The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro trail that begins from the mountain’s northern side, close to the Kenyan border. Though it’s becoming more popular, it still offers a quieter, less crowded trekking experience—ideal for those seeking solitude and a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. The northern approach also benefits from drier weather, making it a reliable choice during the rainy seasons when other trails may be less favorable.
While many climbers opt to complete Rongai in six days, adding an extra day for a seven-day itinerary greatly improves acclimatization and overall summit success. Though it lacks some of the dramatic scenery found on the western routes, Rongai makes up for it with a genuine wilderness feel, remote trails, and unique views. The path merges with the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut for the final summit push, and the descent also follows the Marangu trail, offering a different landscape on the way down. With moderate difficulty and a steady incline, Rongai is an excellent option for beginner trekkers looking for a balanced and scenic climb.
TRIP – ITINERARY
DAY 00: ARRIVALS
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll meet our office representative, followed by an hour drive to the hotel in Moshi Town. After having a short rest at the hotel, our mountain guide will meet you to check with your climbing gear and equipment. If some gears will be missing, our guide will help you on how to rent those missing gears from the rental shops.
Day 1 : Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to the Rongai Gate, the starting point of our trek. Here, you will meet your guides and porters, complete registration formalities, and embark on the journey. The trail begins in the lush rainforest, gradually ascending through picturesque scenery. Along the way, you may spot various species of flora and fauna endemic to the region. After approximately 4-5 hours of hiking, we will reach Simba Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
- Elevation: Start at 1,950m, end at 2,650m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 7 km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2 : Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Today’s trek takes us further into the alpine desert zone. The trail winds through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As we gain elevation, you may start to feel the effects of altitude, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and pace yourself accordingly. After about 4-6 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Second Cave Camp, our accommodation for the night.
- Elevation: Start at 2,650m, end at 3,450m
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3 : Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Continuing our ascent, we’ll traverse across undulating terrain, passing through moorland dotted with unique plant species such as giant lobelias and senecios. The trail gradually gains elevation, providing stunning vistas of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak on clear days. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Kikelewa Camp, situated beneath Mawenzi Peak, where you’ll spend the night acclimatizing to the altitude.
- Elevation: Start at 3,450m, end at 3,600m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 6 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4 : Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s trek involves a steady climb towards Mawenzi Tarn, nestled in a valley beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. As we ascend, you’ll notice the landscape transitioning into a barren lunar-like terrain, with dramatic rock formations and sweeping vistas. Take it slow and steady to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. By early afternoon, we’ll arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you can rest and admire the awe-inspiring surroundings.
- Elevation: Start at 3,600m, end at 4,330m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 7 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 : Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
With the summit in sight, we’ll embark on the final leg of our journey towards Kibo Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail ascends steadily across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, offering breathtaking views of the summit looming ahead. As we reach higher elevations, the air becomes thinner, making each step more challenging. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have some time to rest and prepare for the summit push, which begins in the early hours of the next morning.
- Elevation: Start at 4,330m, end at 4,700m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 8 km
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 : Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut
Today is the culmination of your Kilimanjaro adventure as we embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We’ll start the climb in the early hours of the morning, following a steep and challenging trail illuminated by headlamps. As the sun rises, we’ll continue our ascent, taking breaks as needed to catch our breath and refuel. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views and a sense of achievement like no other. After celebrating our success, we’ll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut, where we’ll spend our final night on the mountain.
- Elevation: Start at 4,700m, ascend to 5,895m, descend to 3,720m
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Distance: Approximately 20 km (8 km ascent, 12 km descent)
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
Day 7 : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and transfer to Moshi
On our last day on the mountain, we’ll descend through the rainforest, retracing our steps back to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates, commemorating your accomplishment. After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey up Kilimanjaro. Tonight, celebrate your achievements with a well-deserved dinner and restful sleep.
- Elevation: Start at 3,720m, end at 1,860m
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 20 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
TOUR ROUTE MAP
PRICE CHARGED FOR THIS TOUR
- $ 1700 per single person
- $ 1500 per group sharing
PRICE INCLUSION.
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure day
- 2 nights comfort stay in lodge the day before and after climbing.
- Transport to and from Mountain
- All park entrance fee +18% VAT
- All park accommodation fee + 18% VAT
- Park rescue fee
- Food on the mountain (3-meals a day)
- Non personal hiking equipment and gears
- Salary to guide, cook, and the crew.
PRICE EXCLUSION:
- Tipping
- Personal hiking gear and rentals
- Other personal expenses out of the mentioned above.
ESSENTIAL MOUNTAIN CLIMBING GEARS
50L waterproof duffle, small-size backpack, warm clothes including trouser, sweater, thermal underwear, and enough pair of warm socks, Balaclava, snow goggles, or ski sun glasses and scarf, waterproof layers, sun roof hat, warm sleeping bag, mattress, warm jacket, and a pair of gloves. Comfort mountain boots, and walking poles, Sun cream, first aid kit, a knapsack, a pair of getters and water-bottle, minimum 2litres each.
Mount Kilimanjaro climb: Tips for safe and successful Kilimanjaro summit.
- Choose the best route that offers good acclimatization, oxygen decreases as you climb to higher elevation, choose the routes that offer the acclimatization throughout to avoid the possibility of experiencing higher altitude mountain sickness. In this case Rongai, Lemosho, and Machame routes are highly recommended.
- Be well prepared and full equipped for Kilimanjaro trekking, do not forget to carry all necessary trekking equipments and gears. Remember, weather in the mountain is not precisely predictable; having with you the all weather gears is the best decision.
- Do not carry too much heavy day-pack. Most of your item luggage will be carried by Kilimanjaro porters; you will just carry your light day pack bag, which contains the most necessary personal use for a day only.
- Listen carefully to your guide, do not ignore the little advice from your guide, our Kilimanjaro guides are having more than 10-years experience, they have a broad working knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro, please listen to what they direct you to do.
- Eat enough food and drink more water so that your body won’t run out of energy, long day working requires body energy, make sure you eat as much as you can. Do not forget to go to bed early so that you will wake up with new energy to continue climbing.
- Choose the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Your chance to summit Kilimanjaro peak is highly influenced by the external factors like bad weather, knowing the best time to go for Kilimanjaro trekking will help you plan your adventure accordingly.
Best time of the year to go for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing:
- June to October-peak of high season, most of the Kilimanjaro routes and hotels are crowded.
- October to December-Most of the Kilimanjaro routes are less crowded, this season may be associated with seasonal rainfall so not that much good for climbing.
December to end of February-High season most of the routes and hotels are crowded.
- March to early of June-Low season, it’s the peak of the wet season as these months are associated with heavy rainfalls so not ideal for climbing.
