Climb Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route
6-7 days + 2 nights hotel | From $1,775
The Rongai route is the only one that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It is remote and wild, as much lesser traffic compared to Machame and Marangu trails, and also offers steady acclimatization due to its slow and steady initial climb.
What you can expect on the Rongai Route
SCENIC VIEWS
The Rongai route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Maasai Mara plains, Mount Kilimanjaro, and other neighboring peaks.
WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
In the first 2 days Rongai route passes through areas that are rich in wildlife, giving hikers an opportunity to spot animals like elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and more.
LESS RAINS
Due to its position on the northern leeward side of the mountain, Rongai trail receives less rains than other routes. Chose this route in the smaller rainy season.
LESSER CROWDS
Rongai is a less crowded alternative to the more popular Machame and Marangu routes, making it ideal for those seeking a more private and intimate Kilimanjaro experience.
GRADUAL ASCENT
The Rongai route is known for its gradual ascent, making it ideal for those who want to acclimate to the altitude gradually.
_________________
About Rongai Route
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. It is a moderately difficult trail, but easier as compared to the routes. It is preferred by those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu & Machame routes, with a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
Rongai Route Itinerary
The itinerary below describes the 6 nights/7 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai route. To shorten the below itinerary to six days you skip the night in the 3rd Cave and instead walk straight from the Mawenzi Turn Hut in one day.
Day 0
Arrival in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged 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. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
- Driving distance: 55 km
- Driving Time: 1 hour
Day 1
NALEMORU GATE – SIMBA CAMP
This morning we will drive to the village of NaleMoru 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 2625m.
- Distance: 8km/5miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6hours
- Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2
SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELELWA CAVE CAMP
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch we will continue with our hike to Kikelelwa camp.
- Distance: 12km/8miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Habitat: Heath
Day 2
SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELELWA CAVE CAMP
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch we will continue with our hike to Kikelelwa camp.
- Distance: 12km/8miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Habitat: Heath
Day 3
KIKELELWA CAVE CAMP – MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP
After the breakfast, we start a short and steep grassy slope hike to Mawenzi Turn hut camp, with stunning view of wilderness area. The landscape will be changing dramatically as exit the Heath zone to Alpine desert zone. You will overnight at mawenzi turn camp situated at jagged spires of Mawenzi.
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4
MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP
Today is acclimatization day of which we spent as few hours hike to Mawenzi Ridge and return to original camp for relaxation. Here you there is unique landscape which offers a motivating view of Kibo and mawenzi. After spending few moments of exploring the area we head back to the camp.
- Distance: 2km/1miles
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5
MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP – KIBO CAMP
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
- Distance: 8km/5miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4
MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP
Today is acclimatization day of which we spent as few hours hike to Mawenzi Ridge and return to original camp for relaxation. Here you there is unique landscape which offers a motivating view of Kibo and mawenzi. After spending few moments of exploring the area we head back to the camp.
- Distance: 2km/1miles
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5
MAWENZI TURN HUT CAMP – KIBO CAMP
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
- Distance: 8km/5miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6
HOROMBO CAMP – MARANGU GATE
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
- Distance: 20km/12miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 7
HOROMBO CAMP – MARANGU GATE
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
- Distance: 20km/12miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Rongai Route Prices
We do no compromise on safety and quality, so our prices are not the cheapest. However, they are also not unreasonably high like some other companies. We take a lot of pride in the value for money we provide to each and every client. The per person prices below are based on how many people are booking the trek together.
7-DAY ROUTE PRICE
1 person – $2,475
2-5 persons – $2,185
6-10 persons – $2,135
11+ persons – $2,085
6-DAY ROUTE PRICE
1 person – $2,110
2-5 persons – $1,875
6-10 persons – $1,825
11+ persons – $1,775
FAQs for Rongai Route
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE RONGAI ROUTE?
The Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro is considered a moderately easy. It has a gentle gradient, and the 7 day itinerary provides ample time to acclimatize. However, it does not have a great "climb high, sleep low" profile which makes Machame and Lemosho such good routes.
HOW LONG IS THE RONGAI ROUTE?
The Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro is approximately 79 kilometers (49 miles) long and typically takes 6-7 days to complete. The average daily altitude gain is about 660 m. On the summit night you will climb 1100m from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak.
WHAT IS RONGAI ROUTE'S SUMMIT SUCCESS RATE?
The summit success rates for the Rongai Route are greatly increased with the longer trek option. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 80% for the 7 day trek and a 65% success rate for the 6 day trek. However, we have a 95% summit success rate for both Rongai route treks.
HOW IS THE SCENERY ON THE RONGAI ROUTE?
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. The Rongai route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas.
It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible. After passing through rainforest you ascend through moorlands and then up into the high alpine zones before reaching the glacial zone.
