Rongai Route VIP

Day 2: Arusha National Park On day 2, prepare yourself to be amazed by the beauty of Arusha National Park, which is just a short drive away. This park is a symphony of diverse landscapes, featuring stunning natural gems such as the Momela lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the majestic Mount Meru. Your guide will take you on a scenic hike through the park’s lush forests, which are home to a fascinating array of wildlife including bushbucks, duikers, and the elusive colobus monkey, waterbuck, reedbuck, and giraffe. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the park’s 400 species of birds and other wildlife. As you explore this natural wonderland, your guide will provide you with insights into the park’s history, geology, and ecology, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the area’s unique biodiversity. A picnic lunch in a picturesque setting is included, providing a perfect opportunity to rest, refuel, and take in the breathtaking scenery. After a day of adventure in the park, return to the Gran Melia Hotel for a general briefing from your guide regarding your Kili climb. You’ll then pack your bags in preparation for the next day, have dinner, and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for Day 1 of your Kilimanjaro climb. Please note that you are free to leave behind anything that you don’t need to take with you to the mountain. However, do not leave anything in the rooms as you will be checking out today. Instead, hand them to the reception for storage, where you can collect them on your way back. Your DKE guide will be there to assist you with this.

Day 3: Simba Camp
After a satisfying breakfast, you will meet your guide and head to the Rongai Gate, which serves as the starting point of your trek. The 3-hour drive offers picturesque views of the verdant countryside and local villages.

Upon reaching the gate, you will complete the necessary registration procedures and meet the rest of your crew. Your trek will commence with a gentle ascent through the dense rainforest, which is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. You may catch sight of various exotic bird species, such as the African crowned eagle and the silvery-cheeked hornbill.

As you walk through the forest, your guide will educate you on the local plant and animal life and their traditional medicinal uses by the indigenous tribes. The trail offers stunning vistas of the rolling hills and distant peaks of Kilimanjaro.

After trekking for about 3-4 hours, you will arrive at the Simba Camp, situated at an elevation of 2,625m or 8,530ft. The campsite is located in a clearing that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

In the evening, you will be treated to a delectable dinner prepared by the camp’s experienced chefs. Following dinner, you can stargaze and soak up the peacefulness of the mountain before retiring to your tent for a well-deserved rest.
You will spend the night at Simba Camp, with an elevation of 2,625 meters or 8,612 feet above sea level.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp
You will be awakened at 5:30 am with a cup of your preferred hot drink. After that, please pack your bags and be ready to have breakfast by 6:15 a.m. After breakfast, please make sure that you are packed and ready to continue your ascent for 6 to 7 hours through the heathland and moorland zones. The terrain becomes steeper as you approach the Kikelewa Camp. The hike will take approximately 6-7 hours. You’ll have plenty of breaks including lunch on the way to the second cave point and hydrate, and you will be enjoying the magnificent scenery. As you approach Kikelewa Camp you’ll be greeted by the sight of the majestic Kibo Peak and Mawenzi looming above you.

Kikelewa Camp is situated at an altitude of 3600 meters or 11,811 feet and is known for its incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The camp is nestled on the side of the mountain, with panoramic views of the valleys below. Here you’ll have a chance to relax, enjoy a hot meal, and get a good night’s rest before continuing your ascent to Mawenzi Tarn Camp the next day.

You will have Dinner and overnight at Kikelelwa camp and be on an Elevation of 3600 meters or 11,811 feet above sea level.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn hut
You will be awakened at 5:30 am with a cup of your preferred hot drink, then park up your bags at 6:15 am when going to have breakfast you should be parked ready to go, after breakfast, you’ll begin trekking towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The trail takes you through the alpine desert zone, where you’ll experience stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and surrounding landscapes. As you hike, you’ll notice the landscape becoming increasingly barren, with few plants able to withstand the harsh conditions at this altitude.

As you approach Mawenzi Tarn hut, you’ll notice the stunning tarn that gives the camp its name. This is a glacial lake that sits in a small valley beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak. The campsite itself is nestled in a sheltered area, providing some relief from the strong winds that are common at this altitude.

Once you arrive at the camp you will have lunch and time to rest while taking in the incredible scenery. You may also choose to take a short acclimatization hike to help your body adjust to the altitude.
You will have dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn hut at an elevation of 4300 metres or 14,206 feet above sea level.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut
After a well-deserved rest day at the Mawenzi Tarn Camp. After breakfast, you will have the option to take a short hike to explore the surrounding area and stretch your legs in preparation for the next day’s ascent. The hike is not very strenuous and can be completed in a few hours, but it provides an opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude and take in the breathtaking views of the mountain and its surroundings.

During the hike, you will traverse the scenic landscape of Mawenzi Peak, one of the three volcanic cones of Mount Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi is a massive, rugged peak that towers over the surrounding terrain, providing stunning panoramic views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. You will also have the opportunity to explore the alpine desert and observe the unique flora and fauna of the region.
After the hike, you can spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing at the campsite. You may also choose to participate in various activities organized by your guide, such as playing card games or sharing stories around the campfire. The day is designed to help you rest and recharge before the next day’s trek to Kibo Camp, where the final ascent to the summit will begin.
You will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Mawenzi Tarn at an elevation of 4300 meters or 14,206 feet above sea level.

Day 7: Kibo Hut Camp
You will be awakened at 5:30 am with a cup of your preferred hot drink, then park up your bags at 6:15 am when going to have breakfast you should be parked ready to go After breakfast, you will begin your trek towards Kibo Hut, which is situated at the base of the Kibo cone. The trail passes through a rocky and barren landscape, known as the “Saddle.” You will have a chance to acclimatize to the high altitude as you gradually gain more elevation.
The trek to Kibo Hut takes approximately 5-6 hours. As you ascend towards Kibo Hut, you will notice a change in vegetation, from the alpine desert to the arctic tundra. The barren landscape of the Saddle is in stark contrast to the lush rainforest you encountered earlier on the Rongai Route. The views from the Saddle are stunning, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

You will reach the camp for lunch, this afternoon your guides will help you to plan how to dress up for the summit since you will start from here at midnight, or whatever time your guide will think will work for your pace usually it has to be between 11:00 pm to 01:00 am it will take you 7 to 8 hour from Kibo hut camp to the summit (Uhuru) via Gilman point (5,681m), the rim of the crater. From here, you will continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak, the roof of the African continent at 5,895m or 118,630 ft. The views from the summit are breathtaking, with the vast expanse of the African plains stretching out below you.
Wake-up time should be one and a half hours early before the departure time as you will also need to have a light breakfast before you start.
Today at Kibo camp after lunch and all the planning this afternoon for the summit night you will try to have some sleep before workup for early dinner then go back and try to sleep again. Most important is to have enough time to rest before the summit departure time.

You will have lunch and dinner at Kibo Hut Camp at an elevation of 4700 meters or 15000 feet.

Day 8: Horombo Hut Camp
Today you are reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro “the roof of Africa” with a breathtaking view of Uhuru Peak after 6 to 7 hours of getting there. At this moment, you can take your pictures and descend to Kibo Hut Camp where your tent will still be there waiting for you to be able to change your summit hiking gear to regular hiking gear and pack your bags. After having lunch, you will proceed to descend to Horombo Hut Camp. This is usually the longest day of your trip, as the estimated hiking time is about 13 to 14 hours, but it is a rewarding experience.

You will have dinner and spend the night at Horombo Hut Camp at an elevation of 3720 meters or 12400 feet above sea level.

Day 9: Gran Melia Arusha.
As you woke up today after completing the trip of your lifetime, you felt a sense of anticipation and excitement about returning to your normal daily routine after completing your climb up Kilimanjaro. You will indulge in a refreshing shower or bath, and this morning, after a farewell breakfast, you will have a few minutes to say goodbye to the entire team before starting your way down to Marangu gate, which will take you 6 hours of hiking down through the rainforest with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Along the way, you may spot some wildlife such as Colobus monkeys, duikers, and various bird species. At Marangu gate, your driver will be waiting with lunch boxes. After that, you will drive back to Arusha and check in at the Gran Melia Hotel, where you can unwind and indulge in the hotel’s luxurious amenities such as the spa, swimming pool, and fine dining restaurant. The hotel’s beautiful surroundings offer a serene ambience, creating the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate after your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 10: Gran Melia Arusha.
On the last day of the itinerary, guests who have completed the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro will depart to return to their homes. After breakfast at the Gran Melia Hotel, they will be driven to Kilimanjaro Airport for their flights. However, for guests whose flight is scheduled for later in the day and who would like to explore more of Tanzania, we have an alternative option available. We offer a special itinerary called “Safari Extension for Kilimanjaro Climbers” that includes other safari destinations in Tanzania. Guests can choose to continue with this itinerary, giving them the opportunity to see more of the beautiful scenery and wildlife that the country has to offer. We understand that every guest has different preferences and requirements, and we are always happy to provide options and tailor our services to meet their individual needs.