7 Days Rongai Kilimanjaro Climb

7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour + 2 Nights Hotel in Moshi
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TOUR OVERVIEW

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season.

The minimum number of days required for this route is 6 days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

TOUR MAP

TOUR ITINERARY

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport by Toto Africa Adventures, team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming kilimanjaro hike.

Meal:  Dinner Only

Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain. Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

During day two hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.
The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

Dinner and overnight at PANAMA GARDEN RESORT or similar hotel in Moshi

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi 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.

Meals: Breakfast Included

WHY RONGAI ROUTE

Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.

PROS IN USING THE RONGAI ROUTE

  • Low crowds
  • Gradual slope
  • Highly recommended for newbie trekkers
  • Less rain expected on the trek

CONS IN USING THE RONGAI ROUTE

  • Not varied scenery

We are a premier company with Years of combined experience on the mountain, we specialize in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We run our own trekking operations, staffed with expert mountain guides, and do not act as a booking agent for other companies. We will give you comprehensive advice on packing, fitness, expected weather and trail conditions, and be by your side every step of the way – all the way to the Summit of Kilimanjaro! We will also bring you to the airport after the adventure of a lifetime.

INCLUDES

EXCLUDES

BEST TIME TO CLIMB MT. KILIMANJARO

The best recommended time to climb Kilimanjaro are the dry months of December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October, as these months are when the weather conditions are at their best. Clear skies, great views, little-to-no rain, and the sunshine.

However, there is always the possibility of weather changing dramatically, regardless of the season.

You can climb Kilimanjaro at any time of the year, but certain months are better than others. We recommend best to climb Mount Kilimanjaro during the driest months We avoid April and November as these are the main rainy seasons, making the trails more dangerous.

TOUR FAQ'S

The following are the questions that we tend to get asked the most by our clients before deciding to book for a Kilimanjaro hike. If you have further questions after reading this, please do not hesitate contact us, our experts are ready to work with you to create the best holiday of your lifetime.

We recommend a minimum of 8-10 days from the USA, although some people may want more time for the trip. We can customize itineraries or routes to offer more days in the park. Some people may wish to climb nearby Mount Meru as well. If you have more than 10 days, you can choose any of the main routes on the mountain and still have time for a wildlife safari before or after your trip.

You can climb any month of the year. At lower elevations, April, May and November are quite wet while March and June are transition months. August and September are the coldest and driest months. January, February, July, August and September are all popular climbing months.

Around 80% of climbers choose the Marangu route (5 or 6 days), which is commonly referred to as the “Tourist” or “Coca cola” route because it is easy to climb compared to other routes. The rest usually goes for Machame route (6 or 7 days). The four routes (Umbwe, Rongai, Shira and Lemosho) are far less frequented. Please note that many of the routes meet on a mid-way point and there are only three routes to the summit.

Many texts state that Kilimanjaro is easily accessible. However, you should not underestimate this mountain. There are no technical mountaineering skills required, but general fitness is necessary. However, the biggest problem for climbers is the effects of high altitude, which seem to be unrelated to fitness, age or gender. It is a good idea to start some physical training prior to the trek, which might include aerobic cross training and hiking to familiarize your body with the rigors or the trek. The fitter you are, the easier the climb will be for you. Determination and will power are other important factors.

Yes of course, We arrange airport transfers for our clients. Normally, the drafted itineraries have included the transfers before and after safari. We however advise you to give prior information to our travel specialists before boarding your flight to Tanzania.

Yes of course, We arrange for accommodation when  you book tours with us . Normally, the drafted itineraries have included the accommodations before the hike and after the hike, if you have recommendations let us know and we will make sure we give you the best options

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

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READ OUR REVIEWS

We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and Toto Africa Adventures is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.

Selma Turki
Selma Turki
2023-01-08
Verified
Perfect experience I did 7 days Kilimanjaro climb, 3 days safari and 4 days Zanzibar with Toto Africa Adventures. Japheth is the manager of the company. He was always available to respond to my questions and to reassure me about the process. I trusted him because of his availability months before coming. And I was totally right. He has a great team for Kilimanjaro and safari ( I did Tarangire Ngorongoro and lake manara) he also has good advice and he’s always present to help in case of a problem or a change of plans. He took care of every detail and every need that I felt. It’s the best trip that I never had thanks to his commitment and work !
Caleb T
Caleb T
2023-01-01
Verified
Just Amazing, Best place to visit in Moshi We booked a day trip to Chemka Hot spring, it was the best thing to do for after a Christmas Holiday. Me and My wife we want to thank Toto Africa for their quality services, the food and BBQ was amazing, The Director was very good to us, humble and always want to do something to make us comfortable. 100% Recommended for anyone who wants to book day tours, safari or climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
prue
prue
2022-09-18
Verified
Bespoke, safe, flexible, adaptable, great value for money, friendly staff, lovely accommodations and very adventurous! Toto Africa adventures organised a fantastic 2 weeks in northern Tanzania during which we climbed Mr Meru with an excellent team of guides and cook, we had a 5 day safari inc. time with the Hadzabe people and then 3 days in Pangani, on the beach, snorkelling, exploring local villages and relaxing.
AS
AS
2022-08-16
Verified
The most amazing 5-days safari in Tanzania We booked a 5-day safari tour with Toto and it has been the experience of a lifetime, one of the best travels we ever did. Japheth (the Director) helped us building a customized trip with game drives in the major parks and staying at very nice lodges. He was always very helpful, responsive and willing to answer any question. Our tour guide, Livingstone, has been absolutely fantastic. He was able to spot animals from afar and he made sure we saw all animals from as near as possibile for us to take great pictures. He was also very knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting stories about animals, the parks and Tanzania itself. Totally recommended especially if you want to make a custom-made tour and to live an unforgettable experience!
JourneyJensen
JourneyJensen
2022-01-22
Verified
A very kind man I had arranged a transfer and a trip to the hot springs on the way. Unfortunately I started to feel really unwell and instead of the swimming I had to go into hospital. Japheth stayed at the hospital and helped translate for me, then we drove around searching for more health help and he was so kind and supportive while I really wasn’t well. He even missed eating lunch to get me to the appointment on time. A very kind man indeed. 😊 Highly recommended.
BigTripVlog
BigTripVlog
2021-01-16
Verified
Хорошо организованная работа Брали у этих ребят экскурсию на горячие водопады Чемка. Вовремя организованный трансфер, интересные беседы в дороге о жизни местного народа, о флоре и фауне Танзании. На источниках никто никого не торопил, вдоволь накупались, попрыгали с тарзанки. На обед представители туристического агенства организовали барбекю. А на обратном пути к Моши, они остановились показать как растет сахарный тростник. Оказалось, что в Танзании это единственная плантация с тростником и фабрика по производству сахара на всю Африку. Ребят смело рекомендуем!
Tatiana T
Tatiana T
2020-11-24
Verified
The Best Safari Operator In this year 2020 taught me a very special thing that we live for a Moment and we do not suppose to take any second for granted, Me and my sisters Decided to do a Safari Especially this Year and we are Lucky we Contacted this Company, it is not the Biggest but it is the Best, Because of their Services, Treatment especially from the Manager, He was Very Happy to see us and he and his team did everything for us to make our Holiday MemorableAs A Traveler i like to work with people who will make me travel with a smile and Toto Africa Adventures make that for Us, The Driver Mr Ben was So Fantastic, He spot Animals so easily with Much Knowledgeable Information, He Cares alot for the Animals and the Environments, The Safari Jeep was super clean, for sure we had Budget Limits but choosing Toto was our Lucky Card.The Food and Accommodation was Amazing our chef his name was Alli, We had good times with every member of this Group, after the last day of our Safari the next day we had a free time in Moshi so the manger gave us another Activity in the Hot spring with Lunch Box, Local Bear for sure we had alot of FunI recommend this Company for anyone wants to go Safari for Affordable Rates but Excellent Services.Thank you Toto Africa Adventures
zunipic
zunipic
2020-11-09
Verified
Amazing safari We really have a great safari with this group It’s always about the animals first but we were thrilled with our Serengeti lodging There are lots of companies to chose from We are glad we went with Toto .Already thinking of how to get back !!!’
catherin michael
catherin michael
2020-11-02
Verified
It is True that Toto Africa is A Signature of Excellence This was more than me and my friend expected, Actually Toto Africa Adventures made our childhood dream become reality, we had no any experience on African Safaris, so we had to search on different website, and lucky we found this Local Company and the reply was so fast, Mr. Japheth the Company Director was Available and answer all Questions we asked, He was friendly and polite to advise us in many ways.On the Day we arrived in JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) Toto and the whole team took care of us, actually the driver was very kind and fun, which for us was very nice and felt like we are home , the next day our Guide was there for short briefing with printed itinerary which makes us more comfortable.We booked a Camping and Lodge Safari for our first day was camping inside the Tarangire National Park, the food from the chef was very fantastic and the camping facility was amazing, what I love from This Company is the ability to give us exactly what we were thinking.Let me give their Credit for the Quality service they provide since the day we arrive to the day we depart, we recommend this Company for anyone wants to try Safaris for affordable rates. Again thank you very much for the love and care.
James jr
James jr
2020-07-22
Verified
Toto Africa Adventures is the Best We did this tour in June after Tanzania announce to open tourism Again, At first me and My wife we were very afraid if it was true that Tanzania is Safe again, so we decided to risk because we agreed that not to change our schedule , so we contact many tour operators(Big Companies), what we knew that many operators will give us affordable budgets due to the pandemic and economy issues but i was wrong so we decided to give a try to find other local operators and Lucky us we Found Toto Africa Adventures, the manager Mr. Japheth was very charming actually he could not believe to get travelers in this moment , so he picked us from the Airport and we went direct to our Hotel, gave us a time to rest after a long Journey . In the Morning after breakfast our tour guide and Driver Mr Ben was there giving a short brief about our 6 Days Trip and we had a chance to visit Tarangire, Serengeti , Ngorongoro, we went to see the maasai also which was very fun seeing the maasai dance etc.Actually the trip was nothing but Unforgettable because the Lodge Selection, Food was Fantastic and the staff were very clean and amazing. i would Travel with Toto and we recommend this Company 100% .

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