TOUR DETAILS

AVT 2.2 KILIMANJARO CLIMB (RONGAI ROUTE) – 9 DAYS

Starting from the north side of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than other routes. Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having extra, with longer and shorter walking days during the trek to the 19,340 foot summit and return. We believe that the longer you take on the mountain, the more chance you have to acclimatize to the elevation, and have success in reaching the summit. This route is considered to have less climbing, but only during the ascent; when descending, it joins up with the Marangu Route — the most popular tourist route on the mountain, but only for one night, at Horombo Hut and Campground.

TOUR ITINERARY

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Day 1 – Arrival/Arusha
Upon arrival at Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by a driver/guide and transferred to the L’Oasis Lodge in nearby Arusha for the night.

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DAY 2 – Arusha/Preparing for Mt. Kili Trek
Today is a free day, during which you’ll meet with your guide and discuss the climb, the route, and make sure that you have all of the correct equipment. Dinner and overnight at L’Oasis Lodge.
kili Climbing
DAY 3 – Kili trekking Altitude: 6,396′ to 8,530′; Hiking time: 3-4 hours
This morning you’ll depart Marangu for a 2.5 hour drive on an unpaved road to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your climbing staff and begin hiking from the village of Nale Moru. The winding path wanders along maize and sugar cane fields before entering pine forest, then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro colobus monkey. Our campsite is on the edge of the Moorland zone, with expansive views of the Kenyan plains and Kibo peak above. Dinner and overnight at Rongai Campground.
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DAY 4 – Kili trekking Altitude: 8,530′ to 11,320′; Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Set off with Kibo Crater in sight today for a challenging ascent to the “Second Cave,” where you will relax and eat a hot lunch with superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch we head east towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley. Dinner and overnight at Kikelewa Caves Campground.

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DAY 5 – Kili trekking Altitude: 11,320′ to 14,210′; Hiking time: 3-4 hours
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we reach our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. We’ll take a short acclimatization hike this afternoon which will take us to 15,500 feet, preparing us for the altitude of Kibo Hut that we’ll reach tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut.

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DAY 6 – Kili trekking Altitude: 14,210′ to 15,580′; Hiking time: 4-5 hours
We cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut. The trail is fairly straight today but the distance will be deceptive. We arrive at Kibu Hut in time for lunch, and the remainder of the day is spent resting, in preparation for the final ascent. Dinner and half-night at Kibo Hut before final ascent.

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Day 7 – Final Ascent Altitude: 15,580′ to 18,650′ (Gillman’s Point) to 19,340′ (summit) then down to 12,200′; Hiking time: 12-16 hours
Begin the final, steepest, and most difficult part of the ascent at 12:00am. Hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Along the way we pass the markers to rest for a short time and enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. For those who feel strong enough, continue (3 hrs roundtrip) to Uhuru Peak, passing close to spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. Descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest, then continue down the Marangu Route to our Horombo Camp for dinner and overnight.

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Day 8 – Descent to Marangu/Arusha; Altitude: 12,200′ to 6,250′; Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Descend steadily through the moorland, past Mandara Hut and through a lush rain forest to the Marangu Park gate, and drive back to Arusha to L’Oasis Lodge for a hot shower, dinner, and overnight.
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Day 9 – Arusha shopping/Departure for home
A dayroom will be provided for you at L’Oasis Lodge. In the morning go shopping for souvenirs and goods in Arusha, then back to the Lodge for lunch and packing your duffle. Enjoy an early evening dinner and transfer to the airport for home departure, or extend your African experience with one of the available options.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TREKKERS

Optional extensions include: photo safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Serengeti National Parks; walking safari; chimpanzee tracking; Zanzibar adventure

General information for trekkers

Accommodations while camping is in 3-person mountain tents shared by only 2 people. Vehicles or local porters will carry all your gear; you only have to carry a daypack with your personal belongings. During camping, you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally, and to ensure good standards of hygiene, all food is prepared by our own staff. We cater for special dietary requirements, and there are no extra food charges. We can also arrange extra hotel bookings and airport transfers for before and after your trip.

Please note

We do not post our pricing on our website so we can customize your trip to fit your exact needs. We pride ourselves on our very affordable and competitive pricing, and the flexibility in scheduling and arranging every detail of your trip. The best way to communicate with us is by email. Please send your contact information, general trip plans and questions to info@elevatetrekkingandsafaris.com to start planning your next adventure. See below for what is included and what is excluded in the price of this trip.

INCLUDES

Price quote includes
All ground transport – 4WD safari vehicles; guarantee of window-seating
Accommodations, as detailed, in comfortable and roomy hotels/lodges or tents when camping
Camping equipment, except sleeping bags and insulation mats, while Kili trekking, and we can arrange to have these items rented
Services of guides, cooks and porters
All national park entrance and camp site fees
All food — breakfasts, (packed) lunches, and dinners
High altitude emergency equipment (Garmow Bag, oxygen and pulse oximeter) during the climb
Private portable flushing and chemical toilet while trekking
Katadyn Combi Microfilter, to filter drinking water while trekking
Flying doctors evacuation service
Price quote excludes
International flights
Travel and personal accident insurance
Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
Tips/gratuities
Expenditure for alcoholic drinks and soda at lodges/hotels
Souvenirs and personal items
Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
Any additional services requested