ARRIVAL DAY 1
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your 9 day Rongai Route trek, meet and greet with our Tranquil Kilimanjaro staff, ready to pick you up and take you to your place of accommodation and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your mountain guide. Overnight at Chanya Lodge
Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
RONAGIA ROUTE GROUP TREK STARTS ON DAY 2
Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 8,665 ft; Hiking time: 3-4 hours Distance: 5 miles
After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive to the Rongai Gate, the starting point of the Rongai Route. Begin your trek through the dense rainforest, enjoying the unique flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the black and white colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. Reach Simba Camp, your first campsite, nestled among the trees. Overnight at Simba Camp.
Accommodations: Simba Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GROUP TREK DAY 3
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Elevation: 8,665 ft to 11,300 ft Distance: 5 miles Hiking Time: approx. 6-7 hours
Leave the rainforest behind and continue your ascent through the moorland zone. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the stunning Mawenzi Peak. Pass by the Second Cave and arrive at your camp for the night. The clear skies in this area offer an excellent opportunity for stargazing. Overnight at Second Cave Camp.
Accommodations: Second Cave Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GROUP TREK DAY 4
Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 12,960 ft Distance: 6 miles Hiking Time: approx. 7-8 hours
Today’s trek takes you through the Alpine Desert zone as you continue to ascend. Marvel at the unique rock formations and the vastness of the landscape. Pass by the Third Cave and proceed to Kikelewa Camp, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight at Kikelewa Camp.
Accommodations: Kikelewa Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GROUP TREK DAY 5
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: 12,960 ft to 14,160 ft Distance: 4 miles, Hiking Time: approx. 3-4 hours
Embark on a shorter trek today as you make your way to Mawenzi Tarn Camp. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the area, with Mawenzi Peak towering above the campsite. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing at this picturesque location. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GROUP TREK DAY 6
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 6 miles Hiking Time: approx. 4-5 hours
Continue your journey towards the Kibo Hut, located at the base of the Kibo crater. The terrain becomes rockier as you approach the Arctic zone. Take your time to rest and prepare for the final ascent to the summit. Overnight at Kibo Hut.
Accommodations: Kibo Hut (Lodging)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GROUP TREK DAY 7 ( SUMMIT DAY)
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft to 5,380 ft, Distance: 9 miles ascent, 16 miles descent Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Begin the summit attempt in the early hours of the morning, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro. Trek through the steep and challenging sections, including Gilman’s Point and Stella Point. Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the vast African landscape. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, descend to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest and meal.
Accommodations: Horombo Hut (Lodging)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GROUP TREK DAY 8
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to ArushaElevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 12 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
You will be awakened once again for your last celebration breakfast when our crew will thank and congratulate you in their own wonderful style! This is also an opportunity to express your gratitude for their assistance and encouragement by leaving a tip. We continue down to Marangu Gate by passing Mandara Hut. There, you will be able to enjoy a celebration beer while the equipment is placed into the van, before heading to a restaurant in Moshi for lunch and being presented with your certificate of success. After lunch, you’ll be driven to your hotel, where you may unwind with a long, well-deserved hot shower.
Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEPARTURE DAY 9
If your time in Africa ends today, our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked additional activities or wish to extend your stay, we will assist you in arranging your onward adventures in Tanzania.