Overview
The only way to reach Kilimanjaro from the north is via Rongai, which passes through the rainforest and Tanzania’s second highest point, the Mawenzi volcano. Rongai is ideal for people who have previous high-altitude experience and want to avoid the masses of other climbers, as the route is rather far from the town. The Rongai Route is a great chance to put your strength to the test and acquire unforgettable impressions across a 65-kilometer stretch (40 miles).
Arrival
Day 1: From Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
After a briefing with our climb managers the day before, the guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefin. Then you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,625 m). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro’s northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you.
Day 2: From Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Second Cave Camp (3,480 m). This route is rather easy and will only take around 3 hours, so when you reach the camp you will still have ample time to rest and explore the surrounding area. After lunch you will have a couple hours to rest, followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) with a 100-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Second Cave Camp.
Day 3: From Second Cave Camp to Kikilewa Camp
After breakfast you will begin trekking to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m), where you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest (barring cloudy weather). This will be a relief day, so after lunch you will have time to sleep before the next trekking towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp. In the evening after dinner the guide will check health conditions of the each person of the group and give the necessary instructions for tomorrow’s trekking.
Day 4: From Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of trekking to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro’s second summit. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude, followed by a hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening.
Day 5: From Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
This day will be spent trekking towards Kibo Summit Camp (4,700 m). The landscape will change significantly to give way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous
activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Day 6: Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Camp
Night departure from Kibo Camp (4,700 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro’s summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. For the entire length of the trekking each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve.
After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720 m).
Day 7: From Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park’s exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.
The day after you can rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport. (If applicable).
End of tour
Ambiere Safaris has grown immensely from humble beginnings back in 2020. The company has evolved into an established local and international tourism brand offering a variety of tourism services, including wildlife safaris, mountain trekking, day tours, beach holidays, historical tourism and photography tours.
+255 766 842 655
+255 743 884 065
info@ambieresafaris.com
Isekei – Ilboru, Arusha – Tanzania
Mon – Sat 8.00 – 18.00 Sunday CLOSED
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