Signature safari leads treks up the unique Rongai Route known to be more scenic than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and the success rate on the Rongai is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai you sleep in tents (tents are included), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. The Rongai starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The Rongai joins the Marangu for the summit climb, then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you see Kilimanjaro from many view points.
Day 1: Arrival : Kilimanjaro Airport Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Tulia hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night will do this briefing depend on your arrive time accommodation will be at.
Accommodation:Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru where you going to start your trekking. 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.
Meal Plan: LD Budget
Elevation: 7,742ft to 9,498ft
Distance: 6km / 4miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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.
Meal Plan: BLD
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km / 4miles
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Meal Plan: BD
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km / 5miles
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
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!
Meal Plan: BD
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km / 3miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Meal Plan: Full board
Elevation: 4644m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
On our last day of Affordable Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
Meal Plan: Full board
Elevation: 4644m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meal Plan: Full board
Descending Time: Option 1 (6-8 hrs.) Option 2 (4-5 hrs.)
Habitat: Arctic Zone
After breakfast, we continue to climb down to Mweka Gate (5,423ft or 1,653m) where we sign the Official Kilimanjaro National Park Register, have a cold drink, and get presented our official Kilimanjaro Certificate by our Head Guide. This last descent to the gate should take approximately 3-4 hrs.From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. *Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania End of Kilimanjaro & Crater Camp.
8 days 7 nights in mountain 2 nights after and before climb
5 days 4 nights in mountain 2 nights after and before climb
6 days 5 nights in mountain 2 nights after and before climb
6 days 5 nights in mountain 2 nights after and before climb
5 days 4 nights in mountain 2 nights after and before climb
6 days 5 nights in mountain 2 nights after and before climb
9 days 8 nights in mountain 2 nights after and before climb
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