Family Kilimanjaro Package: Rongai Route (2025-2026)

Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Designed For: Families with children and younger trekkers

Overview

Experience an unforgettable family adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro’s Rongai Route, the most gentle and family-friendly trail. This package offers tailored itineraries designed to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment for every family member, including children. With gradual ascents, scenic landscapes, and experienced guides focused on the needs of younger trekkers, this is the perfect way to create lifelong memories together.

Package Features

• Family-Friendly Itineraries: Carefully designed routes with shorter trekking days and more rest opportunities to suit families.
• Child Discounts: Affordable rates for children, making the adventure more accessible for families.
• Safety and Comfort: Special attention to younger trekkers’ needs with slower paces, nutritious meals, and proper acclimatization support.
• Experienced Guides: Guides trained to work with families, ensuring a fun and supportive atmosphere for all ages.

Highlights

• A scenic and quieter route with gradual ascents, ideal for children.
• Camping under the stars with delicious family-style meals.
• Stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and surrounding wildlife.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha

Upon arrival in Moshi or Arusha, your family will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Here, you’ll meet your guides, who will give you a detailed briefing about the trek. The evening will include an equipment check and a chance to prepare for the adventure. This is a relaxing day to ensure everyone feels ready for the trek ahead. Overnight at a family-friendly hotel, where you can enjoy a comfortable night’s rest.

Day 2: Moshi/Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530 ft)

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Rongai Gate, which marks the start of your trek. The trail begins with a gentle climb through lush pine forests, where the kids can enjoy spotting wildlife like monkeys and birds. Your experienced guide will pace the group to ensure comfort for everyone. After a 4–5 hour trek, you’ll reach Simba Camp, where you’ll set up camp, enjoy a delicious family meal, and relax under the stars.

Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m/11,810 ft)

Today, your family will continue the gradual ascent through the moorlands to Kikelelwa Camp. The path is wide and relatively easy, with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. This day involves 5–6 hours of trekking, with ample time for rest breaks. Upon arrival at Kikelelwa Camp, you can explore the surrounding areas, enjoy a leisurely evening, and savor another delicious meal prepared by your private chef.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206 ft)

The trek becomes slightly steeper as you approach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated beneath the majestic Mawenzi Peak. The day’s climb is 4–5 hours, with plenty of time for breaks, and your guide will pace the group according to the family’s needs. This is a great day to enjoy the dramatic alpine scenery and catch your first glimpses of the mountain’s glaciers. Mawenzi Tarn Camp is a picturesque spot to rest, where you’ll camp near a tarn and enjoy another hearty meal.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420 ft)

Today’s trek takes you across the "Saddle," the high-altitude desert that connects Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The route is gradual but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The trek to Kibo Hut will take about 5–6 hours, and it’s a perfect opportunity for some family photos. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt. The kids will be well looked after with light activities to keep them relaxed for the challenge ahead.

Day 6: Summit Night – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341 ft) and Descent to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205 ft)

The most challenging day of the trek begins with a midnight start. The climb to Uhuru Peak will take 7–9 hours, with rest stops along the way. Your guide will ensure the group moves at a pace that’s comfortable for everyone. While it’s a long and demanding climb, reaching the summit as a family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the kids will be supported every step of the way. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you’ll celebrate the achievement before descending back to Kibo Hut for a short break and continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,900m/6,230 ft) and Departure

On the final day, you’ll trek down through the lush rainforest, a much gentler route after the summit climb. The descent will take 5–6 hours, and the kids will enjoy the change in scenery as you pass through vibrant vegetation and unique wildlife. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates, celebrate your family’s success, and enjoy the last moments of your Kilimanjaro adventure. A vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on the experience before heading home.

Pricing

• 6-Day Option: Starting at $2,450 per person
• 7-Day Option: Starting at $2,750 per person

(Prices may vary for smaller groups or more participants.)

Inclusions

• Transfers: Round-trip airport transfers to/from your hotel.
• Park Fees: All Kilimanjaro entry, camping, and rescue fees.
• Guides: Family-friendly guides, porters, and cook.
• Meals: Customized meals for dietary preferences.
• Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping mats, and dining tents.
• Summit Certificate: Upon reaching the summit.
• Safety: Satellite communication and first-aid kit.

Exclusions

• Flights: International flights to/from Tanzania.
• Trekking Gear: Personal items like boots and sleeping bags (available for rent).
• Tips: Crew tips (suggested $200-$300 per group).
• Insurance: Travel insurance.
• Visas: Entry visa fees.
• Meals: Meals in Moshi/Arusha before and after the trek.
• Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or extra items.

Why This Package is Perfect for Families

• Family-Friendly Itineraries: The 6–7 day itinerary is designed with shorter trekking days and plenty of rest, making it manageable for children and younger trekkers.
• Comfort and Safety: The emphasis is on safety and comfort, with personalized attention from experienced guides who are well-versed in working with families.
• Caring for Younger Trekkers: Special care is taken to ensure the trek is enjoyable for kids, with flexible pacing and lots of breaks.
• Memorable Adventure: This is an opportunity to create lifelong memories as a family while tackling the adventure of a lifetime together.