8 Day Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek (Rongai Route) Tour by Hope Adventures Safaris

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

50 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

1950mHighest point reached

Starts

Moshi, Tanzania

Ends

Moshi, Tanzania

Highlights

Trek Africa's highest mountain on a much less crowded route compared to other route

Watch sunrise views over the summit crater rim

Enjoyable morning hike and having the campsite to yourselves

A unique perspective to climbing Kilimanjaro

Itinerary

Venture off the well-trodden path with the 8 Day Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek via the Rongai Route, a unique journey that approaches Africa’s tallest peak from its remote northeastern flank bordering Kenya. This route, prized for its sense of unspoiled wilderness, offers trekkers a rare perspective of Kilimanjaro. While the Rongai ascent doesn’t allow for the typical ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle (making an extra acclimatization day advisable), it rewards with solitude and stunning vistas. The trek culminates on the classic Kibo summit path to Gilman’s Point before descending via the Marangu Route. This tour is ideal for hikers seeking a quieter, distinctive Kilimanjaro experience and for those eager to witness diverse landscapes and wildlife. Its USP: The Rongai Route’s tranquil trails, allowing for a more intimate connection with the mountain’s raw beauty.

day 1 - Moshi

Collection from Kilimanjaro airport, and transfer to Springlands Hotel located in Moshi Town close to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here you will have a climb briefing and time to prepare and overnight

Overnight at Springlands Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Springlands Hotel

day 2 - Climb to Forest Edge Camp

After completing the necessary registration formalities at the National Park gate, we transfer to the start of the Rongai Route. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first Forest Edge camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. (3-4 hours walking)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

day 3 - Climb to Kikelewa Camp

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields 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 Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) (6-7 hours walking)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

day 4 - Climb to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of total wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. (3-4 hours walking)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

day 5 - Climb to School Camp

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School Campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! (5-6 hours walking)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Accommodation: Camping

day 6 - Summit Day, Descent to Horombo Camp

We start the final day by torchlight at around 1 am. This is by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb. Plodding very slowly in the darkness along a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree, we head for the crater rim and Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there 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 (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and after some refreshments, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). (11-15 hours walking)

Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Accommodation: Sleeping huts

day 7 - Descend to National Park Gate - Moshi

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). (5-6 hours walking). When you finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Accommodation:4 Star Hotel at Springlands Hotel

day 8 - Depart

Day at leisure including lunch before your final transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport airport for departure flight.

8 Day Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek (Rongai Route)

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What's Included

Professional, experienced mountain guides and potersAll Park fees, hut / camp fees and rescue feesAll meals while on the mountainAll pre and post climb accommodation as mentionedGovernment taxesTransfers as specified

What's Excluded

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