The wild Rongai route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, the only route to do so, therefore offering a wild and tranquil experience on the approach to the summit. The remote trails offer much higher chances of wildlife encounters, enriching the whole experience. Taking an extra day over some other routes, this gives more time to adjust to the higher altitudes, which can improve the chance of summit success.
Encounter buffalo, antelope and elephant on the wild northern side of Kilimanjaro.
Escape the crowds and walk through the relatively unspoilt northern wilderness.
Take an extra day along this route to help with the acclimatisation process.
Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania
Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, then take the transfer to the hotel. Pre-trek briefing with guides and the group.
Transfer to Marangu Gate to register at the National Park, before a further transfer to Rongai Gate to start the trek. The initial ascent leads through the village of Nale Moru. Follow a small winding path through cereal fields before climbing gently through a pine forest to reach First Cave Camp.
Follow the trail towards Kibo, passing Second Cave, before reaching Kikelewa Caves, at an altitude of 3600m. Camp here overnight with plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular views.
A short, steep climb through grassy slopes leads to wonderful views of the surrounding area. Ascending through the last of the vegetation, arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, at 4330m, in a phenomenal situation, directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Afternoon free to explore.
A day of acclimatisation around Mawenzi Tarn, with several hiking trails offering the chance to take on board more altitude training in preparation for the summit bid.
Hike through a lunar landscape, crossing between Mawenzi and Kibo, to reach the Kibo Campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. An early conclusion to the day, to prepare for the summit bid.
Waking at around 2330, take tea and biscuits before leaving in search of the summit. Follow a rocky path to the Hans Mayer point, before following a number of switchbacks as the path climbs to Gilman's Point at 5681m. This is a very steep section with scree fields, testing both physical and mental resilience. From Gilman's point there is usually snow all the way to the summit. Arrive at the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5985m to drink in the views and take photographs. It's a three hour descent to Kibo Hut, before continuing to Horombo hut, a further three hours hike. Enjoy the last evening meal on the mountain before a hard-earned sleep.
After breakfast, hike down to Marangu Gate to collect the summit certificate. transfer to the hotel for a shower and celebration.
Transfer to the airport to start the journey home.
This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.
All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.
This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.
Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.
All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.
Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.
This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.
Deposit
£489.80
Price per person (inc deposit)
£2449.00
Throughout the climb, both Andrew and Filbert were the most amazing guides we could have wished for: very supportive, happy to share their knowledge and fun to be around! The team of porters & the chef were great too. I still don't know how the chef managed to cook all the delicious food (incl. 2 birthday cakes) in high altitude! I would definitely recommend booking with this company, and will consider them for any of my future adventure trips! | EE
All in all I can’t say enough about how impressed we all were with the people that made up the team of guides, porters, waiter, and cook. After getting to know them over the course of our trek and seeing the makeup of other groups we passed along the way, it’s very evident that this company treats their workers excellent and still provides some of the best quality in a guide company you could hope for. My only regret is that we used a cheaper company for the Safari afterwards and realized the mistake we had made immediately. | Daniel
If you have any questions or would like to check availability or make a booking, please provide a few details about you, your group size and any preferred dates. A member of the team will then get back to you or you can go ahead and book online.