7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trekking
per person
7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trekking
The Rongai Route of Mt. Kilimanjaro is the only one that starts from the north side of the mountain, very near the border of Tanzania and Kenya.
For those looking for a remote route, Rongai Route is an excellent choice. The route has low traffic traffic and it offers a different perspective of the mountain as you conquer it from the north. Some consider this the easiest route on Kilimanjaro. Its popularity is hindered because of its remote starting point, but the route itself is quite nice. During the wettest months of April, May, and November this route is worth more consideration since the north side of Kilimanjaro receives less precipitation.
Itineraries for this route are for six or seven days. We always advise choosing the longer itineraries for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit.
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Destination
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Departure
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)/Moshi -
Dress Code
See the artical regarding Mt Kilimanjaro Packing List -
Included
Airport TransfersAccommodationsAll meals during the itineraryPark fees and taxes
Our gallery
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Moshi Arrival
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) our driver will be waiting just outside the Customs Control area with a Nyange Adventure sign with your name on it. After he loads your bags into our van, he will drive you to your hotel in Moshi. Once you are settled in, your guide will go through a pre-climb briefing where all your questions will be answered and important information will be given. There will be an equipment check to ensure that you have everything needed to make your climb comfortable and safe. If you need any equipment, any/all items can be rented locally of good quality at a fair price. Note that if your arrival is at night, the briefing and equipment check may be done early the next morning instead.
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Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,900m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/ 8,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 800 metres/ 2,500 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your hotel and driven to the starting point at Marangu Gate (which is approximately one hour from Moshi). After registration, we will then take a transfer to Rongai Gate where you will begin ascending the mountain. The path winds through maize and potato fields and then gently climbs through a rainforest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro and is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
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Day 2: First Cave Camp (2,600m/ 8,400ft) to Kikelewa Cave (3,600m/11,800 ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 metres / 3,400 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
You will begin the second day with a steady incline up to Second Cave where you will stop for lunch. From here you will continue through the moorland zone towards Mawenzi Peak, giving you a great chance to take in the breathtaking views of the mountain along the way. If the skies are clear, you should be able to get some fantastic shots of Kibo Peak. The afternoon is gentler as you continue across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley at Kikelewa or the Third Cave Camp.
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Day 3: Kikelewa Cave Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m/14,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 730 metres / 2,400 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today’s hike is short but steep along a grassy trail. Continuing to trek at a slow pace through the moorland heath, you will begin to notice a change in the scenery as you enter the alpine desert zone. After a few hours of hiking, you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut which sits right beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the surroundings before a hearty dinner and overnight rest.
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Day 4: Acclimatisation Walk
Today you can have a lie in, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn Hut for a second night and spend the day on an acclimatisation walk. Depending on how you are feeling after yesterday’s climb, you can either take a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or enjoy a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert visiting the site of a plane crash on the way. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and afternoon of rest.
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Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 370 metres / 1,200 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After a full breakfast, you will then cross the lunar-like landscape between the Mawenzi and Kibo Saddle. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut. Upon arriving you will start to prepare for your final ascent – THE SUMMIT – which you will begin around midnight!
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Day 6: SUMMIT DAY! - Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,195 metres / 3,940 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 metres / 7,140 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Horombo Huts
Habitat: Arctic conditions
This is where the going gets tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks until you reach Hans Meyer Cave (5,258m) and then Gillman’s Point (5,719m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Gillman’s Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent in good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Kibo Huts. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Horombo Huts where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
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Day 7: Horombo Huts (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,890 metres / 6,200 feet
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Marangu Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Gillman’s Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to ride back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations!
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Departure Day
Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home (or to Zanzibar?). Breakfast is included in your Kilimanjaro Trek Package. Hotel Checkout is at 10am but if you have a later flight we might be able to negotiate a late checkout or book a dayroom for you (additional charge for a dayroom).
2024/2025 Prices
(All prices listed are in USD/person)
| Number of participants | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $3700 | $2900 | $2620 | $2530 | $2500 | $2420 | $2330 |
Note: There is a substanctial discount for Youths age 15 or under, East African Citizens, and for Tanzanian Resident Permit Holders (class A, B, or C).
Climb Package Includes:
- 2 nights accommodations in Moshi (B&B plan, double occupancy)
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) Airport transfers
- Transfers hotel/park gate
- Park fees & taxes
- 4 season mountain tents
- Dining tent
- Sleeping mattress
- Meals while on the mountain
- Purified drinking water while on the mountain
- Emergency oxygen cylinders
- English-speaking guide (other languages are possible with advance notice)
- Mountain chef & all cooking/eating utensils
Climb Package Excludes:
- Climb staff tips
- Meals other than breakfast at Moshi hotel
- Single supplement (if applicable)
- Private toilet with privacy tent (available at additional cost)
- Flights & Tourist Visa
- Medical Insurance (required for all participants)