Overview
8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari: The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the North, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, the Rongai route still experiences low traffic. Rongai is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the North side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route.
Day 1: Arrival to Arusha
We will send a driver to the airport to pick you up and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Orientation will take place at the hotel. Our guides will emphasize all the important details regarding your trek and inspect your hiking gear. If you do not have, we do have equipment for hiring. Note that this route is a camping style, so we will provide all camping gears. We normally assign 4 porters per climber and 1 head guide and assistant depending on the group size.
Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Accommodation: Budget camping
- In or near Arusha
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast
- Drinking water
Day 2: Arusha – Rongai Gate Nalemoru – Rongai Camp (2, 600 m)
After an early breakfast in Arusha, you will drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenyan border.
We begin our climb on this unspoiled wilderness route. You will climb consistently, but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
The first day is only a half-day walk.
Nalemoru Gate to Rongai Camp (2,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Main Destination: Rongai Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)
Accommodation: Budget camping
- In or near Rongai Gate
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water
Day 3: Rongai camp – Second Cave Camp (3, 450 m)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After hot lunch, we shall have free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area for an acclimatization walk to Third Cave.
Rongai Camp to Second Cave (3,450 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping
- In or near Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water
Day 4: Second cave camp – Kikelewa cave camp
On this day, you will have a gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3679m). We shall reach late in the afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight stay. You’ll really start to appreciate just how high you are up here, as the stars unfold overhead and the Tanzanian landscape unfurls below.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping
- In or near Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water
Day 5: Kikelewa Cave Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut
From Kilekelewa camp, you will have a short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization. Your landscape on this day will be one of scrubby alpine moorland dotted with plants you’ll have seen nowhere else in Tanzania.
Mawenzi Tarn boasts a spectacular view and ominous towers of stone, making for a unique camping experience.
Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m): 3-4 hours walking.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Mawenzi Hut
- Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
On this day, you will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Hut (4700m), at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. This hiking will take you through true alpine desert – a place of stunning beauty. You’ll have overnight stay at Kibo Hut ahead of your summit attempt.
Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (4,700m); 5-6 hours walking.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
- Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water
Day 7: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
You will wake up early to begin a steep climb. A slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685 m. You will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.
Those who are still feeling energetic can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 m which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, we shall descend to Kiko Hut, which is amazingly fast. After having some refreshments, we shall continue to descend to Horombo Hut.
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
- Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water
Day 8: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha
This will be the last day of your 8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari. You’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate.
It will be an almost 20km walk, but the descent downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.
Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.
Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated component of your Mt. Kilimanjaro trek. Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry.
Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Drinking water
END OF SAFARI
Included
- 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)
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Conclusion
The 8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari will not leave you the same. If you are interested in going for a hiking safari to Mount Kilimanjaro, make your booking today with Pamoja Tours and Travel. We also offer safaris in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zanzibar. Pamoja Tours and Travel is committed to giving you an exceptional, memorable and comfortable safari experience.
