6 Days Rongai Route
- Tanzania
- 6 Days
- $
overview
The Rongai Route uniquely approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. Even with its rising appeal among climbers, the Rongai route continues to see minimal footfall. Rongai offers a favored trail for people seeking a less congested experience compared to the Marangu Route, ideal for those desiring a more secluded trek, and particularly suitable for climbers during the rainy season, as the northern side experiences reduced rainfall. This itinerary necessitates at least six days, with a suggested length of seven days for optimal experience. While the landscape may not be as diverse as the western routes, Rongai compensates by traversing authentic wilderness regions for several days before connecting with the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp. We strongly suggest Rongai, a route of moderate difficulty, particularly suited for individuals with limited backpacking experience.
We exclusively offer Rongai as a private climb, giving you the freedom to choose your departure date and the companions who will accompany you on your journey.
- 6 days of trek via Rongai Route.
- A panoramic view of the Kibo Peak
- The best during rainy season
- A fantastic view of Mawenzi Peak
Highlights
itinerary
Upon your arrival, our driver guide will be there to welcome you and transport you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved rest. Your guide will provide you with a detailed overview of your itinerary and make sure you are fully prepared for your ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro the following day. Your journey is about to unfold!
Note:Accommodations before and after the trek are not included. You can set up your lodging or allow us to take care of your accommodation and airport transfers.
On day one, Rongai Route trekkers are driven from either Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometers on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The first day’s hiking is easy going, and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have a rest.
Elevation: 1,950 meters to 2,620 meters
Elevation Increase: 670 m
Distance: 8 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 3–4 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at First Cave Camp (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: Rain Forest
On the second day, the trek proceeds from Rongai First Cave, weaving through the rainforest before shifting into the low alpine moorland zone, where you’ll observe a transformation in the vegetation to shrubs and grasses. As you stroll, take in the breathtaking sight of Kibo and the glaciers that face east along the crater rim. Lunch will be at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), located 6 km from the First Cave Camp, before we head east to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay.
Elevation: 2,620 meters to 3,450 meters to 3,600 meters
Elevation Increase: 980 m
Distance: 12 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 6–8 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Kikelwa Camp (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: Heather
A short but steep ascent over grassy hills rewards you with spectacular panoramic vistas and a genuine sense of wildness. Soon after, we emerge from the forest and reach Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), ideally situated in a cirque beneath Mawenzi’s towering spires. As part of the acclimatization process, the afternoon will be free for relaxation or exploration of the surrounding areas.
Elevation: 3,600 meters to 4,330 meters
Elevation Increase: 730 m
Distance: 6 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 4–5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mawenzi Tarn (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Prepare for a lengthy yet steady trek from Mawenzi Tarn on day five, moving westward through the Saddle between the majestic peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, ultimately reaching Kibo Hut at an elevation of 4,750 meters. The path is arid, desolate, and quite unwelcoming, yet it offers breathtaking vistas of Kibo.
You will have dinner at Kibo Hut, retire early, and wake up around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Before settling in for the night, trekkers must ensure their gear is ready, including a headlamp, camera, insulated water, and warm weather clothing.
Elevation: 4,330 meters to 4,750 meters
Elevation Increase: 420 m
Distance: 9 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 7–8 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Kibo Hut (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: High Alpine Desert
Today marks the day of the summit. We begin our adventure at midnight, with the hardened volcanic ash creating a smoother path for our footsteps. At 11:30 pm, our mountain guide will awaken you, and after enjoying some tea and snacks, you will begin your gradual ascent to the summit. We will pause briefly at Hans Meyer Cave, situated at 5,220 m, before proceeding at a relaxed pace to arrive at Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater’s rim by sunrise. As the sun embraces us, we’ll ascend for an hour or more to reach the summit. At last, we reach Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 meters, the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the “Roof of Africa,” and the highest summit on the African continent.
After taking a moment to appreciate the vast plains of Africa and your achievements, we begin our descent. The descent is quick and gritty, as the volcanic ash is likely to have melted away. Following a brief period, you will pause at Kibo Hut to enjoy a light snack and take a moment to relax. Your journey will take you onward to Horombo Hut (3,700 m), where you will arrive in the afternoon. Fuel your body with nourishing food to restore energy and ensure you get enough rest.
Elevation: 4,720 meters to 5,895 meters to 3,700 meters
Elevation Increase: 1,175 m
Elevation Decrease: 2,195 m
Distance: 22 km
Duration of the hike: 12– 14 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (dormitory)
Habitat: Arctic and Alpine Desert
The last stretch from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,860 meters) is quite lengthy—almost 20 km! Be mindful of your knees after yesterday’s hike; take your time and watch your step while descending. Use your trekking poles to ease the strain on your joints.
Please proceed to sign out at Marangu Gate, the same place where you completed your registration six days prior. Those who reached Gilman’s Point but decided not to proceed will receive a green certificate. Trekkers who reach Uhuru Peak will receive a prestigious gold certificate.Now is the time to say goodbye to those who have been instrumental in your ascent to the peak. It is customary to finalize your tips with your trekking team before heading back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Afterwards, return to Arusha or Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a refreshing shower and relax with a couple of cold beers.
Elevation: 3,700 meters to 1,860 meters
Elevation Decrease: 1,840 m
Distance: 20 km
Duration of the hike: 6 – 8 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Habitat: Mooreland and Rainforest
We will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will fly back home or proceed with your onward travel plans. We hope you had a wonderful Kilimanjaro experience and will treasure your memories. As you journey back home, we encourage you to share your adventure with friends and family and inspire others to embark on their own Kilimanjaro expedition. Thank you for choosing us as your guide on this incredible journey. Safe travels!
Include
- Two-way transfers to and from Kilimanjaro airport.
- Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.
- Appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks.
- Camping fees, rescue fees, and team fees.
- Two transfers to and from the route gate(s).
- The equipment for the Kilimanjaro trek includes a sleeping mattress pad, a dining tent, a sleeping tent, and the crew’s dining and sleeping tents.
- Three full, fresh meals daily. We offer abundant and expertly prepared fresh food on the mountain, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The menu is specially designed for climbers.
- Every day, the mountain will provide hot drinks and hot water for washing.
- Three liters of mineral per day.
- Portable toilets along with a tent.
- A Kili MedAir helicopter covers emergency evacuation, but the climber must have insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level.
- Carbon Offset.
- The Kilimanjaro Rescue Fee.
- The chief guide carries a pulse oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings from clients twice a day.
- Forest fee.
- Essential first aid kit (designated for emergencies only).
- Compensation for the mountain support team, by the stipulations set forth by the relevant authorities in tourism and natural resources.
- Meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with hot beverages available on the mountain.
- A porter will transport your duffel bag, with a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next.
- Your achievement of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro National Park is recognized with a certificate.
Exclude
- Visa fee (50 US$/100 US$ for American or Irish passport holders or $50 for non-East Africans)
- Gratuities/tips.
- Personal hiking and trekking equipment—rental options are available for some gear in Tanzania.
- Sleeping bag.
- Snacks or an energy bar.
- Personal Medicine.
- Water-purifying tablets.
- Unspecified food and beverages
- Prior and after hotel accommodation
EXPENSES FOR EXTRA SERVICES
- Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardware Lamina™ -20F/-29C, for just $50 per trip.
- An additional personal porter for extra gear is available at a rate of $30 per day.
- You can rent telescopic and trekking poles for only $20 per trip.
- The additional fee for solo travelers, whether in a tent or single room, is $350 per person for the trip.
- The additional night at the hotel is priced between $90 and $800 for double occupancy and $70 and $560 for single occupancy, including breakfast.
GRATUITY SUGGESTION
- Guide: $20 to $30 each day.
- Support Staff: $10 to $20 per day.
- Chef: $10 to $20 each day.
- Service staff: $10 to $15 per day for each staff member.
PRICES
All our Kilimanjaro rates are listed in US dollars.
At Kilimanjaro National Park
- An adult is someone who is 16 years old or older.
- The child falls within the age range of 5–15 years.
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Our expert local guides are your key to answering the secrets of Tanzania's wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. They bring a deep knowledge of the land.
Expert Local Guides
Our expert local guides are your key to answering the secrets of Tanzania's wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. They bring a deep knowledge of the land.
Expert Local Guides
Our expert local guides are your key to answering the secrets of Tanzania's wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. They bring a deep knowledge of the land.
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