Rongai Route, Gold Level Premium Climb (On Request)

Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences. All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of experience in climbing. At the end of the tour, you will receive an International certificate for a successful ascent!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Rongai: the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – ARUSHA AREA (45km – 1hr)

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative, and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, join the briefing with the climb representatives, who will share various information or you upcoming climb and ensure you are ready to embark on your adventure (For the kit list please refer to the ‘What do I need to bring section’). Please note the check-in starts at 02:00 pm.

Overnight in Arusha area.

Day 2: NALEMURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP (hiking 8km – 3/4hrs)

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,625 m). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through the coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro's northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you. Change in Elevation: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m) – Simba Camp (2,625 m). Hiking distance: 8 km. Hiking time: 3–4 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to add an extra acclimatization night (upon an additional cost): 

Extra Acclimatization Night (Between Day 2 & Day 3): Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Second Cave Camp (3,480 m). This route is rather easy and will only take around 3 hours, so when you reach the camp you will still have ample time to rest and explore the surrounding area. After lunch, you will have a couple of hours to rest, followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) with a 100-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Second Cave Camp. Trekking from Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp: Change in Elevation: Simba Camp (2,625 m) — Second Cave Camp (3,480 m). Hiking distance: 4 km. Hiking time: 2–3 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Second Cave Camp (3,480 m) — Destination point en route to Kikilewa Camp (3,580 m). Hiking distance: 2.5 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours. Please note that if you select this option, the services will be moved one day ahead.

Overnight in Simba Camp.

Day 3: SIMBA CAMP – KIKILEWA CAMP (hiking 10km – 5/6hrs)

Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) where you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest (barring cloudy weather). This trekking is more physically demanding than the previous one, so once you are in the camp, full rest is recommended. Change in Elevation: Simba Camp (2,625 m) – Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m). Hiking distance: 10 km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours.

Overnight in Kikilewa Camp.

Day 4: KIKILEWA CAMP – MAWENZI TARN CAMP (hiking 6km – 4/5hrs)

Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of trekking to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude, followed by a hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening. Trekking from Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp: Change in Elevation: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m). Hiking distance: 6 km. Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Acclimatization hike: Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) – Destination point en route to Mawenzi Volcano (4,510 m). Hiking distance: 2 km. Hiking time: 1–2 hours.

Overnight in Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Day 5: MAWENZI TARN CAMP – SCHOOL HUT CAMP (hiking 9km – 5/6hrs)

This day will be spent trekking towards School Hut Camp (4,715 m). The landscape will change significantly to give way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) – School Hut Camp (4,715 m). Hiking distance: 9 km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours. 

Overnight in School Hut Camp.

Day 6: UHURU PEAK – DESCENT HOROMBO CAMP (hiking 21km – 12/14hrs)

Night departure from School Hut Camp (4,715 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. For the entire length of the trekking, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720 m). Change in Elevation: School Hut Camp (4,715 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Camp (3,720 m). Hiking distance: 21 km. Hiking time: 12–14 hours.

Overnight in Horombo Camp.

Day 7: DESCENT HOROMBO CAMP – MARANGU GATE (18km – 5/6hrs) – ARUSHA AREA

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Horombo Camp (3,720 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m). Hiking distance: 18 km. Hiking time: 5–6 hours.  

Overnight in Arusha area.

Day 8: ARUSHA AREA – DEPARTURE KILIMANJARO (45km – 1hr)

Indulge in a tasty breakfast and then transfer to the airport. Please note that the hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee (available as an optional extra).

Passengers arriving in Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in East Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the latest security markings (large portrait of the president).

KIT LIST:

• Small backpack (20–40 litres) for your daily necessities
• Large duffel bag for your belongings, which will be carried by a porter (80–120 litres)
• Sleeping bag (designed for up to −15°C)
• Rain poncho, a water-proof covering for your backpack 
• Hiking boots with a water-repellent layer and good protector 
• Gym shoes for the first days of the climb and to change at the camp 
• Hiking pants for the first days of the climb (2 pairs) 
• Waterproof pants
• Warm ski pants (designed for −15°C)
• T-shirts, long sleeve shirts (4–5 pieces) 
• Soft-shell or fleece jacket 
• Windproof jacket
• Insulated jacket for −15°C is an absolute necessity for the final ascent to the summit
• Thermal underwear for active sports (preferably 2 pairs)
• Light trekking gloves
• Mittens/gloves designed for −15°C for the final ascent to the summit
• Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
• Gaiters for protection against dust/snow
• Cap/Panama hat/hat to protect your face and neck against the equatorial sun
• Fleece hat
• Balaclava for wind protection during the final summit ascent
• Alpine sunglasses or googles 
• Headlamp + extra batteries 
• Trekking poles 
• Water flasks (2 litres in total); the flask may be substituted by a water bladder installed in your backpack 
• SPF 40-50+ sunblock 
• Lip balm
• Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
• Personal medication in case of a chronic disease
• Snacks and energy bars, chocolate and nuts