Rongai Route
6 - 7 days rongai route
Tour Overview: Rongai Route
The Rongai Route offers trekkers a unique and unspoiled wilderness experience, set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro’s stunning landscapes. Due to its remote location, this route provides opportunities to spot large wildlife, including antelope, elephants, and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain receives significantly less moisture than the southern slopes, making it less likely for trekkers to encounter rain and allowing for clearer views of the mountain. The Rongai Route is also flatter compared to other Kilimanjaro routes, offering a more gradual ascent. Summit night from Kibo Hut follows the same path as the Marangu Route, passing through Gilman’s Point on the way to Uhuru Peak. This route sees the least traffic of all the Kilimanjaro routes, ensuring a more tranquil trekking experience. The descent is via the Marangu trail, allowing for a varied and scenic journey back down.
People in Group | Standard Package |
1-2 | 1850$ |
3-5 | 1800$ |
6-8 | 1750$ |
9+ | 1700$ |
People in Group | Standard Package |
1-2 | 2100$ |
3-5 | 2000$ |
6-8 | 1850$ |
9+ | 1700$ |
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) to Simba Camp (2600m)
After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from your hotel, you’ll complete the registration at Marangu park gate before transferring to the Rongai trailhead. Here, you’ll meet your guide and porters before beginning your hike from Nale Moru village. The gentle winding path leads you through maize fields and into the pine forest, making for a pleasant introduction to your adventure. You’ll spend the night at Simba Camp, where basic facilities are available.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave (3450m)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on your hike to the Second Cave. This slow-paced trek allows for proper acclimatization, with lunch waiting for you upon arrival. Relax in the afternoon, soaking in the views and preparing for the next leg of your journey.
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
After breakfast, you’ll ascend toward Kikelewa Cave, reaching an altitude of about 3600 meters. As you hike, the scenery shifts, offering breathtaking views and a sense of the grand scale of Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Kikelewa Cave, where water is accessible nearby.
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
A short but steep climb takes you up grassy slopes to Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the stunning spires of Mawenzi. Take the afternoon to acclimatize and explore this beautiful wilderness area.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s trek crosses the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, taking about four to five hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is for resting and preparing for the summit push later that night.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descent to Horombo Hut (3720m)
You’ll rise around 11:30 PM to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb is challenging, involving a rocky path and steep sections, culminating at the summit, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the incredible views, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing to Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1980m)
Finally, you’ll make your way down to Marangu Gate, completing your trek. Here, you’ll celebrate your accomplishment and receive your certificates before heading back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
This route offers a diverse and beautiful experience, with stunning views and varied habitats as you make your way to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Distance Breakdown for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route
– Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) to Simba Camp (2600m)
– Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 mi)
– Habitat: Montane forest
– Day 2: Simba Camp (2600m) to Second Cave (3450m)
– Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 mi)
– Habitat: Moorland
– Day 3: Second Cave (3450m) to Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
– Distance: Approximately 6 km (3.7 mi)
– Habitat: Moorland
– Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
– Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 mi)
– Habitat: Moorland
– Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
– Distance: Approximately 6 km (3.7 mi)
– Habitat: Alpine desert
– Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and descent to Horombo Hut (3720m)
– Distance: Approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) to Uhuru Peak, plus 21 km (13 mi) descending to Horombo Hut
– Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
– Day 7: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1980m)
– Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 mi)
– Habitat: Rainforest
Total Distance:
– Approximate Total Distance: 69 km (43 mi)
This distance breakdown provides a clear overview of the trek on the Rongai Route, showcasing the variety of habitats encountered along the way.
Price Include
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & chef
- All Taxes/VAT
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
Price Exclude
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks