This 6-day itinerary takes you to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Rongai Route. Tranquil Kilimanjaro offers treks up the Rongai Route, which is recognized for being more picturesque than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and with a high success rate. Unlike the Marangu Route, where you sleep in huts, the Rongai Route requires you to sleep in tents (tents are provided) that are pitched by porters. Meals are served outside on a blanket or under a dining tent. One of the least trafficked routes, the Rongai begins on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border. For the summit ascent, the Rongai meets the Marangu, and then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast flank, giving you magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Lake Chala Safari Lodge (Premium)
After breakfast in Moshi town, Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours will transfer you to Rongai for the start of your 6-day Rongai Route trek. The trail ascends from Nale Moru through pine forests, showcasing the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. The first camp offers breathtaking views of the Kenyan lowlands. [Walking time: 3–4 hours]
7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
The morning trek is a steady rise to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.), which offers spectacular views of Kibo and the crater rim‘s Eastern ice fields. After lunch, we depart from the main trail and follow a narrower path through the moorland to Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. Near the Kikelewa Caves, our campground is in a hidden valley with spectacular views (3.600 m.) [Walking for 6-7 hours]
5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude gained: 852m
Ascending steep grassy hills, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramas and a feeling of untamed beauty. Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.) awaits, nestled in a cirque beneath Mawenzi’s majestic spires. Take the afternoon to rest or venture out and discover the surroundings. [Walking time: 3–4 hours]
Traversing the barren lunar desert known as the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo, we arrive at the School campsite (4,750 m.) nestled at the base of the Kibo crater rim. Take this time to recharge and prepare for the final ascent, ensuring an early night’s rest. [Walking time: 4-5 hours]
At midnight or 1 a.m., equipped with torchlight, we embark on the toughest part of the ascent. Scaling the steep and challenging switchback track on loose volcanic scree, we reach Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) on the crater rim. After a brief pause to witness the sunrise over Mawenzi, those feeling strong may proceed to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) in three hours, passing magnificent glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is swift, and after replenishing our energy, we continue to Horombo, our final campsite (3,720 m.). [Walking time: 11 to 15 hours]
Rise early and embark on a lengthy descent through moorland to reach Mandara Hut (2,700m), the initial stop before reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance (1,830m). The walk takes approximately 5-6 hours. In the evening, you will be transported to Springlands Hotel or an Alternative Hotel in Moshi, marking the conclusion of our 6-day Rongai Route expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro.
You’ll have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and prepare for your journey back home. Before departing you may consider extending your adventure with a Tanzania safari or a well-deserved relaxation in Zanzibar. Choose to add on this exciting option and make the most of your trip with us at Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours.
We understand that every traveler is different, and we want to make sure that your experience with us is nothing less than perfect. Therefore, please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any special requests or preferences that you would like us to consider when crafting your personalized itinerary.
Experience Mount Kilimanjaro's diverse climatic zones on the Marangu route. Rainforests to high-altitude deserts. Same path for ascent and descent.
The Marangu route, the oldest Kilimanjaro route, has communal A-frame huts for accommodation but a low success rate due to limited time for acclimatization.
The Machame Route's 7-day itinerary ensures safe acclimatization, making it popular for stunning scenic beauty and successful summiting. Recommended for experienced climbers, longer routes have higher success rates.
The Machame Route's 7-day itinerary ensures safe acclimatization, making it popular for stunning scenic beauty and successful summiting. Recommended for experienced climbers, longer routes have higher success rates.
Embark on our 6-day Rongai Route trek, offering picturesque scenery, ease of trekking, and a high success rate. Sleep in tents pitched by porters, enjoy meals outdoors, and experience the less crowded northern side of Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai Route is a quieter and easier option up Kilimanjaro, with stunning views and less chance of adverse weather. Includes acclimatization and scramble over Jamaica Rocks.
The 7-day Lemosho route is known for its scenic beauty, diverse vegetation, and less crowded trails. It takes you through the dramatic Shira Plateau and offers an excellent alternative among the Mount Kilimanjaro routes.
Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours offers a unique and less crowded Lemosho Route to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit, with stunning views, diverse wildlife, and recommended 8-day itinerary for acclimatization.
The Northern Circuit is a scenic and less crowded route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking 9 days with a high success rate.
We offer Kilimanjaro treks, wildlife safaris, and Zanzibar beach holidays in Tanzania with a dedicated team committed to quality service and safety.
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