9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
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Highlight About 9 Day Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is one of the quieter paths up Kilimanjaro, approaching the mountain from the north near the Kenyan border. It offers gradual acclimatization, diverse landscapes, and stunning views across the Kenyan plains. This 9-day itinerary maximizes acclimatization time and increases summit success rates.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival
Arriving any time at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a private transfer waiting to pick you up and drive you to your hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay. In the evening, we gather for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Day 02: Rongai Gate – First Camp
After completing registration at the Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,500ft), the trek begins through farmland and pine forest. Wildlife may be spotted, including the beautiful Colobus monkeys. The first camp sits at the edge of moorland (2,600m/9,000ft). [3–4 hrs walking, 8km/5 miles, Rainforest zone]
Day 03: First Camp – Second Cave
Morning walk to Second Cave (3,450m/11,300ft), with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields. Afternoon at leisure or optional short acclimatization hike. [3–4 hrs walking, 6km/4 miles, Moorland zone]
Day 04: Second Cave – Kikelewa Caves
Leaving the main trail, we head across moorland to Kikelewa Caves (3,600m/11,800ft). The camp is set in a beautiful valley with unique high-altitude vegetation. [2.5–3.5 hrs walking, 6km/4 miles, Alpine desert zone]
Day 05: Kikelewa Caves – Mawenzi Tarn
A steep but rewarding climb to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,150ft), located beneath the spires of Mawenzi. Afternoon free for rest or exploration. [3–4 hrs walking, 5km/3 miles, Alpine desert zone]
Day 06: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,450ft). Rest and prepare for the summit attempt. [4–5 hrs walking, 8km/5 miles, Alpine desert zone]
Day 07: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Begin summit attempt at midnight. Trek through volcanic scree to Gillman’s Point (5,685m/18,600ft) for sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) if strong. Descend to Kibo for rest, then down to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft). [11–15 hrs walking, 20km/14 miles, Summit zone]
Day 08: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
Descend steadily through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,850ft) and continue into lush rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft). Transfer to Moshi. [5–6 hrs walking, 20km/12 miles, Rainforest zone]
Day 09: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home or onward journey.
What is Included?
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Moshi (before and after the climb)
• Private four-season mountain tents
• Professional, experienced mountain guides
• All Park fees, entry fees, rescue fees, camping fees
• All meals while on the mountain
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Salaries for guides, porters, cooks, and park staff
• Mess tents with table and chairs
• Transport to and from the park gates
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Private, portable chemical flush toilets
• Fair and ethical porter treatment
• Summit certificate (if successful)
What is Not Included?
• Tanzania Visa ($50 per person on arrival)
• Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.)
• Meals not listed
• Optional tours (safari, cultural tours, day trips)
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
• Personal trekking equipment
• Travel and medical insurance
• Vaccinations (Yellow Fever if applicable, recommended Hepatitis A & Meningitis)
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