The Quiet One
Bantu Pori Journeys - The Rongai Route
Tour Package Overview
There is only one route that takes you over the North-Eastern side of the mountain, and that is the Rongai Route. Although the scenery on this route is not as spectacular as others, this lesser known track has much less traffic than the other routes, offering a more exclusive experience.
This route takes you through untouched wilderness. From maize fields and rainforest to rugged rocks and snow capped peaks, you’ll truly feel like you’re exploring the wild on this route to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Rongai Route
Day By Day
Day 0 :
Arrival In Tanzania : Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. On arrival in Tanzania we will transfer roughly 1 hour to your hotel in Moshi town. You`ll have a short time to freshen up, and then have a briefing. Your guide will give you a briefing and ensure that you have all the gear/kits required for the trip. If you are missing essential equipment it can be rented for very cheap prices.
Our briefings will give you a clear view of the days to come from your personal guide and CEO, also you will be told your exact crew numbers and make up as well as get a chance to ask any questions.
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 1
Rongai Gate/Nalemoru to Simba Camp/First Cave Camp :
You will be taken to the Marangu Gate for registration and then you will be transferred to the Rongai trailhead where you will meet your guide and porters before starting your hike.
You will begin your hike from the Nale Moru village where winding paths will lead you through maize fields to dense forest. It’s a gentle hike to the first camp, First Cave at Simba Cave Camp.
Elevation: 2625m
Driving Distance: 8 Km
Duration: 3-4 Hrs
Habitat : Mountain forest
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Simba Camp/First Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Cave :
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
Elevation: 3600M
Walking Distance: 10 KM
Walking Time: 5 to 6 HRS
Habitat : Moorland and Heather Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Kikelewa Caves To Mawenzi Tarn Camp:
Today’s hike is short but steep, taking you up grassy slopes surrounded by beautiful wilderness. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn situated beneath the towering Mawenzi peak.
Here you will Spend the afternoon acclimatising and exploring the area.
Elevation: 4,330 m
Walking Distance: 5 KM
Walking Time: 3 to 4 Hrs
Habitat : Moorlands Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut :
The route gradually develops into a steeper, rockier trail as we further ourselves from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Traveling along the meek landscape of the ashen ‘Saddle’, an expansive lava stone ridge amid Mawenzi and Kibo, provides stunning views of the lofty peak of Kilimanjaro. An appetising, warm meal will be served when we arrive at the Kibo Hut (4703m). You will have a relaxing evening and an early bedtime to ensure that you are well rested for the midnight trek to the summit.
Elevation: 4700 m
Walking Distance: 8 km
Walking Time: 5-6 Hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Summit Attempt, Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut :
You will wake up around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction, You made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut for a short rest ten after you descent to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The descent to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around almost 14 hours, . Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and well-earned sleep
Elevation: Up 5895m, Down 3100m
Walking Distance: Approx. 6 Km ascent and 16 Km descent
Walking Time: 8 hrs to reach Uhuru Peak, 4-5 hrs to descend to Horombo Hut
Habitat : Stone scree and Ice-capped summit Learn More
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi :
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha or Moshi where your trekking tour ends with sweet memories.
Park View Hotel (Bed & Breakfast): Possibility to upgrade to more luxurious accommodation (at an extra cost) or downgrade to more economic options (price reduction).
Meals : Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
Day 7 :
Departure Date/Flight Day :
A long and short safari, Zanzibar holiday or Mafia island adventure can be arranged right after your trek or at the beginning of your trek with us. If you wish to explore round Moshi Town and visit some of it's local attractions and people, you'll need to spend another overnight. We have put together a list of Moshi destinations. View Them Here
If not, You will be transfered to the airport ready for you flight back home or onward to your next destination.
No Accommodation : Check-out time is 10:30am
Meals : Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
