Rongai route

The remote Rongai route begins on the side of the mountain close to the Kenyan border, running on the dry northeast side of Kilimanjaro. It takes a long drive to get to the starting point. It is the only route that approaches from the north and can be drier than most routes if you hike during the rainy season. The acclimatisation profile is fair.

The route is less crowded, moderately steep, crosses a beautiful alpine desert zone and allows for good views towards Kenya and the Kibo summit. On this route, you return via the Marangu route.

Rongai Climb

Rongai is only available as a private climb which means that you can choose your departure date and fellow hikers in your group.

Probably the least-used route to the summit of Kilimanjaro is the Rongai route. It starts on the northern side of Mt Kilimanjaro where it can be relatively dry even in the rainy months. Rongai traverses lesser-known areas of Kili and is perfect for hikers than want a more remote route. This camping route is only available as a private climb. This means that the client will select the suitable day of departure and can make up his own group of hikers.

Highlights

Day 1

Start: Nalemoru Gate (1990 m)
Finish:  Simba Camp (2625 m)
Altitude:  ↑ 635 m
Walking time: 3-4h

This section goes through farms, pine trees and into the forest on the mountain slopes.


Day 2

Start: Simba Camp (2625 m)
Finish: Kikelewa Camp (3630 m)
Altitude: ↑ 1005 m
Walking time: 5-6h

The vegetation changes with the altitude and there will be more shrubs and better views of the two peaks and Kenya’s plains.


Day 3

Start: Kikelewa Camp (3630 m)
Finish: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310 m)
Altitude: ↑ 680 m
Walking time: 3-4h

A day of ups and downs with great views and interesting plants.


Day 4

Start: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310 m)
Finish: Kibo Hut (4700 m)
Altitude: ↑ 390 m
Walking time: 4-6h

Some easy gradual stretches and a tough section crossing the Saddle that links Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.


Day 5

Start:  Kibo Hut (4700 m)
Finish: Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Horombo Hut (3700 m)
Altitude: ↑ 1185 m ↓ 2195 m
Walking time: 12-14h

Summit day with a long cold climb to reach to Gilman’s Point on the crater’s rim. Up to Uhuru for a 360° view. The downhill is long, steep and dusty.


Day 6

Start: Horombo Hut (3700 m)
Finish: Marangu Gate (1860 m)
Altitude:  ↓ 1840 m
Walking time: 5-6h

Today’s decent is easier and the path is better. Descend into the forest.

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi

No need to arrange transport! Our transfer driver will collect you and all your gear from Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Relax after your flight, take a dip in the pool or explore Moshi. Later you will meet the Kilimanjaro-Experience operation team. They will tell you more about the trip, share tips and safety information and thoroughly check your gear to see if you have everything you need. Supper is included in tonight’s accommodation.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner


Day 1 Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1990 m) – Simba Camp (2625 m)

You will have breakfast before all the gear is loaded. It is a long drive – about four hours – to the north side of Kilimanjaro. After registration at Nalemoru Gate, the hike begins. You will walk pass small farms, pine trees and the up into the forest on the mountain slopes. You might be lucky to see the colobus monkeys with extravagant black and white tails. The porters will go in front to set up camp while you will hike at a moderate pace to reach the Simba campsite (2625 m) in about four hours. The tents and some warm washing water will be ready. A warm supper will be served.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner


Day 2 Simba Camp (2625 m) – Kikelewa Camp (3630 m)

After some hot porridge and eggs you will set off on today’s section. Vegetation is changing and you see more shrubs as you walk through the moorland zone. On a clear day you should see the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi peak. There will be a break at Second Cave (3450 m) where you will stop for lunch before crossing over some ups and downs to reach Kikelewa Camp. Tea is served! The camp has great views. Relax and breathe in the tranquillity of the mountain.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner


Day 3 Kikelewa Camp (3630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310 m)

Today you will not see the weird-looking senecias as the landscape change to resemble a rocky moon landscape. If there are no clouds, you will see the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.After about six hours of work you should reach Mawenzi Hut. A small lake nearby freezes over at night so expect the night to be very cold.  Fear not, a hot supper waits.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner


Day 4 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310 m) – Kibo Hut (4700 m)

On a good firm path, you will cross the Saddle today. You will feel the altitude and might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headache and nausea? Takes lots of fluid and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole pole – slowly slowly. One last tough section and you will be there. You will camp at the Kibo Hut tonight, but not before some dinner and hot chocolate. Get your daypack ready and go to bed early as you will be woken up at around 00:00 to start the final stretch to the summit.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner


Day 5 Kibo Hut (4700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Horombo Hut (3700 m)

Rise and shine! It will be dark and very cold when you enter the darkness on the way to the top. A row of headlights in front of you will show the way. Take it slow and listen to your guide. The ground will be frozen and you will get very tired, but keep going. After about seven hours you will be standing on the crater’s rim – Gillman’s Point (5685 m). Warming up in the sun, it is just an hour or two to reach Uhuru peak at 5 895m. You will be standing on the highest mountain in Africa! The return path is almost the same, but now the ground is defrosted and it will be dusty. It will be late morning when you arrive at the Kibo Hut. Here you will rest for an hour and have a hot meal. Onwards! The descent continues to Horombo Hut where you will rest for the night.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner


Day 6 Horombo Hut (3700 m) – Marangu Gate (1860 m) – Moshi

Today is the last day on the mountain. The descent to Marangu Gate will take about six hours. Here, the crew will say farewell and the transfer driver will be waiting. At Sal Salinero Hotel, cold drinks will be waiting too. No doubt you will enjoy a shower and a swim before sitting down for supper to celebrate your adventure.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner


Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport

Feeling a little stiff today? Why not relax for a few days on Zanzibar? After breakfast you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, join a safari in Tanzania with Tanzania-Experience.

Breakfast

Price includes:

  • Trekking tour according to the itinerary
  • Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Personal porter
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking Water
  • Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
  • Portable toilet and toilet tent
  • Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
  • National park fees
  • Rescue fees

Price excludes:

  • Flights (international and domestic)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
  • Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)

About us

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Get in Touch

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Phone

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Email

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