9 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Hike.
Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, is regarded as one of the world’s most stunning natural attractions. It reaches 5,895m (19,341ft) above sea level and is a dormant volcano that has lured adventurers looking to summit its peak from all over the world. One of the lesser-travelled and more scenic routes to the summit is the Rongai Route, which approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side close to the Kenya border.
The Rongai Route provides stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s wilderness and is only one of the ways to summit the mountain. Enjoy this 9-day VIP package that provides a luxurious, comfortable, and just adventurous enough way to experience Kilimanjaro while straddling the line of adventure and relaxation, and enjoy exclusive services that include the finest guides, private tent accommodations, and gourmet camp meals.
9 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Hike Highlights.
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Explore Arusha National Park.
Day 3: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp.
Day 4: Rongai Cave to Kikelewa Camp.
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and then to Horombo Hut.
Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate.
Day 9: Departure Day.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Your 9-day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Hike begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our representative from Nyumbu Beyond Journeys will meet you with a warm smile. You’ll then be transported in a private vehicle to your luxury accommodation in Arusha, the tranquil town regarded as the gateway to many of Tanzania’s famous mountains and national parks. When you arrive and check into the hotel, you will meet with your mountain guide, and he/she will conduct a detailed briefing about the trek and check the gear that you bring. Afterwards, feel free to relax by the pool or enjoy an incredible meal at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2: Explore Arusha National Park.
You will start the day with a tasty breakfast; after the breakfast, you will meet your safari guide and then get ready for a full-day trip to Arusha National Park, a lovely park just at the base of Mount Meru. It is a stunningly scenic park with all different types of forests and open grasslands and has a number of animal species, including giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, colobus monkeys, etc. There is also an option to do a leisurely nature walk and/or a canoe paddle along Momella Lakes, which is home to many beautiful pink flamingos, among other wildlife. This day provides a great feeling for your body to start acclimatizing to comfortably higher altitudes and take in Tanzania’s beautiful nature. In the evening, you return back to your hotel for dinner and a restful night.
Day 3: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp.
After breakfast, you will have a 3-hour drive to the Rongai Gate (1,950 m), where your hike will officially start with signing in and meeting your porters and guides. From here, you’ll begin your ascent through farmland, with majestic pine trees surrounding you. The trail is gradual and quiet, giving you your first taste of the untouched wilderness of Kilimanjaro’s northern side. You’ll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, then continue hiking to Simba Camp (2,600 m), located at the edge of the moorland zone. As the evening approaches, you will enjoy a hot, freshly prepared dinner in VIP-style in a mess tent before turning in and resting for the night.
Day 4: Rongai Cave to Kikelewa Camp.
After breakfast, you will continue your trek from Simba Camp towards Rongai Cave (3,400 m) for a short rest and lunch. The trail ascends gradually through moorland with excellent views of Kibo Peak and the plains below. The cooler temperatures at higher elevations start to affect the scenery and the vegetation backs away. After lunch, you will continue to Kikelewa Camp (3,700 m), which is situated in a beautiful location next to a small water stream. When you arrive, the VIP camp team will already have set up everything your sleeping tents will be ready for you, and there will be hot tea and snacks ready for your enjoyment. After an evening of relaxing and watching the sunset behind the mountain slopes, you can look forward to sleeping above 3,500 m.
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn.
After a hearty breakfast, the climb becomes steeper and slightly more tiresome as you trek towards your next camp, Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m). This camp is located under the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and is positioned on one of the most dramatic locations on Kilimanjaro. The landscape will have turned into an alpine desert and rocks with dispersed plant life. This short day allows your body to acclimatize to the altitudes and gain valuable energy reserves; you will arrive in camp for lunch and a peaceful afternoon to rest. Enjoy dinner with beautiful views of the stars.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut.
After your breakfast, you will walk across , a high-altitude desert that links Mawenzi and Kibo. This vast moon-like desert offers superb views of the surrounding peaks and is one of the highlights of the Rongai Route. The walk is long, but with a gradual incline into Kibo Hut (4,700 m) that takes about 5 to 6 hours. Once you arrive, you will rest, rehydrate, and have an early dinner as you prepare for your final ascent. Your guides will give you the briefing to prepare for your ascent to Uhuru Peak and then you will go to bed early for your rest before your midnight start.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and then to Horombo Hut.
At midnight your ascent is ready to go! You will begin your ascent in the dark of the African night with the aid of headlamps and your experienced mountain guide. The ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) will take about 6 to 8 hours past Gilman’s Point (5,685) on the crater rim. You will arrive by sunrise at the summit—the highest point on the African continent. Standing with a 360-degree view from Uhuru Peak is one of the most rewarding experiences on Earth.
You will take pictures and rejoice in a huge accomplishment before working your way down to Kibo Hut and enjoying a small rest.
Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate.
After breakfast, you will proceed with your descent through the beautiful rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860 m). The trail is very picturesque and features songbirds and a variety of tropical vegetation. When you arrive at Marangu Gate, you will receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate, a great souvenir to remember your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking. You will then meet with your safari guide and be transported back to Arusha and upon your arrival, you will check in for dinner, relaxation and an overnight stay.
Day 9: Departure Day.
After breakfast, you will be free to enjoy your leisure time at the hotel until your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Based on your timetable, you can always choose to add a short wildlife safari to nearby safari parks, including Tarangire or Ngorongoro. This does conclude your VIP trekking experience on Africa’s highest mountain.
End of 9 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Hike
What’s included in the VIP Package.
Airport transfers (arrival and departure).
Accommodation in luxury hotels before and after the trek.
All park and rescue fees.
Professional Mountain guides and porters.
VIP private tents, dining setup, and quality camping equipment.
All meals and purified water for the trek.
Portable toilets and a shower tent.
Oxygen cylinder and medical kit.
Certificate of achievement.
What’s not included?
International flights and a Tanzania entry visa.
Travel and medical insurance.
Personal climbing gear (boots, poles, gloves and others).
Tips for guides and porters.
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
