9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route

9 days • Cancellable until 45 days beforeMeet on location or pickupInstant confirmationPrivate tourMin age 14+Guided • Operated by Alaitol Safaris
9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route
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Why we love it?

This 9-day trekking tour begins in Arusha with a briefing and equipment check before you head to Kilimanjaro’s northeastern Rongai Route, known for its quieter trails and scenic views above the Amboseli plains. The ascent takes you from Nalemoru Gate through Simba Camp, 2nd Cave Camp, and Kikelewa Camp, reaching Mawenzi Tarn Hut and then Kibo Hut near the summit west of Mawenzi peak. You’ll have the option to summit via Mawenzi Tarn Hut or the alternative School Hut route, with the descent following the Marangu Route. The trek includes professional guides, porters, cooks, camping gear, and three meals daily on the mountain, with transfers between Moshi, Arusha, and the mountain gate included. This route suits trekkers seeking a less crowded path to Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak with prior acclimatization recommended for the more challenging School Hut variation.

Inclusions

  • Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees 18% VAT on tour fees & services.  
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services 
  • 3 Season mountain tents
  • 29C Extreme Limit Sleeping Bags
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats 
  • Transportation to & from the mountain gate 
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters 
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain 
  • Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek  
  • Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on arrival into Tanzania and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the Villa Maua Arusha Hotel OR Gran Meliá Arusha  on Full Board Basis 
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of TourOperators (KIATO)
  • 2- way airport transfers 
  • Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect your outgoing flight.  

Exclusions

  • Flights.
  • Visa.
  • Tips to mountain crew.
  • Gratuities.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • A doctor for the group.

Itinerary

Day 1

  • You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. 

    Overnight at 3* Hotel: Villa Maua Arusha Hotel OR 5* Hotel: Gran Meliá Arusha 

    Meals: Dinner Included 

Day 2

Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
  • beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough

    This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
       

    Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

    Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 3

Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
  • The morning hike

    The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

    Distance covered: 5km / 3.1m

    Approx. time taken: 3 - 4 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 4

2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

  • Leaving the pine forest behind we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m

    Distance covered: 5km / 3.1m

    Approx. time taken: 3 - 4 hrs

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 5

Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

  • This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization

    Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

    Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 6

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

  • We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!

    Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

    Approx. time taken: 5 - 6 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 7

Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
  • Today is “The Big Day”

    Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits
    you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

    Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi

    Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 8

Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

  • The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

    Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi

    Approx. time taken: 8 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 9

Depart Tanzania
  • The day

    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.

    *We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region.

    *Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

    Meals: Breakfast Included  

Please Note

  • HighlightsClimb with confidence: Alaitol Safari has been leading treks up Kilimanjaro for more than 10 years and boasts a successful summit rate of 98 percent.
  • Superior, top-of-the-line camping gear and safety equipment, owned and maintained by Alaitol’s.
  • Quality assured: Alaitol directly employs all chefs, porters, and guides (who are all certified Wilderness First Responders).
  • Stay in the largest and most comfortable sleeping tents on the mountain, with private toilet facilities.
  • Carry only a daypack, as porters transport your luggage and equipment throughout the climb and descent.
  • Climb Kilimanjaro with Alaitol: With a successful summit rate of 98 percent (compared to the 60-70 percent average), Alaitol’s Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions give you an outstanding chance of reaching ‘the roof of Africa’. Our experienced climbing team oversees every factor that contributes to a successful climbGuides & porters: Every Alaitol guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder, trained in mountain craft, natural history, and ecological awareness. Our guides are also trained in first aid and are fluent in English, and most have completed over 200 summits. A founding member of the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project and a proud Partner for Responsible Travel with the International Mountain Explorers Connection, Alaitol’s is an advocate for the welfare of our team of porters. Their hard work and dedication are what make every Alaitol’s trek possible.Comforts on the mountain: Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro comes easier to those who are well-rested – and Alaitol campsites are famous for their comforts. Our customised sleeping tents are the largest and most luxurious on the mountain, designed for two people with raised camp beds and tall ceiling heights. Solar-lit dining tents with comfortable tables and chairs allow you to relax out of the elements and rejuvenate during the trek. Hygienic private toilets are also exclusively available to Alaitol trekkers.Safety on the mountain: Alaitol’s climbs use the finest climbing and camping apparatus, safety equipment, and communications network. On every climb, we supply and carry all safety and emergency equipment, including emergency oxygen, a portable altitude chamber, a defibrillator, pulse oximeters, a stretcher, an extensive first aid kit, and three means of communication (mobile phone, two-way radio, and satellite phone).Food & nutrition: Another key element to conquering Kilimanjaro is to maintain proper nutrition throughout your entire trek. Every meal is designed to provide the fuel you need to reach the summit. Unlike many other companies, Alaitol provides fresh food throughout the entire trek, including abundant snacks between meals as well as unlimited, purified water. Special diets can also be accommodated.Acclimatisation: While most trekkers spend a total of five days on the mountain, we schedule seven days (six nights) to allow more time for premium altitude acclimatisation, contributing to Alaitol’s successful summit rate of 98 percent.Sustainable Treks: Alaitol leaves no trace on the mountain and takes pride in operating green campsites. Every Alaitol camp is completely portable with no fixed ground structures or plumbing, and we remove all waste and rubbish from our treks.* Please contact us for your child quote. Children discounts available.
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Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 45 days before start

Non-refundable after 45 days before start

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