Overview of the Rongai Route
The peaceful route
The Rongai Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique perspective of Africa’s tallest peak.
Starting from the northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the route is renowned for its gradual ascent, diverse landscapes, and wilderness experience.
Key Highlights:
1. Remote and Peaceful
The Rongai Route is much quieter than the more popular southern routes, making it an ideal choice for climbers seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
2. Diverse Landscapes
Trekkers journey through diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers and volcanic features.
3. Gentle Gradient
The gradual ascent allows climbers to adjust to the altitude more easily, contributing to its relatively high success rate compared to other routes.
4. Unique Starting Point
This is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, providing panoramic views of Kenya's Amboseli plains and a less crowded trekking experience.
5. Descent via the Marangu Route
The descent typically follows the Marangu Route, offering a broader perspective of the mountain and enabling trekkers to experience two different trails.
Why choose Rongai
The Rongai Route is an excellent choice for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and less crowded experience compared to other routes. Starting from the northern side near the Kenyan border, it provides stunning views of Kenya's Amboseli plains and a variety of scenic landscapes, from lush forests to barren alpine deserts. Known for its gradual ascent, the route is ideal for acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit. Additionally, its remote trails create a tranquil atmosphere, and climbers often enjoy spotting wildlife such as colobus monkeys. For those seeking adventure with serenity, the Rongai Route is a perfect option.
8 Days Rongai Route Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Elevation: 915m / 3,000ft
* Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
* Transfer to your hotel in Moshi for briefing and equipment check by your guide.
* Relax and prepare for the trek.
*Meals: Dinner
*Accommodation: Pink Flamingo
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1950m) to Simba Camp (2600m)
*Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
*Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
*Habitat: Montane Forest
*Activity: Drive from Moshi to Rongai Gate for registration. Start trekking through lush pine forest, spotting colobus monkeys along the way. Arrive at Simba Camp for overnight stay.
*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Simba Camp (2600m) to Second Cave (3450m)
*Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
*Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
*Habitat: Moorland
*Activity: Gradual ascent with sweeping views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. Arrive at Second Cave for acclimatization. Optional short hike in the afternoon.
*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Second Cave (3450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3600m)
*Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles
*Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
*Habitat: Moorland
*Activity: Trek through grassy slopes and rocky ridges, with increasing views of the summit. Overnight at Kikelewa Camp, located in a picturesque valley.
*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
*Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 miles
*Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
*
Habitat: Alpine Desert
*Activity: Steeper climb up the rugged terrain to Mawenzi Tarn.
* Camp beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak.
* Spend the afternoon acclimatizing or relaxing.
*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
*Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
*
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
*Habitat: Alpine Desert
*Activity: Traverse the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Reach Kibo Hut for an early dinner and rest before summit night.
*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
*Distance: ~21 km / 13 miles
*Hiking Time: 10–15 hours
*Habitat: Arctic Zone to Moorland
*Activity: Begin the final ascent around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for overnight stay.
*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
*Distance: ~20 km / 12.4 miles
*
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
*
Habitat: Montane Forest
*Activity: Descend through lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi. Optional celebration dinner in the evening.
*Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Includes
Transfer from JRO Airport to the hotel.
Return Transfer from accommodation to the airport.
Transfer to the Kilimanjaro gate
All National Park fees (rescue fees)
3 days Accommodation in hotel (one night before and one night after climbing )
All camping facilities
Meals (All meals during hiking)
Safety equipment (medical kit)
Professional mountain guides with WHR certificate
Assistant guide
Porters and Cook
Emergency oxygen
Warm water for washing each day at the mountain
Clean purified drinking water
Shaping after climb
Government tax
Price Excludes:
TIP Porters 10$ a day Cook's 15$ a day Guides 20$
Tanzania visa on arrival (100$ for American citizen and 50 for the others)
Mountain insurance
