SAFARI OVERVIEW
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.
The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points.
The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
≤ 2 PAX
1831
US$
3 PAX
1809
US$
4 PAX
1778
US$
5 PAX
1764
US$
6 PAX
1748
US$
≤ 7 PAX
1741
US$
SAFARI DETAIL
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to trail head to Moshi hotel
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Severah Travel & Tours vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
INCLUDES
-
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
EXCLUDED
-
Tanzania Visa
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities (Senior guide: $30 per day from the whole group Assistant guide: $20 per day from the whole group Cook: $15 per day from the whole group Porter: $10 per day from the whole group)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
International and domestic flights
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
FAQs
🎯 What's Covered in Each Tour Package?
Every safari experience is unique, with different inclusions depending on which adventure you select. To understand exactly what your chosen tour covers, check out the detailed information on each specific tour’s page.
💳 How Can I Pay for My Safari?
We make payment convenient by accepting multiple options, including credit and debit cards.
❌ What's Your Policy on Cancellations?
We follow industry-standard cancellation policies. You can find all the details about our cancellation terms and conditions on our dedicated policy page.
♿ Can You Accommodate Special Accessibility Needs?
Absolutely! We’re committed to making safaris accessible for everyone. Whether you need wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ground-floor accommodations, or other special arrangements, just let us know your requirements when booking so we can prepare accordingly.
📱 Will My Phone Work on Safari?
Your mobile device should function, though signal strength can be spotty in remote areas – which many guests actually enjoy as a digital detox opportunity!
🍽️ What About Special Dietary Requirements?
We’re happy to accommodate all dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special requirements. Just give us a heads-up about your preferences when you book.
💉 Are There Any Health or Vaccination Requirements?
Health requirements differ based on your destination and home country. For the most up-to-date vaccination and health information, check your specific destination page and contact your local embassy or health department.
🚗 What Should I Expect from the Roads?
Safari destinations typically feature unpaved, bumpy terrain – but don’t worry! The roads are completely manageable, and most of our guests find the journey part of the adventure. It’s all part of the authentic safari experience.
🏠 Can I Request Different Lodging Options?
Definitely! If you have specific accommodation preferences, just let us know. We work with an extensive network of lodges and camps, including both our own properties and trusted partners, which often means better rates for our guests.
⚡ Will I Have Power Throughout My Stay?
Most of our camps and lodges run generators to provide electricity around the clock. While you might experience occasional brief outages, this rarely impacts your overall experience.
👨👩👧👦 Is This Experience Suitable for Children?
Safari adventures are fantastic for kids! They’ll love seeing wildlife up close in their natural environment. Many of our accommodations feature kid-friendly amenities like play areas and swimming pools (availability varies by location). We recommend bringing along some activities to keep little ones entertained during travel times.
💰 Should I Plan to Tip?
While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s certainly appreciated by our staff and guides. The amount is entirely up to you and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive.
Spoiler alert!
Some photos of what you will find in this adventure:
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