RONGAI ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.Although gaining in popularity, the Rongai route has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route. It also lends itself to a more remote hike and for those climbing during the rainy season, the north receives less precipitation. The minimum number of days required for this route is six and seven is recommended. The scenery is not as varied as the western routes, but you will be passing through true wilderness areas before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is recommended for those with less backpacking experience.

WHY 6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, you will have time to rest and prepare for the climb.
Your mountain guide will conduct a pre-trek briefing and check your trekking equipment to ensure you are properly prepared for the mountain.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Depending on your selected package

Day 1: Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
Elevation: Approximately 1,990 m to 2,625 m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / montane forest to moorland
After breakfast, we drive from Moshi toward the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro and continue to Rongai Gate.
After completing the park registration formalities, the trek begins.
The trail initially passes through cultivated areas before entering the forest. The environment becomes increasingly wild as you move away from the settlements. With luck, you may see signs of wildlife such as monkeys and other forest species.
After several hours of walking, you arrive at Simba Camp, where the mountain crew prepares your evening meal and camping accommodation.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 2,625 m to approximately 3,630 m
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you continue ascending gradually through the moorland zone.
The landscape becomes more open, with increasingly impressive views toward Kibo, the highest volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro.
The trail continues toward the Second Cave area before leaving the main Rongai trail and heading toward Kikelewa.
The landscape becomes more rugged as you approach the distinctive peaks of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second-highest volcanic cone.
You eventually reach Kikelewa Camp, located in a sheltered valley near the Kikelewa Caves.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: Approximately 3,630 m to 4,310 m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / alpine desert
Today's trek is shorter but includes a steeper section as you climb toward the spectacular Mawenzi Tarn area.
The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you gain altitude.
Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views across the northern plains and toward Mawenzi's dramatic volcanic cliffs.
Arriving at Mawenzi Tarn provides an excellent opportunity to rest and allow your body to continue adapting to the increasing altitude.
If conditions and your guide's assessment allow, a short acclimatization walk around the area may be undertaken.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Camp
Elevation: Approximately 4,310 m to 4,700 m
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today you cross the famous Saddle, the broad high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo.
The landscape is dramatically different from the forest and moorland experienced earlier in the trek.
There is very little vegetation here, and the environment becomes increasingly cold and dry.
As you approach Kibo Camp, you will see the summit cone rising ahead.
After arriving at camp, you will have an early dinner and rest as much as possible in preparation for the summit attempt.
Overnight: Kibo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Kibo Camp – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Camp
Kibo Camp: Approximately 4,700 m
Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Descent: Horombo Camp – approximately 3,700 m
Trekking time: Approximately 12–15 hours
Distance: Approximately 20–22 km
Summit Day
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
You will normally begin the summit attempt around midnight or in the early hours of the morning.
The trail climbs slowly over steep volcanic terrain toward the crater rim.
Your guide will set a deliberately slow pace to help conserve energy and manage the effects of altitude.
Depending on your route progress and conditions, you may reach Gilman's Point at approximately 5,685 m, located on the crater rim.
From there, the trail continues around the crater rim toward Stella Point and then onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m
Standing at Uhuru Peak is the highlight of the expedition.
After taking photographs and celebrating the achievement, you begin the descent.
The descent to Kibo Camp is much faster than the ascent, but you will still need to manage your energy carefully.
After a short rest and meal at Kibo, you continue descending toward Horombo Camp.
This is a very long day, and trekkers should expect significant fatigue.
Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Horombo Camp – Marangu Gate – Moshi
Elevation: Approximately 3,700 m to 1,860 m
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Trekking time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
After breakfast, you begin the final descent toward Marangu Gate.
The trail passes through the moorland before entering the lush rainforest at lower elevations.
As you continue descending, the temperature becomes warmer and the vegetation becomes increasingly dense.
At Marangu Gate, you complete the park exit procedures and receive your summit certificate if you successfully reached the required summit point.
Our driver will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Enjoy a hot shower, a well-earned rest, and celebrate your Kilimanjaro achievement.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
GROUP SIZE AMOUNT(US DOLLAR)
1 Person $1850
2-4 People $1750
5-7 People $1700
8-10 People $1650

PRICE INCLUDES

Transfers:

Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi; Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:

Accommodation at hotel one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season );
Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

Comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
Complete medical kits including Diamox.
Private portable Toilet.

Climbing crew:

Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:

18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy.

PRICE EXCLUDE

International flights;
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);

Enquire Now

MAP OF RONGAI ROUTE