Experience Mount Kilimanjaro along the picturesque and less-crowded Rongai Route on this 8-day itinerary from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Climb through magnificent forests home to colobus monkeys and through rugged moorlands while taking in the views of Mawenzi, then witness an unforgettable sunrise en route to Uhuru Peak. This tour begins and ends on a Saturday, with a night spent pre- and post-climb in the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met by your guide/driver and transferred to the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.
Day 2
Our first trekking day begins by completing the necessary registration formalities at the Marangu National Park gate before continuing by Landcruiser to Rongai. We’ll begin climbing at the picturesque village of Nale Moru (1,950 meters), following a trail which leads through maize and potato fields before heading into a pine forest. Climbing gently, keep your eyes out for the black and white Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey as we reach our first camp at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 meters) which boasts expansive views of the Kenyan plains.
Day 3
Today begins with a steady ascent that offers impressive views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch we will depart from the main trail and head across the moorland towards the rugged peak of Mawenzi, finishing at a campsite near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 meters) which nestles within a sheltered valley.
Day 4
Our fourth day begins with a short, steep climb up the grassy slopes of Kilimanjaro, accompanied by superb views, before reaching our camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 meters). It is situated in a cirque beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, with the afternoon free to soak up the views and explore the area as your body acclimatizes to the altitude.
Day 5
This morning we will cross the barren landscapes of the “saddle” which lies between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the School campsite (4,750 meters). It nestles at the base of the Kibo crater wall and it’s here that we will spend the remainder of the day relaxing in preparation for the early morning ascent.
Day 6
This morning’s challenging, final ascent begins around 1 am as we trek by torchlight up a switchback trail of loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 meters). Here we will stop to rest and watch the sunrise over Mawenzi, with the option to continue the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 meters) which passes the dramatic glaciers and ice cliffs of Kilimanjaro’s summit. We will then make the descent to Kibo for some refreshments before continuing to Horombo campsite (3,720 meters) where we will spend the night.
Day 7
Today we will descend through the moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters), then continue through lush forest to the National Park gate at Marangu. It’s here that successful climbers will receive their summit certificates, with green certificates issued to those who reach Gillman's Point and gold for those who reach Uhuru Peak. Your driver will greet you with a packed lunch and drive you back to Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge for a hot shower and evening of celebration.
Day 8
After breakfast at Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight home.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Weekly departures in open seasons available starting Saturdays. Please inquire with an Adventure Consultant for specific dates and rates. Additional route options and itineraries are available as well.
Included:
- 1 night’s accommodation pre and post climb at Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge or similar on a BB basis
- All food during the climb on the mountain (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Kilimanjaro park entrance fees, camp/hut fees, standard KINAPA rescue fees.
- Kilimanjaro briefing and de-briefing.
- Services of trained English speaking mountain guide, cooks and porters (porters are mostly Swahili speaking )
- Guides wages, cooks and porters standard to the norm of Mountain Society of Kilimanjaro.
- Portage of 1 bag (maximum 15 kgs) per person.
Not Included:
- International airfare
- Tips to the guides, cook and porter
- Climbing equipment such as clothes, sleeping bags, sleeping mat etc.
- Visas
- Laundry
- Traveller insurance
- Telephone calls
- All other expenses resulting from an early descent before the completion of the climb such as transfer, extra nights at lodges etc.
FAQ & More
Do I need a Visa?
Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Some nationalities will have to obtain these prior to arrival and others will be able to obtain these on arrival at the port of entry. It is imperative that passports are valid for at least six months and have at least two blank pages, or four, if travelling to both Kenya and Tanzania.
While Tanzanian visas are available upon arrival, immigration queues at airports and border crossing can be long so we recommend applying in advance for the visa to save time. The cost for a tourist visa for US Citizens is $100 (Multiple entry) valid for one year, 90 Days at a time; for Canadian citizens, the cost is $50 (Single entry) for 90 Days or $100 (Double entry) for 90 Days each.
It is imperative to check visa requirements with your resident country embassy/consulate as visa requirements may vary according to your nationality.
What health requirements are there?
Both Tanzania and Kenya are malarial areas and therefore it is recommended that travellers start a malaria prophylactic before and during your visit. Most lodges have mosquito nets or mosquito resistant tents/rooms along with providing insect spray and repellent. However, be sure to bring your own personal repellent as well as long sleeves and pants for the evenings, as these are most effective in protecting you from bites when outdoors.
At present, Tanzania and Kenya require no vaccinations before entering the country except Yellow Fever when flying directly from an YF endemic country. Here is a list of these countries: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#4728. As Kenya is on this list, you’ll need to present proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination if traveling from Kenya to Tanzania.
Regardless, you should consult your local health authorities prior to your holiday for any updates.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania
What is the luggage allowance for internal flights?
If travelling on a ‘flying safari’, the baggage allowance on small aircraft is 15kgs and all luggage is to be packed in soft duffel bags. This includes hand luggage and camera equipment. Only soft sided bags will be accepted, no wheels, no hard suitcases. This is essential to ensure that everything fits not only into the small aircraft but into the safari vehicles. Please note that any luggage you do not need while on safari will be stored at the office.
What clothing is required?
Rest assured, our team of Adventure Consultants will send you a full packing list prior to your adventure. However, as a general guide, comfortable, casual wash and wear clothes are recommended. The key is lightweight clothing in breathable materials for the day and warmer materials at night. Bush colours (khaki, brown, dark green) are also highly recommended. These will enable you to blend in with the environment and not draw attention to yourself when on game drives or bush walks.
What is the weather like?
Being located on or near the equator, East Africa boasts a fabulous tropical climate which is hot and humid on the coast while being dry and arid in the north and northeast and temperate inland. Though days are quite hot it can get pretty cold during the night in areas at altitude such as Nairobi.
There are however two separate wet seasons in Kenya and Tanzania with the longest being from March to May, and the shorter from November to December. Heavy rains can mean that road access becomes more limited making 4x4 more advisable during these periods.
What is the power source and outlet type?
The electricity supply in Kenya and Tanzania is 220/240 v 50hz. Plugs are 3 point square, British Type G plugs. If you are planning to bring any electrical device from USA or Canada, you will need a voltage and plug converter. Additionally, many safari lodges run on generators which are generally switched off between 2300hrs and 0600hrs. If you need to charge any electronics, this can be done in the office.
Wifi and mobile access?
Both Kenya and Tanzania have a good telephone and internet connection in the main cities and are in the process of improving the network further. Most lodges and hotels offer a fax, international telephone and internet service but make sure to check the rates beforehand as some lodges can impose a surcharge, particularly on international calls. More remote camps and lodges rely on radio for communication and mobile phone coverage is not extensive in most game parks.
When calling Kenya and Tanzania, the international dialling code is +254 and +255 respectively.
Can I drink the water?
Tap water in Kenya and Tanzania is not drinkable and we therefore advise that you drink only sealed, bottled water. Lodges provide water in their safari vehicles. You will almost always find a flask of purified drinking water on your bedside table or in the bathroom.
What is the currency in Tanzania?
The unit of currency in Kenya and Tanzania is the shilling, though the countries’ currencies do not share the same value. Kenya Shilling notes are available in the denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 and 10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500 in Tanzania. Banks generally offer a better rate of exchange than Foreign Exchange Bureaux and Hotels.
Please note duty free goods purchased at the airport can only be purchased in foreign currency and not in Kenya or Tanzanian Shillings. While US Dollars are widely accepted, please note that bills printed before the year 2000 will not be accepted.
Can I use my credit card?
A wide range of credit cards are accepted in Kenya and Tanzania, including American Express, Visa and Master Card. Please check with us before heading off on safari and we will confirm what cards are accepted where you are staying.
What are the tipping recommendations?
Tips are not included in the cost of the safari. Tipping is purely discretionary, however if you would like to show your appreciation we recommend $10 - $20 per guest per day for lodge/camp staff, paid in the communal tip box at reception. For guides, we recommend $10-$15 per day, paid directly to the guide. All tipping is in US dollars.