7-Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route All inclusive.

7-Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route All inclusive.

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Overview

The Rongai Route is available in both 6 and 7-day itineraries. For beginners or those without prior acclimatization experience, the 7-day option offers a significantly improved acclimatization profile, leading to a more comfortable overall experience and higher chances of summiting successfully. The additional day is dedicated to acclimatization, featuring a rewarding day hike from Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge and back. This extra time allows trekkers to better adapt to the altitude while enjoying stunning views of the rugged Mawenzi peak, further enhancing the journey. The descent follows the Marangu route on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s why this route stands as a top choice for climbing Kilimanjaro in 2024:

Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Mateys Wild Tours representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including cozy rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, you’ll have a briefing with our expert guides to ensure you’re fully prepared for your climb.

For private tour packages, group airport transfers are included. Additional charges will apply for individual transfers, so we recommend coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times to avoid extra costs.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodations: Weru Weru River Lodge.

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DAY 1: Hotel to Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

We begin the journey with a drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate to obtain permits, followed by a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The trail ascends gradually, passing through fields of corn and potatoes before entering the forest, where diverse wildlife, including the black-and-white colobus monkey, can often be spotted.

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft | Habitat: Rain Forest

Distance: 8 km | 5 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Rongai Cave

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This morning, the journey starts with a steady ascent up to Second Cave, offering panoramic views as you progress through the stunning moorland. The trek continues as you leave the main trail, following a less-traveled path that winds toward the striking jagged peaks of Mawenzi. As the landscape transforms, the day’s adventure culminates at Kikelewa Cave, where you’ll spend the night under the looming presence of Kilimanjaro, preparing for the next leg of the climb amidst breathtaking scenery.

Rongai Cave to Second Cave

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft | Habitat: Heath

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft | Habitat: Heath

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Kikelewa Cave

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Following an early breakfast, the day begins with a trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of Kilimanjaro’s striking Mawenzi Volcano, the mountain’s second-highest peak. Upon arrival, a well-deserved lunch and a two-hour rest await, preparing you for an essential acclimatization hike. This moderate hike, with a 200-meter (656-foot) altitude gain, is designed to enhance your body’s adjustment to the increasing altitude, boosting your chances of reaching the summit safely. After the hike, you return to camp for a hearty dinner, resting in preparation for the next day’s challenges. Taking these acclimatization hikes seriously is crucial to avoiding altitude sickness and ensuring a successful ascent.

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn.

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This extra day is dedicated to acclimatization and includes an exciting hike on Mawenzi Ridge, where the striking landscape provides inspiring views of both Kibo and Mawenzi. After exploring the area and enjoying the panoramic scenery, the journey returns to Mawenzi Tarn for a well-deserved rest at camp, allowing you to recharge and prepare for the ascent ahead. The added day enhances your adaptation to the altitude, increasing the chances of a successful and comfortable summit.

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Distance: 2 km | 1 miles | Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation: 14,400 ft -14,160 ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Distance: 2 km | 1 miles | Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn

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The Rongai Route provides a gradual ascent through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to the open alpine moorlands, offering stunning views of the Kenyan plains and Kilimanjaro’s peaks. As we approach higher altitudes, the terrain shifts dramatically, leading us across the stark, otherworldly landscape of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our final camp, Kibo Hut, is strategically located at the base of the imposing Kibo crater wall. Here, we rest and refuel with an early dinner, preparing for the challenging and rewarding summit push to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.

Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Distance: 8 km | 5 miles | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Kibo Hut

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We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishments, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft | Habitat: Arctic

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft | Habitat: Heath

Distance: 16 km | 10 miles | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Kibo Hut

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On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, you’ll have the opportunity to share your climbing experience with our director or manager. Finally, we’ll present you with your commemorative certificate and arrange for your transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft | Habitat: Rain Forest

Distance: 20 km | 12 miles | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodations: Kibo Hut

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After a restful stay at the hotel, you’ll be transferred back to the airport. Our team will ensure a smooth and timely departure process.

Please note that shared airport transfers are included for private tour packages. For additional individual transfers, extra charges will apply. To avoid these extra costs, we recommend coordinating your group’s arrival and departure times.

Meals: Breakfast. 

Accommodation: To be confirmed on your request

What to Encounter on this route?
  • High Success Rate
  • Stunning Sceneries
  • High-Altitude Drop-Off
  • Superb Acclimatization
  • Bottled Oxygen

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