Spend 6 days | 5 Nights climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route. The Rongai Route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai Route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route). The Rongai Route use the scree summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman's point and descend via the Marangu Route then escape to Zanzibar Island and explore long stretches of virgin powdery white sand beaches. This itinerary also allows you to spend 4 Days | 3 Nights at Baraza Resort & Spa which is located on the East Coast of Zanzibar where you will have the chance to discover the best activities in Zanzibar Island including the Stone Town City Tour, Spice Tour and the Prison Island Boat Trip. You can start on any date you request. We can help to arrange flights and speed boats in and out of Zanzibar
ITINERARY AND QUOTE
Arrival
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate, Hike to Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Bed & Breakfat (FB)
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2635m/8645ft
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Bed & Breakfat (FB)
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Third Cave
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Bed & Breakfat (FB)
Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3939m/12,913ft
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Day 4: Hike Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day.
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Bed & Breakfat (FB)
Elevation: 3939m/12,913ft to 4700m/15,466ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut To Summit, And Down To Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by fa the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Bed & Breakfat (FB)
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km up / 15km down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate - Moshi
After breakfat we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to Stella Maris hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Accommodation: Stella Maris hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner, Lunch and Bed & Breakfat (FB)
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Day 7: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Zanzibar Island
Morning after breakfat drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will take your flight to Zanzibar Island. On arrival you will be Met and greet by our guide and driver at Zanzibar Airport. Our representative would be holding a name card for you for easy identification and transfer to the Baraza Resort & Spa which is located on the South Coast of Zanzibar.
MEAL PLAN: Dinner, Lunch and Bed, Breakfat & Drinks (AI)
ACCOMMODATION: Baraza Resort & Spa or similar accommodation
Day 8: Stone Town City Tour + Zanzibar Spice Tour + Prison Island Boat Trip
Morning after breakfat pick-up from Baraza Resort & Spa for the Spice Tour on this tour you will see and taste the tropical fruits, spices plantation or plots in the island. A variety of spices plants used as ornament, medicines, flowers, fruits and another interesting flora can be seen during spice tour and if you will have a time, you will visit Kidichi bath built in 1850 by the first Sultan for his wife Sheharzad (Grand daughter of Fateh Ali Shah of Persia).
After Spice Tour we'll head to Stone Town one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Cultural Arts Centre of East Africa. You will have the Stone Town City Tour takes around the historical culture and architectural important town of Zanzibar with a century history. It includes a visit to former slave market site, now stands as Anglican church built in 1871, town market, visit the Zanzibar Memorial Museum, House of Wonder built in 1883 (Beit-Al-Ajab), Old Arab Fort, Palace Museum, Old Indian dispensary (Cultural Center).
After the Lunch, you will have a trip to Prison Island Boat Trip,Visit Lloyd Mathew's Architecture built in 1893 and the Island is a home of Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Flanged by an amazing beach of reef sanctuary, the island is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and beach relaxation. After tours, you will be dropped off at Baraza Resort & Spa for dinner and overnight.
MEAL PLAN: Dinner, Lunch and Bed, Breakfat & Drinks (AI)
ACCOMMODATION: Baraza Resort & Spa or similar accommodation
Day 9: Beach Leisure
Day leisure or swims and play at the beach in front of the hotel, enjoying the beach or flexible to arrange any other water sports.
MEAL PLAN: Dinner, Lunch and Bed, Breakfat & Drinks (AI)
ACCOMMODATION: Baraza Resort & Spa or similar accommodation
Day 10: Beach Leisure
Breakfat at the Hotel – Swims or Some leisure with the Hotel till the time for the transfer to the Airport/Seaport for the departure transfer (Time will depend on the flight departure timing).
Include
2 Nights Accommodation in Stella Maris hotel
5 Nights Accommodation in Water proof tents tent on climb, Mess tent and crew tents
3 Nights Accommodation in Baraza Resort & Spa
Experienced Professional Tour guide
Services of a professional English speaking guide
All meals while on the Mountain
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car
All Excursions shown in the package
Experienced Professional Tour guides for Zanzibar Activities
3 meals a day prepared by the safai chef
Bottled water during the tour
All Entrances Fees included
Transport waiting charge
All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Exclude
Medical Insurance
International & Domestic Flights
Visa
Airport Taxes
Expenses of a personal Nature