RONGAI ROUTE 6 or 7 Days
Embark on a journey less traveled with the Rongai Route, which begins its ascent from the northeastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. This path offers a unique perspective, climbing above the Amboseli plains and approaching the summit from the west of Mawenzi peak.
Not only does it offer a unique path to Uhuru Peak, but it also provides the most convenient camping access. The descent is typically made via the well-trodden Marangu Route. The Rongai route offers two distinct paths to choose from, making it a versatile choice for climbers.
Its location makes it an ideal choice during the rainy season. While this route can be conquered in 6 days, we recommend a 7-day journey for better acclimatization and a more enjoyable trekking experience. So, lace up your boots and get ready for an adventure that promises breathtaking views and unforgettable memories!
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your pre-arranged hotel in Moshi or Arusha town. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will meet your guide who will provide a briefing about the upcoming trek. They will also conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear for the mountain. Any missing gear can be rented on this day.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
Begin your adventure from Nale Moru, the entry point to the Rongai route. Traverse through verdant farmlands and pine forests, keeping watch for Colobus monkeys and possibly encountering elephants or buffalos. Your first day concludes at Simba Camp, situated at 2625m on the edge of the moorland zone.
Distance: 8 kilometers
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a gradual ascent to Second Cave Camp, nestled in the moorland zone. Enjoy stunning vistas of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields along the crater rim. After lunch, continue your climb through the moorland, veering off the main trail onto a smaller path leading towards the rugged peaks of Mawenzi. The day concludes in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m.
Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on a brief yet steep ascent up grassy slopes, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Kenyan plains. Reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut, nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. Spend your afternoon either resting or exploring the area to facilitate acclimatization.
Distance: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from your campsite and cross the lunar desert that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at a breathtaking spot with Kilimanjaro’s summit towering in the background. Spend the remainder of your day resting to prepare for the final ascent.
Distance: 22 kilometers (13.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 12 – 15 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
“The Big Day” has arrived! Begin your final ascent around midnight. The climb ascends gradually past Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m. Witness the breathtaking sunrise as you reach Gillman’s Point (5681m), where the sun warms the land. Continue hiking to Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Upon your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits.
Distance: 22 kilometers (13.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 12 – 15 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final leg of your journey traverses through heath and moor zones to Mandara Hut (2700m), where a comforting lunch awaits. Trek through tropical rainforest and return to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate after approximately six hours of hiking. Bid farewell to your mountain guides before heading back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 20.8 kilometers (12.9 miles)
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
You have the entire day to relax after your trek before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you may want to explore Moshi town and possibly pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your pre-arranged hotel in either Moshi or Arusha town. At the hotel, you will meet your guide who will provide a briefing about the upcoming trek. They will also conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear for the mountain. If any gear is missing, it can be rented on this day.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
Your adventure commences with a drive to Nale Moru, the beginning of the Rongai route. The initial part of the journey winds through scenic farmland and pine forests, where you may spot graceful Colobus monkeys or, if you’re lucky, elephants or buffalos. The first campsite, Simba Camp, awaits at 2625m on the outskirts of the moorland zone.
Distance Covered: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Approximate Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning hike consists of a gradual climb to the Second Cave Camp in the moorland zone, providing stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields along the crater rim.
Distance Covered: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
Approximate Duration: 3-4 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We say goodbye to the pine forest and continue our ascent through the moorland. Along the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes, we enjoy breathtaking views of the Eastern ice fields. We’ll depart from the main trail and follow a smaller path across the moorland towards the rugged peaks of Mawenzi, the second volcano of Kilimanjaro. Today’s journey concludes at 3630m, where we will set up camp in a sheltered valley near the Kikelewa caves.
Distance Covered: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
Approximate Duration: 3-4 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we embark on a brief yet steep ascent up grassy slopes, which rewards us with a spectacular view of the Kenyan plains to the north. Shortly after leaving vegetation behind, we reach our next camp, Mawenzi Tarn Hut, nestled directly beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. The afternoon provides an opportunity for rest or exploration of the surrounding area to facilitate acclimatization.
Distance Covered: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Approximate Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave our campsite and traverse the lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. After several hours of trekking, we reach a breathtaking spot with Kilimanjaro’s summit in view and our path to the high camp extending ahead of us. Upon arrival at our camp, we’ll spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent after an early night!
Distance Covered: 22 kilometers (13.7 miles)
Approximate Duration: 12 – 15 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
“The Big Day” – the summit stage – has arrived. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, a long and challenging endeavor. The climb gradually ascends after passing Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m. At sunrise, you’ll reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim, where the sun starts to warm the land, dispelling the cold of the night. After another hour or two of hiking, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Upon returning to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits before a brief rest of an hour or two, followed by your descent to Horombo Hut.
Distance Covered: 22 kilometers (13.7 miles)
Approximate Duration: 12 – 15 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final stage of your journey takes you through the heath and moor zones to Mandara Hut (2700m), where a hot lunch awaits. Continuing through the tropical rainforest, after approximately six hours of trekking, you will arrive at Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). Bid farewell to your mountain guides before a short transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a warm and relaxing shower to celebrate your successful summit of Kilimanjaro.
Distance Covered: 20.8 kilometers (12.9 miles)
Approximate Duration: 8 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You have the entire day to relax after your trek before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you might want to explore Moshi town, shop for souvenirs, or simply unwind at your leisure before heading to the airport.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF)
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
