7 Days Trekking Rongai Route
Route Summary
Due to its remote location, the Rongai route offers trekkers a less crowded journey, providing a unique wilderness experience where encounters with large wildlife such as antelope, elephant, and buffalo are possible. With typically lower moisture levels on this side of the mountain, rainfall is less frequent, offering clearer views of the peak. Although the terrain is flatter, it lacks the climb high, sleep low option, making it advisable to allocate more days for acclimatization.
Considered one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro, the Rongai route is distinct as the sole approach from the north, with descent via the Marangu Route. Summit night from Kibo Hut involves a steep ascent following the same path as the Marangu route, passing through Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak.
Itinerary in Detail
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi | Arusha for the drive to the charming wooden village of Nale Moru. On your way to the trail, you’ll stop at the Rongai Gate to complete the registration forms, and then your hike begins. This path is drier than some of the other routes, so you’ll be quite comfortable as you hike through fields and a pine forest. You’ll break through the trees when you arrive at Simba Camp.
Overnight:Â Simba Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
After an early breakfast, you will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking toward your second high-altitude camp: Second Cave Camp. This route is rather easy and will only take around 3 hours, so when you reach the camp you will still have ample time to rest and explore the surrounding area. After lunch, you will have a couple of hours to rest, followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kikilewa Camp on a stretch of the Rongai Route at a short distance with a 100-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Second Cave Camp.
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Following breakfast, you will commence your trek to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m), offering prime views of Kibo Volcano, weather permitting. This day serves as a respite, allowing time for rest after lunch before embarking on the next leg of the journey towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp. In the evening, following dinner, the guide will assess the health status of each group member and provide necessary instructions for the upcoming day's trek.
Overnight: Kikilewa Camp
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Following an early breakfast, embark on your trek towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled at the base of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and a two-hour respite. Then, engage in an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano, ascending 200 meters in altitude. Afterward, descend back to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Today will be dedicated to trekking towards Kibo Summit Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters. The terrain will undergo a notable transformation, transitioning into a rocky semi-desert landscape. The trek itself is not overly challenging; it's crucial to maintain a suitable pace to conserve energy for the final ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit. Upon reaching the camp, it's advisable to prioritize rest, minimize strenuous activity, and stay hydrated, as the night ahead will entail the ascent to Uhuru Peak, towering at 5,895 meters.
Overnight: Kibo Camp
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
You will leave School Hut Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,715 m, during the night. The journey to Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 m, exerts more pressure on your cardiovascular system than your muscles due to the high altitude, despite the climb being moderately graded. Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a guide who will continuously assess their fitness during this leg of the ascent. Upon reaching the summit, climbers may opt to take a stroll on the nearest glacier. The descent to Horombo Camp, at 3,720 m, will include a 2-hour break at Kibo Camp. It is crucial to remember that 9 out of 10 climbing accidents occur during the descent, so be mindful of your footing!
Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Today, you'll journey down from the dry alpine desert, passing through the well-known moorland and entering the forest. The path will present a stark contrast to your initial day's experience, as you'll now traverse a rainforest terrain. Be ready for potential wet and muddy conditions on the final stretch of the trail. Keep a lookout for monkeys among the trees. Upon receiving your summit certificate at Marangu Gate, your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel for a celebratory return.
Meals:Â Breakfast & Lunch included
Included
- Airport pick-up and dropoff
- Mountain sleeping tent
- Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Experienced mountain guide
- Climbing permits
- All hot Meals are prepared by our cook
- Guides, Porters, and Cook Salaries
- Enough porters to carry your luggage
- Safety Equipment
- Mineral water
- Emergency rescue fees
Excluded
- Insurance
- International | Local flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (Souvenirs, Toiletries)
- Travel Insurance | Visa
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry services
- Tipping
Related Routes
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Max Guests
Min Age
Tour Location
Languages Support
| No. of Pax | Price per Person |
| 1 Pax | $ 2000 |
| 2 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 3 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 4 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 5 Pax | $ 1500 |
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