RONGAI ROUTE – OVERVIEW
The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route. Rongai route is less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. While it is flatter, it does not give the climb high sleep low option and therefore recommended to select more days for acclimatization.
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low
DAY 1: ARRIVAL KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route. Rongai route is less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. While it is flatter, it does not give the climb high sleep low option and therefore recommended to select more days for acclimatization.
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE - SIMBA CAMP
Departing from Moshi a 4–5-hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
7km /5mi | 3-4 hrs. | Rainforest
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP
After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude gained: 852m
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELEWA CAMP
After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
5.95km/3.7mi | 2-3hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 188m
DAY 4: KIKELEWA CAMP- MAWENZI TARN
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
3.75km/2.3mi | 3-4hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m
DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.
8.9km /5mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m
DAY 6: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | - HOROMBO HUTS
The passage describes the final and most challenging part of a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning between midnight and 2 a.m. Climbers push towards the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, and ascending through steep, loose scree towards Stella Point. Here, they can enjoy a magnificent sunrise before continuing the final hour to Uhuru Peak, where they reach the highest point in Africa. After celebrating this achievement, they begin a steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping briefly at Kibo Hut for lunch. The day concludes with a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp.
15.75km /9.8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
Overnight HOTEL IN MOSHI B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
DAY 0: DEPARTURE
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro international Airport for your flight back home.
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
- Gratuities/tips
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing
- Favored beverages (soda and alcohol at hotels)
- Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Domestic or international flights
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Low Season (April 1st – May 19th)
| Type of Accommodation | 2 persons | 4 persons | 6+ persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER | $3,048.00 USD* | $2,469.00 USD* | $2,275.00 USD* |
| GOLD | $3,615.00 USD* | $3,006.00 USD* | $2,803.00 USD* |
| PLATINUM | $4,300.00 USD* | $3,701.00 USD* | $3,501.00 USD* |
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
Mid Season (The Rest of the Year)
| Type of Accommodation | 2 persons | 4 persons | 6+ persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER | $3,245.00 USD* | $2,599.00 USD* | $2,384.00 USD* |
| GOLD | $3,971.00 USD* | $3,294.00 USD* | $3,069.00 USD* |
| PLATINUM | $4,699.00 USD* | $4,033.00 USD* | $3,811.00 USD* |
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
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