Trekking Overview
Tales of Tanzania Safaris 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. There are two versions of this trek – a direct 6-day itinerary, and a 7-day itinerary that takes a longer route. The more expedient 6-day itinerary is described below and the longer variation is described in the extra days section.
DAY 01: ARRIVALS
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll meet our office representative, followed by an hour drive to the hotel in Arusha. After having a short rest at the hotel, our mountain guide will meet you to check with your climbing gear and equipment. If some gears will be missing, our guide will help you on how to rent those missing gears from the rental shops.
Day 02: Rongai gate to Simba camp
Long drive from Arusha to Marangu gate for registration then to Rongai gate (1990amsl) starting point. Trek begins from Nale Moru village before entering mountain rain forest. First day hiking is very easy; on the way expect to see wild animals like Elephant and Buffalos.
Day 03: Hiking from Simba camp to Mawenzi turn hut via Kikelewa turn.
Long day hike, having a rest mid-way at Kikelewa tarn for hut lunch, reaching the camp early evening, rest, dinner and overnight.
Day 04: Hike from Mawenzi turn hut to Kibo hut camp, summit overnight.
Descend from summit, hike down to Kibo hut for breakfast then continue to descend to Horombo hut camp for rest, dinner and overnight.
Day 05 Horombo – Marangu Gate – Arusha
Hike down from Horombo hut camp to Marangu gate via Mandara hut camp, sign out the park, receive certificates and drive to Arusha for rest and continue with other schedules.