Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
The only northern approach to Africa's highest peak
Route Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. This route has low traffic but is gaining popularity amongst climbers. It is the preferred route for those wanting a more remote hike, those looking for an easier route, or those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
Although the minimum number of days required for this route is six days, seven days are recommended.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai passes through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route also descends down the Marangu route.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival Day in Tanzania
Location: Kilimanjaro to Moshi (45 km./27 mi.) 50-minute drive
Elevation: 810 m./2,624 ft.
We will meet you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transport you to Moshi, directly to the Zebra Hotel, where you will spend the night. The following morning, our mountain crew will check your gear, prepare you for the climb, and answer any questions you have. You may leave a bag behind at the hotel in a secure office until your return.
DAY 1: Marangu Park Gate to Rongai Camp
Walking time: 3 hrs.
Elevation change: +800 m. (1,800 m. to 2,600 m.)
Estimated distance: 6 km.
You will be driven to the Marangu Park Gate (approximately one hour), where your guide will register you before driving the long drive to the Rongai trailhead. You will meet your climbing porters and begin walking from the village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.). The winding path crosses a maize field before entering the natural forest, and then climbs gently through a forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro white and black Colobus monkey and Blue monkey.
DAY 2: Rongai Camp to Kikelewa Caves
Walking time: 7 hrs.
Elevation change: +1,000 m. (2,600 m. to 3,600 m.)
Estimated distance: 9 km.
After breakfast, you will ascend to the "Second Cave," where you will rest and take lunch. Here, you will be able to view Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, you will proceed, walking toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we will camp in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves.
DAY 3: Kikelewa Caves to Mawenzi Tarn
Walking time: 4 hrs.
Elevation change: +730 m. (3,600 m. to 4,330 m.)
Estimated distance: 6 km.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers a clear view of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before we arrive at the next camp, which is at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You shall spend much of the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area. Overnight will be taken here.
DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Campsite, then to Summit
Walking time: 5 hrs. to Kibo / 7 hrs. to summit
Elevation change: +370 m. to Kibo / +1,195 m. to summit (4,330 m. to 4,700 m. to 5,895 m.)
Estimated distance: 7 km. to Kibo / 9 km. to summit
We shall cross the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to arrive at Kibo Campsite. After arriving at Kibo, the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation for the final ascent. You will begin your trek to the summit at 11 p.m. to midnight, passing Gillman's Point (5,685 m.), Stella Point (5,700 m.), and then on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m.), which is the highest point of Africa.
DAY 5: Kibo Campsite to Horombo Campsite
Walking time: 3-4 hrs.
Elevation change: -980 m. (4,700 m. to 3,720 m.)
Estimated distance: 9 km.
After reaching the summit, you then will descend to Kibo for approximately three hours, where you will rest a short while and take breakfast or lunch before descending to Horombo Hut. Dinner and overnight will be taken at Horombo Campsite.
DAY 6: Horombo Campsite to Marangu Gate
Walking time: 6-7 hrs.
Elevation change: -1,920 m. (3,720 m. to 1,800 m.)
Estimated distance: 18 km.
After breakfast, you will go down to Mandara Hut for lunch and then continue to Marangu Gate, where you will finalize the registration process, and our representative will meet you to drive you to the Zebra Hotel to conclude your adventure.
Pricing & Inclusions
Pricing (USD per person)
| Group Size | 6 Days 5 Nights |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,885 |
| 2 People | $1,670 |
| 3 People | $1,565 |
| 4+ People | $1,445 |
One of the easier routes with fewer trekkers.
Included in this Package
- 2 transfers between Moshi and Marangu Park Gate (and Rongai trailhead on Day 1)
- 3 meals per day while trekking, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian
- 6 days' Kilimanjaro trek on the Rongai Route
- 5 nights' accommodation in camps while trekking Rongai (Peter Tours and Mountaineering supplies tents)
- First and last night bed-and-breakfast accommodations at Zebra Hotel or equivalent
- All park entrance fees and government levies
Not Included in this Package
- Personal mountain gear
- Meals outside the regular itinerary
- Tips for guides and porters
- Airfares and airport taxes
- Double room supplement for hotel
- International visas for Tanzania
- Medical/evacuation trip insurance
Note that personal gear may be rented at a reasonable price.
Health Information
Most able-bodied persons aged 10 and older can hike Mt. Kilimanjaro; however, preparation, precaution and care must be made to ensure everyone's safety.