The Rongai Route is the only route on Kilimanjaro that starts in the north near the border to Kenya, the furthest away from an airport of all Kilimanjaro National Park gates. This makes it much less visited than other routes, providing for a true wilderness experience during your summit approach.
Descending along the Marangu Route in the south east, is furthermore offers a cross-over experience with views of the north, east and south of Mount Kilimanjaro and its surroundings.
While the Rongai Route can be completed through a short and direct approach of the summit in only 5 days, we recommend this 7-day itinerary with a detour to Mawenzi in the east of Kibo. This allows more time to acclimatize to the thin air and improves your summit success chance.
The Rongai Route also is a good choice during rainy season as the northern slopes tend to attract less rain than the southern slopes. However, there is no guarantee. You might be lucky and have a mostly dry climb, or it might still rain a lot even on the northern slopes. There’s really no way to predict the amount of rain at the time of your booking.
If solitude is what attracts you to the Rongai Route, and you are open to consider a longer climb of 8 days or more, then we recommend you to also consider the 8-day Grand Traverse or 8-day Northern Circuit for a more varied scenery and beneficial altitude profile.
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1
1h
- Pre-climb briefing
Your guide will meet you at your accommodation for your pre-climb briefing ...read moreand gear check, usually in the late afternoon or evening prior to the start of your climb. We will advice the exact time of the briefing once we know your arrival time (as well as the arrival times of any other climbers in your group). If you do not know the time ahead of your trip, please check with your hotel upon arrival.
Please make sure to arrive latest by mid-afternoon on the day before the start of your climb to leave enough time for your briefing. If you only arrive in the evening or overnight, we will make every effort to arrange the briefing early the next morning for you.read less
Please make sure to arrive latest by mid-afternoon on the day before the start of your climb to leave enough time for your briefing. If you only arrive in the evening or overnight, we will make every effort to arrange the briefing early the next morning for you.read less
Day 2
2 – 3h- Transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate
- Moshi (831m) → Rongai Gate (1,945m)
1,114m
98km
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins when you depart Moshi to drive about an h...read moreour to the Marangu park gate for registration. Here, national park fees and paperwork formalities are taken care of. After everything is accounted for, it’s time to drive approximately 1 and a half hours to your starting point. The views accompanying the drive are serene as you pass through the village of Nale Moru, located on the Northeast side of Kilimanjaro.
A couple of bumps on the road towards the end will wake you right up as you approach the starting point, the Rongai gate, where you begin your exciting once-in-a-lifetime trek to the roof of Africa.read less
A couple of bumps on the road towards the end will wake you right up as you approach the starting point, the Rongai gate, where you begin your exciting once-in-a-lifetime trek to the roof of Africa.read less
3 – 4h- Maize fields and pine forest
- Rongai Gate (1,945m) → Simba Camp (2,671m)
- 726m
- 7km
The hike today will be easy going, as it takes you through small winding pa...read moreths. The scenery is spectacular as you cross through maize fields and enter the pine forests. Your senses will be overwhelmed with the splashes of green and sounds of electric birdlife. The climb is gentle through the pine forest, and takes you along the countryside. You soon arrive to your first camp, the Simba Camp. With no facilities other than some public toilets, this truly is a one-of-a-kind wilderness experience!read less
Day 3-4
8 – 10h- A long day in heathland with stunning Kibo views
- Simba Camp (2,671m) → Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
- 929m
- 16km
Today’s trek will offer stunning views of Kibo and will be a long day, bu...read moret significant in terms of altitude gained beginning the process of acclimatization. The trail is steep and dusty, and first signs of altitude sickness may start to be felt. The pace will be ‘pole pole’ (slow) and you will have an ample amount of time to take during the hike.
The views start to open up as you enter into moorland habitat. You begin to feel like you’re on the mountain, and it’s quite a majestic feeling! The heathers begin to shrink and trees become sparser as the vegetation changes from mountain forest to alpine heath. Your hike will have plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge, and while you do so it’s a great opportunity to snap photos of the Kibo backdrop.
While the first part of the day is more challenging, the second half provides relief as it turns into a more gradual increase towards the camp. Dinner and overnight is spent at the Kikelewa Camp perched upon the mountainside. Located in the sheltered valley, the camp hosts views of giant scenecios nearby, but be sure to bundle up at night as temperatures begin to drop drastically.read less
The views start to open up as you enter into moorland habitat. You begin to feel like you’re on the mountain, and it’s quite a majestic feeling! The heathers begin to shrink and trees become sparser as the vegetation changes from mountain forest to alpine heath. Your hike will have plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge, and while you do so it’s a great opportunity to snap photos of the Kibo backdrop.
While the first part of the day is more challenging, the second half provides relief as it turns into a more gradual increase towards the camp. Dinner and overnight is spent at the Kikelewa Camp perched upon the mountainside. Located in the sheltered valley, the camp hosts views of giant scenecios nearby, but be sure to bundle up at night as temperatures begin to drop drastically.read less
Day 5-7
3 – 4h- Welcome to alpine desert at the base of Mawenzi
- Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m)
- 715m
- 3km
After a long hiking day yesterday, today's hike will be short but steep. Wa...read morelking through the grassy slopes, you are met with amazing views of the wilderness area. As you ascend, you will start to feel the altitude today, so be sure to take your time and follow your guide who will help set a pace that works best for you. There is no rush on Kilimanjaro!
As you approach the next camp, you’ll start to notice that the vegetation becomes sparser. By the time you arrive to the Mawenzi Tarn Camp, there’s very rare glimpses of green. What the camp lacks in vegetation, it makes up for with it’s location. The campsite is located at the base of Mawenzi, one of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro, and is used less often than other campsites. Sitting under the towering spires of Mawenzi, you’ll be nothing short of in awe by your surroundings. Lucky for you, the afternoon is spent exploring the area which also helps in your acclimatization process. Enjoy the remote locality and beautiful sunset hues that splash against the peaks.read less
As you approach the next camp, you’ll start to notice that the vegetation becomes sparser. By the time you arrive to the Mawenzi Tarn Camp, there’s very rare glimpses of green. What the camp lacks in vegetation, it makes up for with it’s location. The campsite is located at the base of Mawenzi, one of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro, and is used less often than other campsites. Sitting under the towering spires of Mawenzi, you’ll be nothing short of in awe by your surroundings. Lucky for you, the afternoon is spent exploring the area which also helps in your acclimatization process. Enjoy the remote locality and beautiful sunset hues that splash against the peaks.read less
Day 8-11
Half Day- Acclimatization day at leisure
- Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m)
This day is meant to help you with your acclimatization to the high altitud...read moree. Go for a walk to Mawenzi Hut and explore the surrounding area if you feel up to it, or simply relax and enjoy a quiet day in wilderness.read less
Day 12-16
5 – 6h- Across the saddle and into thin air
- Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m) → Kibo Hut (4,720m)
- 405m
- 9km
Today you will be crossing the so-called saddle, a lunar landscape between ...read moreMawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone devoid of vegetation. You may start to be feeling butterflies, since tonight is the exciting summit night. The day will be short but crucial in helping to acclimate. As you cross the saddle, it will take approximately 5-6 hours to reach your base camp for the final summit push.
The thin air will be challenging today, so it is important to walk slowly to help with acclimatization. The mentality will be slow and steady. The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for your exciting night ahead. Try to catch a few hours of sleep and eat as much as you can, the energy will be well-used the following day! You will be woken a couple of hours later for a day you won’t soon forget.read less
The thin air will be challenging today, so it is important to walk slowly to help with acclimatization. The mentality will be slow and steady. The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for your exciting night ahead. Try to catch a few hours of sleep and eat as much as you can, the energy will be well-used the following day! You will be woken a couple of hours later for a day you won’t soon forget.read less
Day 17-22
6 – 8h- Final summit push through the night and sunrise on top of Africa
- Kibo Hut (4,720m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- 1,175m
- 6km
After getting as much rest as possible, it’s time for your exciting early...read more start. You will be woken up around 11:00 pm, and will have breakfast waiting for you. The reason for the (very) early start is to try and make the summit by sunrise. Try to eat as much as possible, making sure that you have energy for the thrilling day ahead. Your day pack should be ready with rain gear, hand warmers, snacks, sunscreen and sunglasses for the summit, and of course, your camera.
As your summit ascent begins, your pre-summit goal is to reach Gillman’s point. The scree-sloped Kibu is steep in the beginning, but the switchbacks will make the climb easier for you. As the oxygen becomes thinner, you’ll begin to feel the effects of the higher altitude. Take your time and focus on taking the trek step-by-step. After approximately an hour and a half you will hit rockier terrain, with some boulders to walk over. These rocks are called the Jamaican Rocks, and can be slippery at times so be mindful of your steps as you cross over them.
The night will be cold with frigid temperatures and altitude sickness may begin to hit you. Your final push to the top may seem endless, but rest assured that it will come to an end. What satisfaction as you reach Gilman’s point at the top of Kibo! From here, it is only an hour and a half or so until Uhuru Peak and you will have the opportunity to rest and refuel a bit before the final haul. As you look across the starlit sky, you have the outline of Mawenzi glaring back at you. Take in the cosmic sights and congratulate yourself for making it thus far! The worst has been accomplished.
As you turn Southwest, you start to push through the steady but shallow trail along the crater rim and past Stella Point to arrive at the breathtaking Uhuru Peak. While it’s a very gradual ascent, the thin air will make it challenging and each step will take all your focus and energy. Dawn is approaching, take some pictures, pat yourself on the back, and enjoy the glistening pink and orange sunrise hues overlooking the icefields and glaciers. The rolling clouds splash against the noble beauty of Kibo – it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.read less
As your summit ascent begins, your pre-summit goal is to reach Gillman’s point. The scree-sloped Kibu is steep in the beginning, but the switchbacks will make the climb easier for you. As the oxygen becomes thinner, you’ll begin to feel the effects of the higher altitude. Take your time and focus on taking the trek step-by-step. After approximately an hour and a half you will hit rockier terrain, with some boulders to walk over. These rocks are called the Jamaican Rocks, and can be slippery at times so be mindful of your steps as you cross over them.
The night will be cold with frigid temperatures and altitude sickness may begin to hit you. Your final push to the top may seem endless, but rest assured that it will come to an end. What satisfaction as you reach Gilman’s point at the top of Kibo! From here, it is only an hour and a half or so until Uhuru Peak and you will have the opportunity to rest and refuel a bit before the final haul. As you look across the starlit sky, you have the outline of Mawenzi glaring back at you. Take in the cosmic sights and congratulate yourself for making it thus far! The worst has been accomplished.
As you turn Southwest, you start to push through the steady but shallow trail along the crater rim and past Stella Point to arrive at the breathtaking Uhuru Peak. While it’s a very gradual ascent, the thin air will make it challenging and each step will take all your focus and energy. Dawn is approaching, take some pictures, pat yourself on the back, and enjoy the glistening pink and orange sunrise hues overlooking the icefields and glaciers. The rolling clouds splash against the noble beauty of Kibo – it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.read less
4 – 5h- Half way down into thicker air
- Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
-2,175m- 15km
You’ve made it! Congratulations are in order as you’ve conquered an imp...read moreressive feat. It’s time for hugs and photos, as you revel in elation with your loved ones. You’ll remember this feeling forever.
After you take in the sights, it’s time to return back since you can’t remain too long in the altitude. The trek begins back to Gilman’s point, where you then head back down the Jamaican Rocks and scree-laced slopes of Kibo. As you make your way down, you may very well find that the descent is tough on your knees, which will by now be feeling the impact of your climb up this formidable mountain. To ease the strain on your knees, walking poles are highly recommended.
A hearty lunch is waiting for you at the Kibo Huts – you may have forgotten about your appetite with all the excitement swirling that morning! There are opportunities to rest before the second part of the hike, to allow the porters to pack and regain some energy on your part.
Finally, it’s time to head down to the Horombo Huts, the final campsite of the day. The long day may seem daunting, but it will in fact become easier as you descend since the air becomes richer in that precious oxygen you’ve been missing! The dinner that night is a lively affair, with a sparkle in everyone’s eyes and memories being recounted.read less
After you take in the sights, it’s time to return back since you can’t remain too long in the altitude. The trek begins back to Gilman’s point, where you then head back down the Jamaican Rocks and scree-laced slopes of Kibo. As you make your way down, you may very well find that the descent is tough on your knees, which will by now be feeling the impact of your climb up this formidable mountain. To ease the strain on your knees, walking poles are highly recommended.
A hearty lunch is waiting for you at the Kibo Huts – you may have forgotten about your appetite with all the excitement swirling that morning! There are opportunities to rest before the second part of the hike, to allow the porters to pack and regain some energy on your part.
Finally, it’s time to head down to the Horombo Huts, the final campsite of the day. The long day may seem daunting, but it will in fact become easier as you descend since the air becomes richer in that precious oxygen you’ve been missing! The dinner that night is a lively affair, with a sparkle in everyone’s eyes and memories being recounted.read less
Day 23-29
5 – 7h- All the way back down through the forest
- Horombo Hut (3,720m) → Marangu Gate (1,879m)
- -1,841m
- 19km
As you wake up, you’re coming off a high of excitement from the day prior...read more. While you feel accomplished, you still have one more exciting day to finish your trek. The trail down to Marangu Gate drops at a steady gradient, your knees may need the support of trekking poles from the intense day before. For your last day on the mountain, you enjoy a lovely lunch at the Mandara Huts. This is the last meal with the trekking team who will undoubtedly become your friends, so be sure to enjoy your time together.
The last haul of your trip will take you through the lush rainforest, which is a treat! You are reintroduced to the sounds of birds, troops of monkeys and colorful scenery. Be sure to take in the charming senses of the mountain one last time. The rich oxygen doesn’t hurt either! Once you arrive to the Marangu Gate, you are presented with your certificates, and it’s time for the emotional goodbyes to your mountain crew. Please note that tipping your mountain crew typically occurs at this point, which is customary for the last day.read less
The last haul of your trip will take you through the lush rainforest, which is a treat! You are reintroduced to the sounds of birds, troops of monkeys and colorful scenery. Be sure to take in the charming senses of the mountain one last time. The rich oxygen doesn’t hurt either! Once you arrive to the Marangu Gate, you are presented with your certificates, and it’s time for the emotional goodbyes to your mountain crew. Please note that tipping your mountain crew typically occurs at this point, which is customary for the last day.read less
1h- Transfer to your hotel
- Marangu Gate (1,879m) → Moshi (831m)
- -1,048m
- 39km
After your celebratory Marangu Gate photos, you will make your way to your ...read morehotel in Moshi for a warm shower. A car will be ready for your pick-up and will whisk you away back to civilisation. The scenic drive back to Moshi takes you through coffee and banana plantations. Arriving at your hotel, you’ve finished the magical journey, and it’s time to sift through photos, brag to your friends, and reminisce fondly on those life-long memories you’ve just made.read less
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