, Zebra, gazelle etc. dinner and overnight at Vuma Hill Tented lodge or Tan Swiss lodge.
Day 2: Rongai route 6 days – Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then be transferred by vehicle to the Rongai trailhead, which is 2.5 hours away from the Marangu Gate. The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. This trail has a gradual ascent and allows hikers to enjoy their surroundings. About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared.
Day 3: Rongai route 6 days – 1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
Day 4: Rongai route 6 days – Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.
Day 5: Rongai route 6 days – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00.
Day 6: Rongai route 6 days – Summit Attempt

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
Day 7: Rongai route 6 days – Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Arusha for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

Included

All transfers pick up and drop off
Professional, English speaking guide
Meals according to travel plan
Clean, purified drinking water
Overnight stays in safari lodges or public campsites
Park fees and government related fees.
Camping and concession fees
Government VAT 18%
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
Rescue fees

Excluded

Pre & Post safari Accommodation
Alcoholic or other drinks not listed in the itinerary.
Visa fees
Flights
Tips
Travel insurance
Personal spending monies for souvenirs
All other extras not promised in the itinerary

From $2,565

PER PERSON

BOOK THIS TOUR

The adventure of a lifetime

Discover the breathtaking beauty of East Africa’s top safari destinations, all while enjoying a seamless and unforgettable experience in Tanzania."

Discover More

Testimonial

What They Say

Best company in Tanzania, our trip was easy and comfrtable we enjoyed every moment with Ifude Tours Tanzania. i highly recommend.

The communication from the business owner throughout the whole process was really great and made me feel at ease and excited

I had an amazing time with my friends on a 3 day, 2 night safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater with Ifude tours.

Tour Description

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania

Day 2: Rongai route 6 days – Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)

Day 3: Rongai route 6 days – 1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Day 4: Rongai route 6 days – Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

Day 5: Rongai route 6 days – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Day 6: Rongai route 6 days – Summit Attempt

Day 7: Rongai route 6 days – Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Included

Excluded

From $2,565

BOOK THIS TOUR

The adventure of a lifetime

Testimonial

What They Say

Start building your dream Trip Today!

Company

We Accept

We Accept

Contact Us