Rongai Route

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that approaches the mountain from the north, near the Kenyan border. It offers a quieter and less crowded climbing experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking solitude and unique perspectives of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Key Features:

  1. Length: Usually takes 7 days, providing a good balance between trekking duration and acclimatization.
  2. Scenery: Known for its dry northern landscapes, the route transitions from savannah-like terrain to alpine desert and eventually to glacier-covered summit zones. The descent follows the Marangu Route, showcasing contrasting scenery.
  3. Difficulty: Considered moderately challenging, with a gradual ascent that aids acclimatization, though summit night is steep and demanding.
  4. Crowds: The least crowded of the main routes, offering a more peaceful climbing experience.
  5. Wildlife: Increased chances of spotting wildlife in the lower sections due to its remote location.

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ITINERARY BRIEFING

  • TAILOR THIS PACKAGE
Day 1 : Kilimanjaro international Airport - Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and clearing customs, you’ll be greeted by our friendly driver and guide holding a sign with your name. They will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha city.

Once at your hotel, the driver will help with check-in and confirm the schedule for the following day. Depending on your arrival time, a sales representative may provide a brief overview, and your guide will check your climbing gear to ensure everything is prepared. If the briefing doesn’t occur on the day of arrival, it will be scheduled for the next morning before start trekking.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Arusha with bed and breakfast included.

Day 2 : Arusha city, rongai gate to rongai cave

We’ll start by driving from Moshi to Marangu Gate to secure permits, then transfer briefly to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The hike begins through fields of corn and potatoes, gradually ascending into the forest, which is home to wildlife like the black and white colobus monkey.

  • Driving Distance: 120 km / 3 hours
  • Walking Distance: 8.3 km / 5-6 hours
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 6398 to 9300 meters above sea level
  • Nature of Trail: Well-maintained path with a gentle walk
  • Vegetation: Rainforest
Day 3: Rongai cave, second cave to kikelewa cave

We start the day with a steady ascent to Second Cave, then proceed through moorland, veering off the main trail to follow a smaller path towards the striking peaks of Mawenzi. Our trek concludes at Kikelewa Cave, where we will spend the night

  • Walking Distance: 12 km / 6-7 hours
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 9300 to 11811 meters above sea level
  • Nature of Trail: Gradual Walk on a well-maintained path
  • Vegetation: Heath
Day 4: Kikelewa cave to mawenzi tarn

Today’s hike is brief but steep, taking us up a grassy slope with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. As we transition from the heath zone into the starkly beautiful Alpine Desert, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. We’ll set up camp at Mawenzi Tarn, located beneath the striking spires of Mawenzi Peak. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the stunning area around the camp.

  • Walking Distance: 5 km / 3-4 hours
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 11811 to 14460 meters above sea level
  • Nature of Trail: Steep Walk
  • Vegetation: Alpine desert
Day 5: Mawenzi tarn to kibo hut

We will ascend steadily across the arid, lunar landscape of the “Saddle,” nestled between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our journey leads us to Kibo Hut, situated at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Here, we’ll rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the challenging final ascent to the summit.

  • Walking Distance: 8km / 5-6 hrs
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 1460 – 15430 ft
  • Nature of Trail: Challenging trek.
  • Vegetation: Alpine desert
Day 6: Kibo hut, uhuru pick to horombo hut

We start our final ascent to the summit in the early hours, around midnight, facing the most demanding part of the trek. The harsh cold and darkness make this stage challenging, with several hours of climbing and brief rests. Reaching Gilman’s Point at 18,600 feet, we are greeted by a stunning sunrise over Mawenzi Peak before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Here, we pause to celebrate our achievement and take in the breathtaking views.

Afterward, we descend to Horombo Hut for the night. There, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and reflect on the incredible journey, resting well-deserved after our summit success.

  • Walking Distance:  6 km (6-8 hrs) to Uhuru Peak, then 16 km (4-5 hrs) from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 15,430 ft (at Kibo Hut)-19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) and then 12,250 ft (Horombo Hut)
  • Vegetation: Alpine desert to Arctic to Heath
  • Nature of Trail: Steep and Challenging
Day 7: Horombo hut, marangu gate to arusha city/moshi

On our final day, we embark on a lengthy descent through the vibrant tropical rainforest, making our way to Marangu Gate at the park headquarters. Here, we will receive our hard-earned summit certificates. A vehicle will be ready to take us back to our hotel in Moshi, where we can unwind and reflect on our remarkable adventure up Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Driving Distance: 55km / 1 hour
  • Walking Distance: 20 km (5-7 hours)
  • Starting/Ending Elevation: 12,205 – 6,046 ft
  • Nature of Trail: Downhill
  • Vegetation: Heath to Rainforest
  • PACKAGE INCLUDE
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi / Arusha (before & after the climb)
  • Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head.
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Permits, camping / hut fees, rescue fees and Value added Tax
  • Expert guide, assistant guides, chef and porters
  • Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
  • Mountain tents, double occupancy
  • Sleeping pad, foam, sleeping bag & trekking poles.
  • Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
  • Fresh nutrition meals on the mountain
  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
  • All ground Transfers
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  • PACKAGE EXCLUDE
  • International flights
  • Tanzanian Visa
  • Trekking gears rentals
  • Tips for guides and cooks
  • All things of personal nature
  • Extra meals and drinks
  • Extended tours