Overview
The lesser-trodden Rongai route on Kilimanjaro offers a quieter, more intimate trek. Rongai trekkers are the luckiest to see two opposite slopes at a time, starting in a pine forest from the north before descending along the southern Marangu route. The panoramic views span two volcanic cones, Mawenzi and Kibo. The 7-day journey, ideal for novices, enhances acclimatization, making the climb more enjoyable and boosting summit success.
Itinerary
Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your thrilling adventure begins! A Wild Experience Safari driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. After you settle, the Wild Experience Safaril managers will meet with you to talk about the climb and make sure you're all set and excited for your upcoming climb.
On a private tour, we have group airport rides included in the package. If anyone arrives separately from the group, this individual transfer is subject to an extra cost.
Check-in at the hotel starts at 2:00 PM - let us know in advance if you need an earlier check-in (can be arranged at an extra cost).
Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel
Meals & Drinks:
- Meals at own expense
- Drinks not included
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting with your guide and mountain support crew. They'll provide a quick briefing before you set off on your adventure to the northern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m /6,627 f).
After your climbing permits are registered by your guide at th entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, your group will begin the trek to Simba Camp (2,671 m /8,612 f). The day's trek is of moderate difficulty, taking you through the stunning coniferous forest on Kilimanjaro's northern slope. Remember, there's no rush - keep a pace that feels comfortable for you.
By the time you reach the camp, our experienced mountain crew will have everything ready for you. They'll have set up tents and started preparations for dinner. So, kick back and relish the memories of the day!
From now on, post-dinner, your guide will hold an individual health check for each climber daily. The guide will also share instructions for the next day's expedition.
Accommodation:Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Rise and shine to a new day! After a hearty breakfast, you'll leave Simba Camp, setting off on a trek towards your next destination, the Second Cave Camp (3,450 m /11,319 f). The journey is relatively easy and should only take around three hours, which means you'll have plenty of time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings once you arrive.
Post lunch, steal a couple of hours to rest before embarking on an acclimatization hike towards the Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m), a short stretch of the Rongai Route. This hike involves a slight altitude gain of 100 meters, before you descend back to the Second Cave Camp.
Remember, these acclimatization hikes are key to your Kilimanjaro journey. Though they might seem easy, they play a crucial role in helping your body adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of successfully reaching the summit and preventing altitude sickness. So take these hikes seriously and enjoy every moment of your Kilimanjaro adventure!
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Greet the day with a nourishing breakfast before setting off on a journey to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m / 11,910 f). If the weather is in your favor, you'll be treated to an awe-inspiring view of the Kibo Volcano at its very best.
This day is designed for rest and rejuvenation, so after a hearty lunch, you'll have time to unwind and catch up on some sleep in preparation for the upcoming trek to Mawenzi Tarn.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Rise with the sun for an early morning start! Today you are mbarking on a journey to Mawenzi Tarn Camp. Nestled at the base of the formidable Mawenzi Volcano, the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro, this camp promises an experience of a lifetime.
Upon arrival at Mawenzi Tarn, take some time to rest and have lunch. But the day's adventure isn't over yet! Next up is an exhilarating acclimatization hike towards the mighty Mawenzi Volcano. Prepare to conquer a gain of 200 meters in altitude before descending back to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Today brings with it an adventure like no other. You'll be trekking towards the Kibo Summit Camp (4,720 m / 15,486 f), entering a surreal world where lush landscapes give way to a semi-desert terrain scattered with rocks.
The day's trek isn't too challenging, but remember, it's not a race. Maintain a steady pace to keep your energy for the ultimate challenge – the ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa!
Upon arrival at the camp, focus on rest and hydration. Get plenty of sleep, and avoid any strenuous activities. You'll need all the energy you can muster because tonight, you'll be scaling the heights of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 f). This is the moment you've been waiting for!
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Your mountain crew will wake you up for a quick snack before the most exciting night of the entire adventure.
Shorly after midnight, your team will embark on the most thrilling part of your journey from the Kibo Camp. The climb to Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 m / 19,340 feet, is more than just a physical challenge; it's a test of your endurance as your body grapples with the effects of high altitude.
Don't worry, you won't be alone! For every pair of climbers, there'll be a guide, constantly monitoring your fitness throughout this challenging climb. Once you've conquered the peak, you can opt for a spectacular walk to the nearest glacier, a reward for your hard-earned victory.
Next, you'll start your careful walk down to Horombo Camp, which sits at 3,720 m / 12,205 f. You'll get a 2-hour break at Kibo Camp. Be careful, it's really important to remember that most accidents happen on the way down. Watch your step!
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
After a breakfast, you'll embark on the last leg of your journey, descending to the Marangu Gate, standing at 1,970 m / 6,463 f. Your mountain chef will be waiting there with a hearty lunch. This stop-off is a golden chance to share your thoughts, memories, and impressions of the expedition with your support crew. They'll celebrate your victory with certificates of achievement, a testament to your incredible journey. Then, with hearts full of accomplishment and memories to last a lifetime, you'll be taken back to the comfort of your hotel.
The end of your journey, but the beginning of countless stories to tell!
Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel
- Mid-range hotel located at Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
Take some time to unwind in the comfort of your hotel before the drive to the airport for your journey home.
You'll need to check out of the hotel by 11:00 AM. If your flight isn't until later in the evening and you'd like to extend your stay, there's an option to book the room for a little while longer at an additional cost.
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinks not included
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$25.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed an increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
