What to Expert
Adventurous Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days Trek
The sight of the permanent snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m), fondly known as Kili, provides a constant source of inspiration when viewed from the vast plains. The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days trek, approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, offers a different perspective on the mountain, retaining a sense of unspoiled wilderness. This unique Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days trail begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, passes through several different climate zones, and ensures maximum acclimatization. While the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days ascent does not require technical climbing, the trails are demanding, requiring a sound level of fitness and an ability to acclimatize. From the alluring summit of Uhuru Peak, you will have amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding plains.
Your Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the city of Arusha. Located close to the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is surrounded by lush greenery and is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s excellent national parks. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the city and discover its excellent food and drinks scene. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Under the Shade (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Day 2: Drive to Rongai and Start Hike to First Camp (2600m)
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, transfer by Land Rover to Rongai. Begin the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days climb from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [4-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 3: Trek to Kikelewa Caves (3600m)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Camp in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves. [4-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 4: Trek to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. [3-4 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 5: Trek to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo campsite (4700m) situated at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [5-6 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 6: Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descend to Horombo Hut (3720m)
Start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Walk slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5685m). Rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the pinnacle of the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days trek, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Kibo (4700m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue to descend to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3720m). Today’s Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days trekking involves 11 to 15 hours of walking, made more strenuous by the effects of altitude and extreme cold. [11-15 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Descend to Marangu Gate and Transfer to Arusha or Airport
A steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m); then continue descending through lush forest on a steady path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830m). Transfer to Arusha for an overnight stay or drop off at the airport. [5-6 hours walking]
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Moivaro Coffee Lodge (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Inclusions
- Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis
- 5 nights fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis
- Group camping equipment including tents (sleeping bag and mat not included – can be hired locally)
- Experienced local mountain guides, cook, and camp crew
- Porters to carry personal and group equipment
- Emergency oxygen
- Potable Mountain Toilet
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Tips
- Visa
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
