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High
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1-100
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Mountain Tour Guide
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5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter experience, with a high success rate due to its gradual ascent profile. This 7-day itinerary combines stunning scenery, diverse ecological zones, and opportunities for proper acclimatization.
Day 01 :
Arrival in Arusha
- Altitude: 4,590 ft (1,400 m)
- Activities: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to Arusha, and briefing with your guide for the trek preparation.
- Accommodation: NgareSero Lodge or Similar
- Meals Included: Dinner
Day 02 :
Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
- Altitude: 6,398 ft (1,950 m) to 8,530 ft (2,600 m)
- Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Terrain: Forest zone
Begin your trek with a gentle climb through farmlands and lush forest, rich with wildlife. Reach Simba Camp, nestled on the edge of the moorland zone. - Accommodation: Camping at Simba Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03 :
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- Altitude: 8,530 ft (2,600 m) to 11,300 ft (3,450 m)
- Distance: 5.7 miles (9.2 km)
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Terrain: Moorland
Hike through open moorlands with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Stop at Second Cave for the night. - Accommodation: Camping at Second Cave Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04 :
Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
- Altitude: 11,300 ft (3,450 m) to 11,811 ft (3,600 m)
- Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Terrain: Moorland transitioning to alpine desert
The trail continues across the moorland, with increasing isolation and scenic landscapes. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp, surrounded by giant lobelias and unique flora. - Accommodation: Camping at Kikelewa Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05 :
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Altitude: 11,811 ft (3,600 m) to 14,206 ft (4,330 m)
- Distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Terrain: Alpine desert
Ascend steadily to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is a short but steep climb, offering time to acclimatize. - Accommodation: Camping at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06 :
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Altitude: 14,206 ft (4,330 m) to 15,466 ft (4,720 m)
- Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km)
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Terrain: Alpine desert
Cross the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, where you will rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. - Accommodation: Camping at Kibo Hut
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07 :
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
- Altitude: 15,466 ft (4,720 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m) to 10,065 ft (3,070 m)
- Distance: 4 miles (ascent) + 7 miles (descent)
- Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Terrain: Arctic zone, descending to forest zone
Begin your summit attempt around midnight. Reach Gillman’s Point (18,652 ft/5,685 m) for the breathtaking sunrise before heading to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and continue to Mweka Camp. - Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08 :
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Altitude: 10,065 ft (3,070 m) to 5,380 ft (1,640 m)
- Distance: 6 miles (10 km)
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Terrain: Forest zone
Enjoy your final descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive a summit certificate. Transfer back to Arusha for rest and celebration. - Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 09 :
Departure
- Activities: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or onward to a safari or Zanzibar adventure.
- Park Fees
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
- Camping fees and rescue fees
- Guides, Porters, and Crew
- Professional, English-speaking mountain guides
- Experienced porters and chef
- Fair wages for the crew
- 2 nights at a hotel in Arusha (before and after the trek)
- Tented camping during the trek
- All meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water and hot drinks throughout the trek
- Transportation
- Airport transfers
- Portable toilet tents for comfort
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Tents for sleeping
- Kilimanjaro climbing certificates (Gold for Uhuru Peak, Green for other points)
- Government-imposed VAT and taxes
- Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Visa and Travel Insurance
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required for the trek)
- Sleeping bags and trekking poles
- Personal clothing, hiking boots, and backpacks
- Optional Tips
- Gratuities for guides, porters, and crew
- Extra Costs
- Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, snacks, etc.)
- Additional accommodations before or after the trek (if not included in the itinerary)
- Optional Activities
- Additional tours, safaris, or excursions beyond the trek
- Meals not listed in the itinerary (e.g., dinners in Arusha)
