8 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE Trekking

4.7 (1,127) Reviews

★★★★★ 4.7/5

Descriptions

Experience the thrill of an 8-day Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, navigating the Rongai route for both ascent and descent. This exhilarating journey offers breathtaking scenery, challenging trails, and unforgettable experiences as we traverse diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. Join us as we summit the majestic Kilimanjaro, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Included

transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
professional, English-speaking guide
meals according to the itinerary
Accomodation according to the itinerary
drinking water
activities and transfers as per itinerary
all national park fees
Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari

Excluded

flights (international and domestic)
meals not indicated in the itinerary
alcoholic and soft drinks
optional activities
tips
personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance

Itinerary

The Rongai climbing route is the sole path leading up the northeastern slopes of Kilimanjaro Mountain. While the Marangu Route ranks as the second most challenging trekking route, the Rongai Route garners increasing recommendations from guides for its awe-inspiring and distinctive wilderness settings. Trekking through the pristine wilderness for several days precedes joining the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp, enhancing the adventure.

Along the climb, designated caves offer climbers the opportunity to spend nights surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, making this route a favored choice for those seeking to avoid crowds, particularly during peak holiday periods. Climbers can complete this route in six days or more, tailoring the experience to suit individual preferences and pacing.

Day 1: Arrival

You will be greeted at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transported to Moshi, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation awaits you at the base hotel in either Moshi or Arusha city, where you will receive comprehensive trekking briefings from your mountain guide. This includes final preparations before beginning the journey to the summit of Africa's highest peak.
DAY 2: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Covering a distance of 8 kilometers or 5 miles, our trek will elevate us from 6,398 feet to 9,300 feet over a hiking duration of 3 to 4 hours amidst the lush rainforest habitat. Our journey commences with a brief transfer of less than an hour from Moshi to Marangu Gate, where mandatory registration, permits, and briefings await. We embark on another short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. As we approach the trailhead, we'll traverse through picturesque potato and corn farms before gently ascending into the forest, home to various wildlife, including the renowned white and black colobus monkeys.
DAY 3: Rongai Cave to Second Cave

Covering a distance of 6 kilometers or 4 miles, our trek from Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave elevates us from 9,300 feet to 11,300 feet over a hiking duration of 3 to 4 hours amidst the heath habitat. We begin our trail early in the morning and embark on a gradual ascent towards Second Cave. From there, we navigate through moorland, veering off the main path onto a narrow trail leading towards the rugged peaks of Mawenzi. Finally, we reach Kikelewa Cave, where we will spend the night, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the mountain.
DAY 4: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Covering a distance of 5 kilometers or 3 miles, our trek elevates us from 11,811 feet to 14,160 feet over a hiking duration of 3 to 4 hours amidst the alpine desert habitat. On this day, we will ascend a steep, grassy slope, offering stunning views of the surrounding wildlife. As we trek, the landscape changes dramatically, transitioning from the heath zone to the alpine desert zone. Our camp will be situated beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn, providing a picturesque setting for relaxing or exploring the surrounding area during the remaining daylight hours.
DAY 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Covering a distance of 2 kilometers or 1 mile, our trek from Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn maintains an elevation ranging from 14,160 feet to 14,400 feet over a hiking duration of 1 to 2 hours amidst the alpine desert habitat. This additional trekking day is designated explicitly for acclimatization, allowing us to explore the surrounding area of Mawenzi Ridge. The distinctive landscape offers climbers breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi, the twin peaks of Kilimanjaro. After discussing and appreciating the surroundings, we return to Mawenzi Tarn for camping, ensuring a well-paced ascent and proper acclimatization.
DAY 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Covering a distance of 8 kilometers or 5 miles, our trek elevates us from 14,160 feet to 15,430 feet over a hiking duration of 5 to 6 hours amidst the alpine desert habitat. As we ascend, we gradually traverse the lunar-like desert terrain known as the "Saddle," nestled between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Kibo Hut awaits us at the base of Kibo's crater wall, where we will set up camp and spend the rest of the day enjoying an early dinner in preparation for the summit day ahead.
DAY 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Covering a distance of 6 kilometers or 4 miles, our trek from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut elevates us from 15,430 feet to 19,341 feet over a hiking duration of 6 to 8 hours amidst the arctic habitat. We begin our ascent around midnight, slowly pushing towards Uhuru Peak. This part of the trek is mentally and physically demanding, with extreme wind and cold at the high elevation, especially at night. Ascending in darkness for several hours, we take brief breaks along the way. As we approach Stella Point at 18,900 feet, we are greeted by the glorious sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where we experience the breathtaking view from the roof of Africa. After soaking in the moment and celebrating our triumph, we descend towards Horombo Hut.
DAY 7: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

This portion of the trek descends from 19,341 feet to 12,250 feet, covering a distance of 16 kilometers or 10 miles. It typically takes 4 to 5 hours and traverses through the heath habitat. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, we share our experiences and stories of achievement over our last meal together on the mountain before resting and reflecting on our remarkable journey.
DAY 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Covering a distance of 20 kilometers or 12 miles, our descent from an elevation of 12,205 feet to 6,046 feet will take approximately 5 to 7 hours, leading us through the lush and dense tropical rainforest habitat. As we make our way downhill, we'll immerse ourselves in the serene surroundings, enjoying the sights and sounds of the vibrant forest. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, the park headquarters, we will be proudly awarded summit certificates for our successful ascent. At Marangu Gate, vehicles are waiting to transfer us back to a base hotel in Moshi, where we can reflect on our incredible journey and celebrate our achievements.

TBA

from 1650$

Price per person

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Tailored Trekking

King Solomon Safaris offers customized travel experiences in Tanzania that combine wildlife safaris, mountain treks, and beach vacations to suit every traveler's preferences.

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What They Say

     Excellent  
     Based on 52 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Lena W 
 2023-10-26
 
 
  Best driver you can get
My experience with King Solomon was great! He organized the whole trip, so that I don't had to worry about anything. With a massive and outstanding knowledge about the animals and wildness he drove me through the parks. Especially in the Serengeti he managed the impossible: He found baby cheetahs! I saw the big five (okay, rhinos a bit far away), but about thirty to forty lions, a bunch of leopards and cheetahs and of course a lot of more common animals. With all he was very flexible and able to take my wishes into the plans. I can highly recommend the tour with Tangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Also a walking safari was included and very informative and nice. If you are looking for a driver and unsure where your money is well invested: here. I can highly recommend him.
  
 
       
   Ay J 
 2023-05-12
 
 
  Best driver and Guide ever
King Solomon is the king of the Safari for sure but also the best driver ! You feel confortable being almost all day in the car. He is very good to spot the animals and he will do his best to not miss any. Everything was well organized, the food is great. In our last day in Arusha our flight was delayed and he took care of us showing us around before dropping us at the airport. I fully recommend him for any person who wants to have the best safari ever in Tanzania.
  
 
       
   mourad 
 2023-02-19
 
 
  amazing safari
salut à tous, je viens de france et je ne connaissais pas kingsalomon s'est en cherchant sur le Web que je suis tombé sur sa page , tout de suite le contenu et les commentaires nous ont facilité dans notre choix.Puis nous avons pris en contact avec salomon et le courant est bien passé, il nous a fait un prix raisonnable pour une famille de 5.Ensuite lorsque nous avons été en tanzanie nous avons eut des souci de vol , salomon et venu nous chercher malgré 5h de retard pour nous déposé à notre hôtel. Concernant le safari,ce fut magnifique nous en avons pris plein les yeux, car en plus de la visite du parc nous avions un guide qui parlais français plus simple pour les explications.De plus salomon nous a mis dans des lodges sans rien rajouter car à la base nous devions dormir dans des tentes, merci à vous salomon. Pour conclure je recommande kingsalomon pour son professionnalisme, sa générosité, son accueil et son humanisme.
  
 
       
   חן ז 
 2023-02-14
 
 
  Best safari tour guy in Tanzania
Hey, I’m Hen from Israel and I was looking a lot for a tour guy that will be good and that I can trust him. I found king Solomon after a friend’s recommendation and I booked him. I found out that he’s the best tour guy I could have asked for, he’s very nice very responsible and the most important he’s the most professional tour guy there’s, he can find everything and everywhere, never get lost and always takes care for us. I’m glad I made this decision and for sure highly recommending about him. If you are looking for the best safari experience King Solomon is the guy! Looking forward for our next experience with him!
  
 
       
   Tomer M 
 2023-02-14
 
 
  If you look for the best tour guy than he’s here…
I’ll start by saying, if you think about him, choose him! Solomon is the best driver we could have found and the best tour guy in Tanzania! He knows everything about everywhere and every animal, he will do anything to find you all the best location and rare animals, he can find animals hiding in the bushes with his bare eyes where I barely could’ve found them with the binuclear And the most important he knows every route and never get lost (which some other tour guys are getting lost sometimes). We had the best experience with him and I’m highly recommending about him, you will have the best safari experience that can be! Go King Solomon!
  
 
       
   iamkeith18 
 2023-02-04
 
 
  Such good company. Felt like we had the most knowledgeable guide
We spent 6 days with King Solomon, who was friendly and good company. It’s clear that he is well connected with the parks and other guides which meant that he often knew what had been seen recently and where. His knowledge of the parks is fantastic and he has a super-human eye for spotting things you otherwise would miss. We had a great time and found King Solomon to be really funny and knowledgable. Would definitely highly recommend.
  
 
       
   Foued BH 
 2023-01-14
 
 
  Unique experience with an unique guide
Our safari was amazing with king Solomon as a guide. he is very professional, he can find all the animals in the savannah. we loved his company!! thank you King we are a fan of you and the experience you made us live
  
 
       
   Jazlyn H 
 2023-01-02
 
 
  Amazing 5 stars
Solomon was excellent at spotting animals that weren't visible to the naked eye. He found a black and white colobus money high us in the trees and a Jaguar. Solomon is a great guide with lots of stories to tell. He is extremely knowledgeable and has had over a decade years of experience. I highly recommend booking through Solomon as his attention to detail will ensure your trip is a cut above the rest. Meals were provided on the trip in hampers every day for the 3 days that we went which was excellent. There were also facilities around the park to occasionally stop for a toilet break. Overall I will be coming back to Tanzania and booking through Solomon again. He also offers hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti which I am keen to do next time.
  
 
       
   Hanen 
 2023-01-01
 
 
  It was A wonderful experience
The best safari guide ever I recommend 100% It was a wonderful experience Thanks to king solomone, the safari was top top top
  
 
       
   Tomasz M 
 2022-03-20
 
 
  Amazing safari!
Solomon is a great, professional safari guide who knows exactly when and where to go to give you the best possible safari experience. Moreover he's a very good driver, with whom you feel safe, and a super friendly person. We had great time and we saw a lot of animals thanks to Solomon's "eagle eye" and big experience. The whole safari was very well organized, we didn't need to worry about anything from the moment when Solomon picked us up at the airport in Kilimanjaro to the moment when he left us at the Seronera Airstrip 5 days later. I enjoyed every minute of it. The hotels, which he chose for us, were amazing (one in a coffee plantation and the other one in the middle of Serengeti - wow!). The food that he provided us with was very good and more than we could eat. Overall the whole experience was awesome and worth every penny!