Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds.
Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
The company offers Rongai as a 7-day group climb or a 6 or 7-day private climb. The 6-day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day 4 at Mawenzi Tarn.
Full detailed Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met and transferred to Moshi. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. In the evening, you will attend a briefing to get ready for your upcoming trekking adventure. You will spend the night at the Sal Salinero Hotel. Dinner will be served.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the north-western Kilimanjaro side and after 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at the Nalemoru Gate marking the beginning of our. The path runs alongside mountain farmers’ fields and pine forests marking our first day before it enters the sparse mountain forest zone, where black and white colobus monkeys can often be seen. After an approximate 3 to 4-hour hike, you will reach the Simba Camp where you will spend the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Today’s trek passes through the heather and moorland zones and the views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes are nothing short of grand. You will have lunch at the Second Cave (3,450 m) and after a short break, you will cross the undulating terrain to Kikelewa Camp. This camp boasts incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, you can relax and take in its peaceful ambiance.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
The typical scenic vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands. After passing a few more rock formations, you will arrive at the Mawenzi Hut. For many mountain climbers, it is the most atmospheric camp on the mountain.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic of the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally, you will arrive at the School Hut, where you can relax and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s summit stage.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
The climb begins at around 00:00 hand after a 5 to 7-hour walk on frozen volcanic ash, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater’s edge. The sun’s rays will warm you while you trek for another 1 to 2 hours until you reach Uhuru Peak and finally stand on “Africa’s Roof”. The descent on the now thawed lava ash runs almost along the same route and you will arrive at the School Hut in the late morning. A warm meal will be served and after a well-deserved break, the descent continues to the Horombo Hut.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After trekking for approximately 5 to 6 hours, you will have managed the easy descent and you will return to the Marangu Gate during the early afternoon. You will say goodbye to your mountain crew and a short transfer will take you back to the Sal Salinero Hotel. Here you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your achievement.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport, or you can go on a safari or extend your stay at the beach.
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables, etc.)
- Portable toilet and toilet tent
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Optional Activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel Insurance
Hopefully, you are interested
Kindly provide your personal information in the fields below, and our dedicated team will promptly respond to your inquiry at the earliest convenience. Thank you for reaching out to us.