Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Rongai route
Rongai is the only of routes of Kilimanjaro starting on the northern slope of the mount. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.
Getting to the trailhead – Nalemuru Gate – usually takes 3-4 hours from Brubru Lodge or Aishi Machame Hotel. Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain. Though six and seven-day programs are available for the Kilimanjaro Rongai route itinerary, the longer option is recommended for better acclimatization transition.
Day 1:Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Altezza Travel representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 2: Trekking From Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at your hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020m/6627f). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,671 m/8612f). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through the coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro’s northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have prepared everything necessary, put up tents, and begun preparing dinner.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
- Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
- Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
- Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.
It is not uncommon to experience discomfort during the night, high altitude has this effect on the human body. Nausea and headaches are common occurrences in the mountains. However, make sure you alert your guide if you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Day 3: Trekking From Simba to Kikilewa Camp
This day starts with an early breakfast and then departure from Simba Camp to the second high-altitude camp: Kikilewa Camp (3,630m/11909f). From Kikilewa Camp you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest, if the weather is clear. This trek is more physically demanding than the previous one, so once you have reached the camp, we recommend getting some rest
Day 4:Trekking from Kikilewa camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
This day starts with another early breakfast and then a trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest point. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter (656-foot) gain in altitude. After, you will hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening.
The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m/14156f) — Mawenzi Volcano (4,510m/14796f)
Hiking distance: 2 km (1.2 mi)
Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Day 5:Trekking from Mawenzi Camp to School Hut Camp
This day will be spent trekking towards School Hut Camp (4,800m/15748f). The landscape will change significantly to become a rocky semi-desert. The actual trek is not very difficult, just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19340f).
Day 6: Trekking to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Camp
Your group will depart at night from School Hut Camp (4,800m/15748f) and head toward Kilimanjaro’s summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19340f). Technically speaking, the trek is not difficult, however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, for the final summit climbers are paired in twos and put under the care of a personal guide, who will closely monitor their physical well-being. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720m/12204f).
Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Day 7: Descent from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park’s exit: Marangu Gate (1,970m/6463f). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.
- Park Fees
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room