TREKKING HOLIDAY: Reach for the skies and climb to the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and the highest point in Africa, following the quieter and more scenic Rongai route. Are you ready for the challenge?
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Marangu
Welcome to Tanzania! Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to our hotel in Marangu. The rest of the day is at leisure before our trek starts in the morning.
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort
Trek to First Cave Camp (2,600m)
At 5895m above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and majestically straddles the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Climbing to the top of this dormant volcano is one of Africa’s most exhilarating experiences and today we rise to the challenge. An early start takes us to the pretty wooden village of Nale Moru where we will begin our trek through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The forest begins to thin out and first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Overnight: Rongai Campsiite - First Cave Camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Kikelewa Campsite (3600m)
After breakfast we continue our steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near the Kikelewa Caves.
Overnight: Kikelewa Campsite | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
After a good night’s rest, our trek continues with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Kibo Camp (4750m)
Today we cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Camp at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent.
Overnight: Kibo Camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Summit (5896m)
Very early this morning the ascent continues as we climb very slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi, before we have the opportunity to carry on to Uhuru Peak. Absorb the magnificent views across Kenya and Tanzania at ‘the roof of the world’. The descent back to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo.
Overnight: Horombo Huts | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Final Descent
Today is the final day of our trek as we make our final descent to Marangu gate and park headquarters. At Marangu gate successful climbers receive their summit certificates. We meet our driver guide with a packed lunch and drive back to the hotel to take a hot shower and celebrate!
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marangu
After breakfast, depart and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.
Breakfast
Details of the Climb
Grade: Strenuous
Route: Rongai
Walking: 5 hours daily
Summit Day: 13 - 16 hours
Altitude: Max 5895m
Group size: 1 - 15
Rongai trailhead is to be found on the Kenyan border on the Northern Side of the Mountain. Its position in the rain shadow of Kili means it has a completely different landscape from the other routes, drier and more open, allowing for better views. It is a beautiful route, with few climbers, and a very gentle ascent, suggesting it as the ideal route to take. However, the position of the trailhead makes reaching it difficult, there is no park office and so park fees must be paid in Marangu and the only descent route allowed by KINAPA is Marangu, detracting from the remote wilderness of the ascent. Nevertheless it is a very worthwhile route, and the advantages make it attractive only to those operators intent on offering something different.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room/tent. The 'Single Room' price is applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room/tent. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room/tent.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 5 out of 5 based on 3 recent reviews
I am still absolutely amazed about the service levels of the porters. They were friendly, helpful, supportive, kind. They went out of their way, every day, to assist. I wouldn’t have summitted without them. Food and accommodation was well take care off. I would highly recommend your services. ”
What an absolutely amazing trip to Kilimanjaro, our guide was exceptional, as well as the support team. They made a memorable experience, even more amazing and I was highly impressed from the food, service, and expertise.”
The tour was great. it was with every penny and and energy that went into it, The Tour Guide John and his team from are really the best , I have never experienced service on such a high world class level. ”
At a Glance
I am still absolutely amazed about the service levels of the porters. They were friendly, helpful, supportive, kind. They went out of their way, every day, to assist. I wouldn’t have summitted without them. Food and accommodation was well take care off. I would highly recommend your services. ”
