5-Day Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Climbing
5-Day Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Climbing
The Rongai Route, which is a camping route, goes up the north slope of the mountain from where you can see the plains of Kenya to the north. To get to the start you drive anti-clockwise around the base of the mountain mainly on tarmac road with some rough road just before the gate.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests, budget, and what you want to experience.
High Season (June to October & December to February):
This is the prime time for wildlife viewing, with dry conditions making it easier to spot animals around waterholes. The weather is pleasant, and parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro are at their most vibrant. However, it is also the busiest time, with higher rates and more visitors.
Mid-Season (March & November):
A great balance between affordability and adventure, this season offers fewer crowds and moderate prices. While rains may occasionally occur, they bring lush scenery and great opportunities for wildlife spotting in a quieter, more relaxed setting.
Low Season (April & May):
For budget travelers, this is the perfect time to visit. Hotel rates are at their lowest, and the parks are wonderfully tranquil. Though some rains may limit access to certain areas, the landscapes are beautifully green, and wildlife remains active, offering a unique and peaceful safari experience.
No matter when you visit, Pyana Travel & Tours ensures that your safari is tailored to provide incredible experiences, from sunrise game drives to the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania’s wild landscapes.
What can I expect from a safari in Tanzania with Pyana Travel & Tours?
A safari with Pyana Travel & Tours means experiencing Tanzania like never before. Our safaris are private, tailored to your pace, and guided by expert English-speaking professionals who know the ins and outs of the wild. From the moment you step into your comfortable private safari vehicle, you will embark on a journey to witness wildlife in their natural habitats, from lions prowling in the Serengeti to elephants roaming freely in Tarangire National Park.
With us, you will experience exceptional service, exclusive access to Tanzania’s hidden gems, and unforgettable moments. Whether you want to start your day with a sunrise game drive or relax by your lodge, we ensure that every aspect of your trip is memorable.
How can I personalize my Tanzania trip with your services?
At Pyana Travel & Tours, we believe that every traveler deserves a unique experience. That’s why we offer personalized itineraries based on your interests, whether it’s exploring the vast Serengeti plains, relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, or witnessing the Big Five up close. We take the time to understand your preferences and tailor your journey to match.
Our team works closely with you from start to finish, ensuring that your trip reflects your personal desires and schedule. Whether it’s adjusting the timing of your game drives or including a cultural excursion, we make sure every detail is designed around you.
Can I see the Big Five in Tanzania?
Absolutely! Tanzania is one of the best places in the world to see the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. These magnificent creatures can be found in some of the most iconic locations like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. With our expert guides, you will have the best chance to encounter them in their natural environment.
Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?
Yes, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. The country is known for its friendly locals, vibrant culture, and rich wildlife. We always prioritize your safety during the trip, and our experienced guides ensure that you travel with peace of mind.
We recommend that you take the usual travel precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and following local guidelines. But overall, Tanzania is one of the safest destinations for tourists, offering a remarkable adventure that you will cherish for years to come.
5-Day Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Climbing
Trip Details
Included & Excluded
- Accommodation
- Guided Tours & Activities
- Meals
- Island Hopping & Adventure Tours
- Other Perks
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Optional Activities
- Meals Not Mentioned in Itinerary
Your dream trip, your price
Our experts will work with you to find the best option for your stay. They are truly the best at making your trip exactly as you dream it, specially tailored to your unique travel experience.
To find your perfect match, Pyana Travel &Tours offers various options for your stay, depending on your personal preferences and budget.
Our price indication page provides an overview of different seasons: low, mid, and high, as well as different types of accommodations: silver, gold, and platinum. The price of your stay will partly depend on whether you are seeking luxury and comfort or are more focused on adventure and nature. Anyway, we always have something to offer!
We cannot wait to help you creating your next dream trip in Tanzania.
The Rongai Route, which is a camping route, goes up the north slope of the mountain from where you can see the plains of Kenya to the north. To get to the start you drive anti-clockwise around the base of the mountain mainly on tarmac road with some rough road just before the gate.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After a big breakfast, we continue to climb through moorland scenery. You will notice the growing altitude today in your legs and the rhythm of your breathing. Your guide will advise you to go “pole, pole” (“slowly, slowly”) if he thinks your pace is too fast for the altitude. You will see Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped summit, which seems quite near and the jagged peak of Mawenzi on the horizon. We stop for lunch at Second Cave, a natural cave formed by the cooling of the lava. The Rongai Route divides here and you take a right fork to Third Cave, whilst the climbers on the longer route go to Kikelewa Camp. We get up to a height of 3,900 metres today where we camp for the night at Third Cave. You will need to start wear warm clothing. It can get very cold at this stage.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Today is a steep climb across arid montane desert. By the end of the day we have reached Kibo Hut at 4,700 metres where we camp overnight, and rest ready for the ascent to the Summit at Midnight. Your guide will brief you about what to wear and how to approach the final leg to the summit. You will wake just before midnight, have a hot drink and a snack and begin your climb. Faint snakes of light shine out in the frosty night as other groups of climbers make the slow ascent to the summit.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
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 far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
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.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Budget camping
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. 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. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). It is time for celebration.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Silver accommodations
Our silver accommodations are comfortable and affordable options for a pleasant stay in Africa. Nothing glamourous or luxurious, but you can expect decent and enjoyable lodging for an overnight stay. All properties are well-maintained and provide clean rooms, comfy beds, private bathrooms with hot water showers, and lovely dining rooms. Minor points to note are that WiFi may only be available in certain areas, and dinner is typically served as a buffet. But the accommodations usually lie in beautiful surroundings, and some boast swimming pools or other extras.
Golden accommodations
Our golden accommodations take it up a notch, offering that extra touch of comfort and luxury. Here, you can indulge in well-designed rooms and buildings, usually set in beautiful locations. These accommodations feature fine, thoughtfully designed rooms with lush beds, fully equipped bathrooms, and private balconies with scenic views. You will enjoy excellent meals in buffets or à la carte menus and have free access to swimming pools. As a cherry on top, you might spot wildlife directly from the lodge, with monkeys in trees or animals coming to drink at a nearby waterhole.
Platinum accommodations
Our platinum accommodations provide enhanced luxury, as they offer beautifully designed lodges and resorts in the most amazing locations. The service in these places is impeccable, all amenities you can think of are present, and rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable. Oftentimes, they boast private plunge pools or luxurious outside rain showers, wide beds, exquisite food, amazing service, and beautiful terraces with fluffy sofas. And of course, these accommodations boast the most remarkable views over extraordinary landscapes.
Diamond accommodations
Our diamond accommodations offer the ultimate luxury experience in Africa. Nothing less than the best of the best! We take you to places that pamper you with the utmost luxury and comfort in stunning settings that give your Tanzanian adventure a memorable twist. You stay in places that are unique in their design, geographical location, and service and sleep, for example, on private islands, in treetop rooms inside national parks, or on the rim of a crater. You experience the utmost privacy and seclusion while you enjoy sundowners in private plunge pools or outdoor bathtubs with a view, indulge in haute cuisine in fine restaurants, get pampered in a luxury spa or with in-room massages, and get your morning coffee served by private butlers while watching the wildlife from your terrace.
Practical Information for Your Safari Adventure
1. Visa and Entry Requirements
- Visas: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Apply for a tourist visa in advance or obtain a visa on arrival (depending on your nationality).
- Vaccinations: Some countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. Consult your doctor about other recommended vaccines.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers.
2. Health and Safety
- Malaria Prevention: Tanzania and other safari destinations are malaria zones. Carry anti-malarial medication and insect repellents.
- First Aid: Our safari vehicles are equipped with first-aid kits. Notify us in advance of any medical conditions.
- Water Safety: Only drink bottled or boiled water during your trip.
3. Packing List
- Clothing: Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors to blend with nature), a hat, sunglasses, and a warm jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
- Accessories: Binoculars, a good camera, sunscreen, lip balm, and a power bank.
- Luggage: Soft duffle bags are preferred for ease of packing in safari vehicles.
- Malaria Prevention: Tanzania and other safari destinations are malaria zones. Carry anti-malarial medication and insect repellents.
- First Aid: Our safari vehicles are equipped with first-aid kits. Notify us in advance of any medical conditions.
- Water Safety: Only drink bottled or boiled water during your trip.
4. Weather and Climate
- Dry Season (June to October): Best for game viewing as animals gather around water sources.
- Wet Season (November to May): Ideal for bird watching and witnessing lush landscapes. April and May experience heavy rains.
5. Safari Etiquette
- Wildlife Respect: Keep a safe distance from animals, do not feed or touch them, and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
- Noise Levels: Maintain silence during game drives for better wildlife viewing and to respect other travelers.
- Photography: Avoid flash photography as it may disturb the animals.
6. Transportation
- Game Drives: Travel in custom 4×4 safari vehicles equipped with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing.
- Airport Transfers: Included in most packages. Specify your arrival details when booking.
- Domestic Flights: Available for remote safari destinations or to connect with Zanzibar.
7. Accommodations
- Options: Pyana Travel and Tours offers luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget-friendly accommodations.
- Amenities: Most lodges provide modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and electricity
8. Local Culture
- Languages: Swahili and English are widely spoken.
- Tipping: Common practice to tip your guides, drivers, and lodge staff. Suggested amount: $10–$20 per day for guides.
- Community Visits: We offer optional cultural tours to interact with local tribes like the Maasai and Hadzabe.
9. Payment and Booking
- Payment Methods: We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and mobile money.
- Deposits: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure.
- Cancellations: Check our cancellation policy for details.
Make your dream trip come true with Pyana Travel & Tours
At Pyana Travel & Tours, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
WHY PYANA TRAVEL & TOURS?
- Highest service
- Quickest response time
- 100% specialized in Tanzania
- Skilled travel consultants living in Tanzania
- World class safari guides
- Competitive rates
- Top rated private safaris
