Route description
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have a chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
- Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
- Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 4: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
Leaving the pine forest behind us carry on with a steady ascent walking through moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m
- Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
- Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have a chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time took: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo after a couple of hours of trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 7: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 8: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
- Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Day 9: Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gifts shop before heading to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast included
Wildlife Safari, Zanzibar Beach Holiday and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast included
Pricing
- 1 Pax$2150 p.p
- 2-4 Pax$2050 p.p
- 5-7 Pax$2000 p.p
- 8-10 Pax$1950 p.p
- 11pax & above $1900 p.p
Tanzanian Residents pay 80% of rates
East Africa Citizens pay 60% of rates
Price includes:
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to & from the Meru gate
- Park entry fees
- Accommodation in wooden cabins on the mountain
- Camping fees
- Team Meru Rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Double-layered Sleeping Mats
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook,s and porters
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
Price excludes:
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain
Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber):
- Guides: $20/day/guide
- Cook: $15/day
- Porter: $10/day/por
