Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trekking Group Departure

OVERVIEW

Embark on a remarkable adventure climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route, where you will join a group of climbers from various countries who have booked the same itinerary. Beginning on the northern side of the mountain, close to the Kenyan border, this route allows you to experience diverse landscapes away from the crowds. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our driver and transferred to Springlands Hotel for a relaxing night, including a pre-trek briefing with your guides.

The trek starts at the remote Rongai Gate, where you’ll traverse through various ecosystems—from lush pine forests to the rugged lunar desert of the saddle, and finally, the glaciers of Uhuru Peak. Along the way, you’ll acclimate at designated camps, ensuring a safe and comfortable ascent. After reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend through lush forests, celebrating your achievement. Upon completing the trek, you’ll return to Springlands Hotel for a well-deserved rest. For those interested in extending their adventure, options for a safari or a beach vacation in Zanzibar are available, offering a complete Tanzanian experience.

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trekking Group Departure

1 Person

Price From

$ 1,969

Per Person

2 Persons

Price From

$ 1,969

Per Person

3 Persons

Price From

$ 1,969

Per Person

4+ Persons

Price From

$ 1,969

Per Person

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands Hotel.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition.

Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.

Springlands Hotel

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Overnight: Springlands Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or similer

Day 2

Moshi to Rongai Gate | Simba Camp

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll set off on a 2 to 3-hour drive toward the Rongai Gate, passing through scenic farmlands and rural villages. Upon arriving at the gate, you’ll complete the registration process before beginning your trek through lush farmlands and pine forests. The trail starts with a gentle ascent, allowing you to gradually adjust to the altitude. Along the way, you might spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The peaceful surroundings offer a great introduction to Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes. Once you arrive at Simba Camp, you’ll enjoy a hot meal and settle in for the night, resting up for the days ahead.

Altitude: 1,950 m – 2,600 m
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours time

Day 3

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Ascend steadily to the Second Cave for lunch. From there, continue across the moorland on a smaller path toward Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. This section of the trek offers beautiful views and a sense of isolation. After about 10 km, you’ll reach Kikelewa Camp, situated in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant Senecios and near the Kikelewa Cave. The camp provides a perfect spot to rest and acclimate to the altitude. Take this time to relax and prepare for the upcoming hike, enjoying the stunning scenery and preparing yourself for the challenges of the next day.

Altitude: 2,600 m – 3,600 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Day 4

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, taking you through grassy slopes that lead to the stunning Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. The campsite is set in a dramatic, picturesque landscape with breathtaking views in every direction. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch and have time to relax or take a short acclimatization hike to help your body adjust to the altitude. In the evening, you’ll be served dinner, followed by an informative briefing from your guide to prepare you for the next day’s trek to higher altitudes.

Altitude: 3,600 m – 4,315 m
Hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Day 5

Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn

This extra day at Mawenzi Tarn is essential for acclimatization. Use this time to hike up toward Mawenzi Peak, which provides a splendid acclimatization opportunity and aids in your body’s adjustment to the higher altitude. The hike offers stunning views and helps your body adapt to the thinner air, preparing you for the more demanding stages of your trek. After your hike, return to Mawenzi Tarn to rest and relax. This rest day is crucial for building the stamina needed for the challenging trek ahead to Kibo Hut. Ensure you stay well-hydrated and focused, as this preparation will be key for your summit attempt.

Altitude: 4,330 m

Day 6

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a trek across the vast, barren lunar landscape known as the “Saddle,” which stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is desolate yet mesmerizing, with rugged vistas and the summit looming ahead in the distance. Though the trail is long, it maintains a gentle incline, allowing for a steady pace as you approach the final stage of your journey. Upon arriving at Kibo Hut, you’ll rest and enjoy an early dinner to conserve energy for the summit attempt. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing, as the ascent to Uhuru Peak begins shortly after midnight.

Altitude: 4,315 m – 4,720 m
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Day 7

Kibo Hut | Summit Attempt | Horombo Hut

Around midnight, you’ll be awakened to begin the final ascent toward Uhuru Peak. The journey to Gillman’s Point, at 5,685 meters, is steep and strenuous, typically taking around six hours of steady climbing. This challenging section will test your endurance, but your guide will offer support along the way. Once you reach Gillman’s Point, you’ll traverse the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. If the weather cooperates, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over the continent. After celebrating your incredible achievement at the summit, you’ll descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing onward to Horombo Hut for the night.

Altitude: 4,700 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 22 km
Hiking time: 12–15 hours

Day 8

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate | Return to Moshi

After breakfast, you’ll start your descent through the diverse moorland and lush rainforest zones, making your way back to Marangu Gate. As you trek downward, take in the final views of the landscape and reflect on your accomplishment. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll be presented with your well-earned summit certificate as a testament to your achievement. From there, you’ll be driven back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where a hot meal, a refreshing shower, and a comfortable bed await. If you’re interested in extending your adventure, you can meet with our safari coordinator to explore options like a thrilling wildlife safari or a relaxing trip to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 1,830 m
Hiking distance: 20 km
Hiking time: 6–7 hours

Day 9

Departure Day

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion. If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page for more information on our exciting safari options.

Travel Information

Important Travel Information

Destination Location

Mount Kilimanjaro is located three degrees south of the equator in Northeastern Tanzania. It is the tallest mountain in Africa and is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Of the famous highest seven peaks in the world, this is the easiest to get to and the easiest to climb. It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain.

Is This Trip For You?

If you arrive at the Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. We recommend at least one rest day before starting your trek. If you are transferring from Nairobi, this can act as your rest day. If you have time, enjoy a guided walk through the local rice fields and rainforest, do a little shopping in the town of Moshi, relax at the swimming pool, or get a massage.

Your guide will provide a briefing the evening before your trek, and you must separate one bag for the trek from your other luggage. Rental equipment is available. Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel at no charge.

The next morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast before last-minute trip preparations at the trekking office. Depending on the route you take, the drive to the trailhead can take up to one hour and can be very bumpy.

Once you reach the park gate, climbers are requested to make their final preparations for the climb and sign the national park registration book. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food, water, and other equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. Your guide will be pleased to assist with any additional information.

The average hiking day begins between 8-9am and is about 5 to 6 hours, walking very, very slowly. The distances you will hike each day are very moderate so as to acclimate a little at a time. Your guides will repeat over and over, "pole pole" (po-ly, po-ly), which means "go slowly" in Swahili.

The terrain lower down is absolutely gorgeous and fascinating. Higher up, the views are vast. There is little to do at the camps themselves, so take advantage of the slow pace to absorb the scenery and take every photo opportunity.

The hike to the summit starts around midnight depending on your route and speed of your group. You will go as high as you feel fit. Some people stop at the crater rim, and others continue to the very highest point on the mountain. Your guides will then take you down as quickly as possible to minimize any altitude problems. You will continue past your last campsite to the next one for overnight.

You can add an extra day at the Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft). You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi basecamp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountain’s weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.

Travel Companions

Groups are limited to 5-7 people. We will combine groups up to this limit if they are starting the same route on the same day. However, we can also arrange for private groups at no extra cost. We will try to add single travelers to a group if at all possible, but we cannot guarantee it. We can accommodate large groups of any size.

Guide(s)

A local guide is required to hike Kilimanjaro. We have guides that speak English, Spanish, French and German. Porters will also go on the trip to carry your luggage, food, and other equipment. You will only have to carry a day pack with your daily essentials.

Tips for guides and porters on Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru:

You will be given an envelope at the Springlands Hotel after your trek for your tip money. You can use U.S. dollars, Euros, TZ shillings, or a combination of these. It helps if you have small bills to tip everyone individually. There is no need to take money on the mountain with you.
The typical tip is $15/day for guides, $10/day for assistant guides and cooks, $7/day for porters. This is from the whole group, not per hiker.
Expect 1 guide per 8 hikers, 1 assistant guide per 3 hikers, and 1 cook per 8 hikers:
Expect porters as follows:
- 2 porters per hiker on the 5-day Marangu Route (minimum of 4 porters)
- 3 porters per hiker on a 6 or 7-day trek (minimum of 5 porters)
- 4 porters per hiker on the 8-day Lemosho Route (minimum of 8 porters)
- Sometimes extra porters are required based on the weight of your luggage.
Budget $200 per hiker for tips for a 6-day trek.
Gifts: Guides and porters also appreciate your warm clothing, shoes, and packs. You may want to bring some older clothing items for this purpose.

Celebration: You are also welcome to invite your guides back to the Springlands Hotel for drinks and/or dinner (on you) as a thank-you in addition to their tip.

Transportation
With the exception of airfare, all Zara trips include all transportation costs and arrangements within the destination country. This includes all transfers and the equipment for all activities listed.

Money

The local currency is Tanzanian shillings. U.S. dollars, Euros, and credit cards may be accepted by larger stores and hotels, but the exchange rate is better with shillings. ATM's are only available in larger towns like Moshi and Arusha. Yahoo Currency Converter.

Recommended Gear List

Kilimanjaro Climber’s Packing List Notes

The pack that the porters carry is limited to 15 kg (35 pounds)
- Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at $5/day
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double sealed if possible)
Wrap clothing in plastic bags
In the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain pants, and jacket at a minimum.
Add any other items you might need during the day, since you may not see your porters until the end of the day.
Zara Tours is interested in purchasing second-hand gear for rentals.
You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing as gifts for your guides and porters or donations to the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society.
You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at the Springlands Hotel for no charge.
You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Springlands Hotel for $1/day.
See the Zara Equipment list for details on what is provided by Zara Tours.

Baggage

Day pack, for you to carry
Large duffel bag or backpack, for porters to carry
Plastic bags

Clothing You want your inner layer to be wicking – no cotton
Your next layer should be insulating and warm, and your top layer should be water proof but breathable.
You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping.
Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly.
Kilimanjaro may be near the equator, but it gets cold up there!

Shorts, for first and last day only
Pants, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
Short-sleeved or t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
Long underwear
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Fleece pants
Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures well below freezing plus wind)
Rain jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
Rain pants, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
Underwear
Sport bras, for women

Cold Weather Accessories

Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
Wool or pile hat
Balaclava or neck gaitor
Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)

Footwear

Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferrably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support – not too light and not too heavy
Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
Gaiters
Hiking socks for warmer conditions
Wool socks for colder conditions
Sock liners to wick away moisture

Sleeping

Sleeping bag (Rated -25 degrees C/-10 degrees F or colder is recommended)
Sleeping pad and repair kit
Tents are supplied by Zara at no charge
Foam sleeping pads are provided by Zara at no charge (Thermarest is highly recommended, however)

Other

Water bottles and Camelback (2-3)
- Get 3 liters of bottled water before the trip (available at the Springlands Hotel).
  Your guides will boil water for you along the route, or use steripens for water sanitization.
- To prevent water from freezing on summit day, keep your water source inside your jacket.
  For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.
- Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
Water filter or iodine purification tablets
Sun hat with brim
Sunglasses
Bandana
Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region>, Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
Ski or trekking poles
Headlamp or flashlight
Camera, film, tripod
Video camera, tapes
Batteries
- Bring extra sets for headlamp/flashlight and camera as cold weather shortens their life
Binoculars
Notebook, journal, pencil, and pen
Pocket knife
Electricity adapter
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides, porters, and other climbers
Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
Sewing kit
Salt, pepper, and spices for bland food
Business cards
Alarm clock
Calculator (for currency conversion)
Swim suit for hotel swimming pool

Toiletries

Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while on trail)
Small towel
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Glasses, contacts, solution (take contacts out each night to prevent blurred vision)
Comb, mirror

Documents

Passport
Yellow fever certificate
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Tanzania</st1:country-region> Visa
Medical insurance
Address book
Vaccination records
Airline tickets
Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
Maps, guidebooks
Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, and travellers cheques numbers.
Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.

First Aid

Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
Throat losenges
Bandaids
Moleskin
Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent
Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
Bandages and tape
Diahrea medicine
Antihistemines
Ace bandage
Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
Diamox (talk to your doctor)

Gifts for Guides, Porters, Locals

Shoes
Any warm clothing
T-shirts
Hats
Nerf football, frisbees
Candy
Pens

Packing for your flight to Africa

U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
Books/magazines
Toiletries
Snacks
Water
Walkman and music
Eye shades, ear plugs
Melatonin or other sleep aid
Critical climbing gear (in case baggage is delayed)

Departure Location

Springlands Hotel
Pembo Road
Moshi
Tanzania, United Republic of

Pickup Locations

The following locations are available:

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Nairobi Airport Jomo Kenyatta International

Additional Details

We Accept:

Category:

Trekking

Destination:

Tanzania

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Adventure Matrix:

Cancellation Information

Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in a retention of funds by ZaraTours Inc. as follows: Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the canceling party will be retained by ZaraTours and the balance of the package price refunded. If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc.

If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by ZaraTours Inc. and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately. Should the canceling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place.

However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the canceling party. ZaraTours Inc. and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at their discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.

Reservation Information

Payment:

A 20% deposit is due at time of reservation.
Final payment is due 60 days prior to arrival.
We accept Visa, AMEX, and Mastercard.
You can also wire transfer your money directly to our bank.
Please review our Cancellation Policy.

Price Increases:

Price increases are permitted when an itinerary is changed at the request of customer(s)
Prices will remain quoted unless otherwise add-ons and or other changes are requested and availed by customer(s) and such requests are provided by Zara Tours Inc.

Forms and Other Documents Required by all Passengers:

VISA (as detailed below)
All passengers must sign the waiver form and return to us.
Your passport must be valid for six months.
Entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and or travel documents are complete

VISA:

Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport and the border posts of Namanga, Tunduma, Taveta and Holili.
All Canadian Citizen who hold Canadian Passports are required to pay US$50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
All United States Passport holders are required to pay US$100.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
All Passport holders with EU Citizenship are required to pay US$50.00 or €50.00 for the purpose of obtaining an ordinary VISA.
For additional information on obtaining a VISA to Tanzania please go to https://reveccs.com/resources/

Living Standards:

Living Standards and practices at the destination and the standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found universally.

Insurance:

In order to obtain travel Insurance coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and or other travel insurance related matters, kindly follow the link to reach World Nomads, who provide such insurance coverage services

Cancellation Policy:

Zara Tours Cancellation policy applies to the package offered, upon payment of deposit and confirmation of reservation.

Cancellation of booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Zara Tours as described below:

Upon receipt of written cancellation by any member of the tour indicated on this reservation 30 days or longer prior to departure, 20% of the reservation of the cancelling party will be retained by Zara Tours and the balance of the package price refunded.
If a cancellation is received at least 14 days and up to 29 days prior to departure, 50% of the package price will be retained by Zara Tours.
If a cancellation is received less than 14 days prior to departure, 100% of the total package price will be retained by Zara Tours and all outstanding payment will become payable immediately.
Should the cancelling party be able to find a replacement for themselves no less than 14 days prior to departure and the replacement completes this booking form individually, no retention of funds will take place. However, should no replacement be found by 14 days prior to departure, a 100% cancellation penalty will apply to the cancelling party.
Zara Tours and its agents reserve the right to terminate, at the discretion and with immediate effect, the participation of any person on the tour.

Refund Processing Fee:

While processing a refund, a 3% credit card fee is charged to the client's Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard.
When a refund is processed using a Bank Wire payment, bank charges apply.

Disclaimer of Liability:

Kindly check the details of your trip. Please contact us directly for any questions you may have at zara@zaratours.com or at 1-866-550-4447.

Thank you for choosing Zara Tours and you are most welcome again to adventure with us!

TICO Registration No. 50020519