Mount Kilimanjaro | Rongai Route | UFO Adventure Travel
Contact Us | +91 9756600449 | [email protected]

Difficulty

Moderate- Difficult

Max. Altitude

5895m

Duration

9 Days

Best Time

Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct, Dec

In A Hurry?

You can download our complete tour details and guide for MT.KILIMANJARO - 7 DAY RONGAI. Also, you can schedule a callback from UFO Adventure Travel.

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Tour description

The only northern approach route to Kilimanjaro, the Rongai route offers the closest to a wilderness experience. The trek in is through a remote and barren landscape where the rainforest has sadly been lost to agriculture. For those looking to get away from the crowds on Kilimanjaro's popular routes, though this offers a much quieter trail. Like the Marangu route, the Rongai route suffers from a low summit success rates as the topography does not allow the climber to "walk high, sleep low". Rongai route can also be climbed in 6 days. Please let us know if you want quotes for the same.


Virtual tour of
MT.KILIMANJARO - 7 DAY RONGAI

Is this Holiday for you ?

Kilimanjaro is a big mountain and each of the trekking routes to its summit involves around 4000 metres of ascent. The 7 day Rongai Route is potentially the quickest route on the mountain but it also has a drawback of not being able to follow the 'walk high, sleep low' formula. However, it is a very quiet route with less climbers than other routes and is therefore preferred by climbers who want to get away from the crowd. Generally, the trek is on good trails and is never very steep. With the exception of the summit day (which is very long) each of the trekking days is short, usually just 4 to 5 hours of walking, which gives us the afternoons to take it easy. The summit day will present a considerable challenge to everyone, as much for the 3000 meters of descent as for the ascent.

Only Northern route approach route to the summit

Offers a true wilderness experience in the early stages of the climb.

Lower success rate due to the inability to naturally 'walk high, sleep low'





  • 9 Days, 2 nights hotel, 6 nights camping
  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • max group size: 10
  • The weather on Kilimanjaro ranges from hot to bitter cold. Mt. Kilimanjaro has 5 major ecological zones, each with its own temperature and life as the altitude increases. January and February are the warmest months, April and May are the wettest months, June and July are the coolest months, and August and September are the driest months. These generalities about the weather in Moshi hold true for Mount Kilimanjaro as well. Temperatures at the summit can range from -7 to -29 degrees Celsius. Due to its height, the mountain makes its own weather. It is impossible to predict the weather on the mountain.

Please contact [email protected] for quotes.

  • English speaking guides
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary as mentioned
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as per the Meal Plan
  • All permits and entrance fees in the itinerary
  • All costs are applicable for double occupancy
  • Oxygen tanks (only for descent)
  • Private group chemical toilet
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Tips
  • Some meals as per the Meal Plan
  • Airport transfers
  • Tips for local staff including the local guide and drivers
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
  • Personal camera equipment & gear
  • Flights and airfare
  • Breakfast is usually fairly hearty, and includes porridge, sausage, eggs and toast with marmalade or jam. Of course, you’ll also have hot drinks, generally a choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
  • Lunch is either packed for you, to carry in your rucksack, or we stop for a hot cooked lunch depending on your itinerary. A typical packed lunch is a boiled egg, sandwiches, a portion of chicken, crisps, snack bar, fresh fruit and a drink.
  • Afternoon Tea is served at the end of the day's walking, once you get to camp. In addition to tea and other hot drinks, there are plenty of peanuts, popcorn, biscuits and snacks to help restore some of the energy you’ve just burned off.
  • Dinners are quite filling. They usually begin with a nice hearty soup, and then a main course such as chicken curry, spaghetti bolognese, fresh vegetables, and plenty of rice, pasta or potatoes, followed by a yummy dessert such as pancakes or banana fritters with maple syrup or nutella! Let your guide know if you are still hungry, or even if you think you could ‘pack in a few more bites’. Our cooks always try to provide more food than necessary to ensure everyone gets a good meal.
  • No Airport transfers are included as people travel from different parts of the world and a single group transfer is impossible to assign. We can, however, arrange a transfer from and to the airport as per your request. Please contact the UFO office for transfer details and cost.
  • During this trip the group will spend 2 nights in hotel and 7 nights camping.. All accommodation is allocated on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. All accommodations used by UFO adhere to hygiene and comfort norms. For Hotel prices and single supplement costs please contact UFO office.
  • Day will start with a hot cup of tea at around 6- 6.30 am. At around 7-7.30 a.m. breakfast will be under way and by 8-8.30 we should be back on the trail to our next camp. While you have your breakfast, the guides will brief you for the day and do health checks. You will have plenty of time to get up and pack your trek bag which will be transported safely to the next camp by porters. Please make sure you fill you water bottles for the trek ahead. Usually, our route will involve a mix of walking through rugged terrain and scrambling over loose rocks. Be prepared for some uphill climbing every day. Usually we walk for around 5-6 hours every day. On arrival at camp, we can relax in our mess tent and take tea or coffee. Dinner is ready at around 7-7.30 p.m. in the mess tent. This is a great time of day for reliving the events of the trip so far and for general socializing. There will be time for debriefing with the guides and anything that you may have on your mind. After dark, the temperature starts to fall and everyone will soon be tucked up in their sleeping bags.

How UFO makes MT.KILIMANJARO - 7 DAY RONGAI special?

    Small Groups

We are all about small groups and personalized services! Small groups tend to bond together much more than large groups and also help us give personal attention to each client. Also are you not in the mountains to get away from the crowd?

    Inclusive package and no additional cost

Our adventure holidays have a lot of amenities and services included i.e accommodation, transportation, meals, staff et all. Right from picking you up at the airport we do not want you bother you with arranging or spending on anything other than personal expenses or some meals. Let us take care of you for the duration of your holiday!

    Camping equipment

All quality equipment is used for our camping and climbing holidays. Usually a camping setup includes client tents, mess tent, kitchen tent and private group toilet tent. We use 4 season -3 person tents on twin occupancy basis for all Kilimanjaro climbs

    Porters and transport

Your transport from Moshi is included in this package as well as your main backpack being carried by porters. We want you to enjoy your walk in the mountains and not be bogged down by a heavy backpack.

    Meals

We have extensive meal options for our meals with a mix of local and comfort cuisines accompanied by Nutella, peanut butter, coffee, tea perpetually on the table. Packed lunch usually comes with carbs, juice, fruit and a chocolate. Dinner has atleast 3 -4 options on the table. We understand the importance of food in the mountains. We follow our mantra of ‘ Adventure by day, Luxury by night’!

    Accommodation

Your stay in Moshi will be at a clean and hygienic hotel on twin occupancy. We also make you stay in Moshi at the end of the holiday so you can relax in the city before catching your flight the next day.

    Guide client ratio

Our guide client ratio for treks is 1:4 for treks and 1:3 for climbing holidays. As we said, personal attention is paramount to us. As a responsible company, a local guide will always the lead the group so that you get the local perspective as well as generating employment in the area.

More reasons to love the experience

Climb to the highest free standing mountain in the world
All land transport included
Personal attention to each client
Customized dietary requirements available
3 person tents on double occupancy
Rongai is the only route open throughout the year

ITINERARY FOR THE TREK

DAY 1

MEET AT THE GROUP HOTEL IN MOSHI.

Meet at the group hotel in Moshi. where you can finally meet your Rongai route trek partners and crew or mingle with other climbers if any staying at the hotel. The first day is reserved for resting and the chief guide will introduce himself and explain the week long climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro the group. Rest is essential before you embark towards your goal of climbing the Uhuru Peak.



  Accommodation
Hotel in Moshi
  Meals
B

DAY 2

RONGAI GATE TO FIRST CAVE CAMP (2600m)

Transfer from your hotel to Marangu Gate for registration and then a further transfer to the Rongai trailhead (approx. 2½ hours).  Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent through the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gently through a pine forest until we reach First Cave at 2,600m altitude.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
4-5 hrs walking (8 kms)
  Habitat
Montane Forest

DAY 3

FIRST CAVE TO KIKILEWA CAVE (3600m)

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelewa Cave at 3600m. From here the views start to open up and you will see for yourself how huge a mountain Kilimanjaro really is. We overnight at Third Cave Camp (Kikelewa Caves).



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
6-7 hrs walking (9 kms)
  Habitat
Moorland

DAY 4

KIKILEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN (4330m)

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
4 hrs walking (6 kms)
  Habitat
Moorland

DAY 5

ACCLIMITIZATION AT MAWENZI TARN (4330m)

We will spend an extra day at Mawenzi Tarn to help with acclimatisation.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Habitat
Moorland

DAY 6

MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO CAMPSITE (4750m)

We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent tomorrow!



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
3 hrs walking (4 kms)
  Habitat
Alpine Desert

DAY 7

KIBO CAMPSITE TO SUMMIT (5895m) TO HOROMBO HUT (3100m)

We will rise around 23.30 hours and after some tea and biscuits, we will start our ascent. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). We then zigzag up to Gillman's point (5681m), on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gillman's Point we could encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it! Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we can spend, taking photographs, before we descend back to Kibo Hut and then Horomobo where we will stay overnight.



  Accommodation
Camping
  Meals
BLD
  Time
6-8 hrs walking ascent (6 kms) ; 4-5 hrs walking descent (16kms)
  Habitat
Stone Scree - ice capped summit

DAY 8

HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE (1980m)

After breakfast we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate where you will receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you to drive you back to the Hotel. 



  Accommodation
Hotel in Moshi
  Meals
BLD
  Time
5-7 hrs walking (20 kms)
  Habitat
Forest

DAY 9

DEPARTURE DAY

Get going for your next destination. If you want to extend your holiday in Tanzania with safari and other activities please contact UFO office.


For more information regarding the Kilimanjaro Rongai route please contact us at [email protected]




  Meals
B

Why trekkers love us?

Traveling with UFO to a place like Nagaland was a very enriching experience for me as i realized that traveling with a well seasoned team that goes out of its way to make your trip adventurous and fun is way better than traveling alone and wasting your time getting lost and figuring things out on your own.

Jasmine Singh

Let me start by introducing myself. I am a mom of three under 5 and a baker. As a first time trekker I could not ask for more! I did the Rumtse to Tsokar trek,Ladakh and so glad i traveled with UFO. They helped us acclimatize in Leh and organized superb barbecues near Indus river and on the banks of Tso kar (4600m)! Our 5 person Vaude tents were super comfortable and we also had a lounge tent with board games and magazines. Thank you team UFO for an experience that is going to stay with me for a long long time !

Sumedha Singh

Climbed Stok Kangri (6150m) in Ladakh with UFO. The facilities provided in hostile habitats and at suffocating altitudes were kingly. Mountain health and safety protocols were in place and well informed. Group size was not over-whelming and felt like a very close-knit community made of strangers. Overall, each aspect like social, technical, logistical (culinary as well), etc. was spot-on.

Viraj Sose

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Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a Tour Operator to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

There are hundreds of companies who service the mountain. Selecting an operator can be a daunting task. You want to be sure that your operator staffs experienced,competent guides, who practice high safety standards and treats porters well.You want an operator that has proven expertise, successfully serving a wide range of clients for many years.

How much does it cost to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Do not select a company strictly based on price! Price should be only one component in your overall decision. Prices vary significantly between operators, however high prices and low prices should both be viewed with caution. UFO offers excellent quality climbs at reasonable rates. At our price levels, we can satisfy all park fees, pay real wages to staff, supply good food and equipment, while still providing great service to our clients, equal or better than climbs costing much more.

What are the best months to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

The best times to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro tend to be the warmest and driest months - January, February, and September. June, July, August and October are also good months. However, temperatures and weather are unpredictable, and can change drastically based on the time of day and altitude. It's best to avoid the long rainy season, from the end of March to early June, and the short rainy season from November through the beginning of December.

Which route should I choose to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Mt.Kilimanjaro routes have different characteristics, which may or may not appeal to you. Consider the difficulty, scenery and crowds when you select your route. Other factors that should be considered are your age, fitness level, medical conditions, backpacking and hiking experience, experience at high altitude, degree of motivation, and any other special considerations. UFO recommends Lemosho, Machame and Rongai route to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

How can I prevent altitude sickness?

1. Stay hydrated. Try to drink at least 4-6 liters per day.

2. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other depressant drugs including barbiturates,tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.

3. “Don’t go up until symptoms go down”. People acclimatize at different rates,so make sure that you properly acclimatized before going higher.

4. Before your trip, maintain a good work/rest cycle, avoid excessive work hours, and last minute packing.

5. Listen to your body. Do not over-do things the first day or two. Avoid heavy exercise.

6. Take your time. Pace is a critical factor on all routes. "Pole pole"

7. Walk high sleep low: If you have enough energy, take an afternoon stroll further up the mountain before descending to sleep. (Not if you have any symptoms of altitude sickness!)

Six factors that affect the incidence and severity of altitude illness:

1. Rate of ascent

2. Altitude attained

3. Length of exposure

4. Level of exertion

5. Hydration and diet

6. Inherent physiological susceptibility

What safety measures are taken while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Our guides perform health checks twice per day on to monitor oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. Additionally our guides administer the Lake Louise Scoring System (LLSS) to help determine whether climbers have any symptoms of altitude sickness and if so, the severity. UFO guides receive annual training in emergency first aid and can prevent, recognize and treat altitude-related illnesses. Bottled oxygen is carried on every climb as a precaution and added safety measure.

What is the coldest temperature to be expected at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Temperatures vary considerably with altitude and time of day. On the plains surrounding of Mt.Kilimanjaro the average temperature is about 30°C. At 3000m frosts can be encountered at night while daytime temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Nighttime temperatures on the summit can be well below freezing especially with the strong winds at times.

How many days are the Rongai, Machame and Lemosho routes?

The Rongai route entails 6 days on the mountain while the Machame route has two options, a 6-day hike and a 7-day hike. For those that need extra time to adjust to the altitude, the Lemosho route is best, with 8 days total on the mountain.

What are the main differences between the Rongai, Machame, and Lemosho routes?

The Rongai, Lemosho, and Machame routes are camping routes that take longer and are considered more scenic than other routes. The Rongai route takes you up the north side of the mountain and you descend down the Marangu route. The Lemosho and the Machame routes traverse the mountain and descends down the Mweka route.

Why are some company's prices so low?

There is a fair share of budget operators who offer cheap climbs. However, these operators engage in appalling practices such as paying porters less than minimum wage or not at all, feeding porters only once or twice a day, forcing porters to carry loads greater than the weight limit, allowing porters to climb with insufficient clothing and providing poor shelters for porters to sleep in. Never climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with a budget operator.
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