Overview
The 6-day Rongai route offers a unique, remote trek up Mount kilimanjaro by approaching from the quiet northern side near the Kenyan border. Known for its drier climate,lower foot traffic and gradual ascent, the trail winds through pine forests,moorlands and high-altitude alpine deserts,providing panoramic views of the Kenyan plains and the dramatic Mawenzi Peak. Hikers ascend past landmark points such as First cave camp,Kikelelwa,Mawenzi tarn and Kibo hut before making a steep overnight summit push to Uhuru peak (5,895 meters).The journey concludes via a descent down the southeastern Marangu route,giving trekkers a varied,full-mountain perspective before finishing at Marangu gate
Tour Features
Hut Camping
This is a camping route
Private Tour
This safari is arranged privately for your group.
Solo Travelers
Suitable for solo travelers.
Customizable
This itinerary can be customized.
Children Policy
Minimum age accepted is 12 years and above.
Start Date
This safari can start on any day.
Highlights
Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Moshi to Nalemoru gate (1,990 m) to Simba camp (2,671 m)
Simba camp (2,671 m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 m)
Kikelelwa Cave (3,600 m) to Mawenzi Tarn camp (4,330 m)
Mawenzi Tarn camp (4,330 m) to Kibo hut (4,720 m)
Kibo hut (4,720 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Horombo hut (3,720 m)
Horombo hut (3,720 m) to Marangu gate (1,879 m) to Moshi
Depart Tanzania
Your Safari Map
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Safari Itinerary
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day. The hotel check in start from 12:00 PM. Overnight at Park View Inn. Meals: No meals Included
Accommodation
Park View Inn
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2671 m.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Simba Camp
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3,482 meters for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3,600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelelwa camp.
Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Kikelelwa Camp
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi approx.
time taken: 4 - 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Mawenzi tarn camp
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi approx.
time taken: 5 - 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Kibo Hut
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5,681 m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: 12 – 15 hours approx
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Horombo Hut
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 29 km
Meals: Breakfast & lunch Included
Accommodation
Park View Inn
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gifts shop before heading to the airport. The hotel check out time is at 10:00AM. Meals: Breakfast Included
Tanzania