6 Days Rongai Route

Mount Kilimanjaro

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Exclusive Northern Entry to Mount Kilimanjaro's Summit

The Rongai Route is unique as the only Kilimanjaro trail approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. This route offers one of the most secluded and wild paths on the mountain. Its northern position means less rainfall, ensuring clearer views of the summit.

Typically, the climb takes 6-7 days, but our 7-day itinerary, "Above the African Plains," is recommended for better acclimatization. The Rongai Route's remoteness makes it one of the least crowded trails on Kilimanjaro, providing climbers with a peaceful, solitary experience.

For those seeking a crowd-free Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience and a journey through pristine natural beauty, including the Rongai Route in your climbing package is an excellent choice.

Rongai Route Itinerary

Above the African Plains – A Day-by-Day Travelogue

Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.

- Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Lake Chala Safari Lodge (Premium)

- Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,400ft) to Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft)
- Elevation Gain:675m/2,210ft

This morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registering, begin your Mt Kilimanjaro Climb through the forest where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. Enjoy lunch on the trail, before continuing to the first campsite.

- Overnight Simba Camp

- Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)
- Elevation Gain:975m/3,190ft

Day two takes you through Kilimanjaro's moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the Kilimanjaro Altitude.

Explore the first cave before resting over lunch close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler, contouring across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley. Trekking time is approximately 6-8 hours.

- Overnight Kikelewa Camp

Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 730m/2,400ft
Today you will hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon, to help you acclimatize.

The trail is relatively short but steep, and you are rewarded with superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness.

The campsite lies below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo, allowing you to truly appreciate the impressive Kilimanjaro Height.

This spot is ideal for taking in the grandeur of Kilimanjaro’s majestic peaks.

Overnight Mawenzi Tarn

Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation Gain:650m/2,130ft
Today you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night and do not need to pack! The morning will be spent on an acclimatization walk on Mt Kilimanjaro.

Depending upon how you are feeling this can be a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, visiting the eerie site of a plane crash.

Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and an afternoon of rest.

Overnight Mawenzi Tarn

- Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts Camp (4,700m/15,410ft)
- Elevation Gain: 370m/1,210ft

The saddle crossing between Kibo and Mawenzi feels lunar and offers spectacular views, but is exposed and can be windy.

Kibo Huts Camp sits directly below the summit cone, looking down over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead.

After lunch and a full summit briefing, rest in preparation for your Kilimanjaro Summit attempt.

- Overnight Kibo Huts Camp

- Kibo Huts (4,700m/15,410ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
- Elevation Gain: 1,195 m/3,930ft
- Elevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ft

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight.

The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m).

The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring.

After summit celebrations descend to Kibo Huts to eat, before continuing down to Horombo Huts to camp.

Total trekking time is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.

- Overnight Horombo Huts

- Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,840m/6,040ft) to Moshi
- Elevation Gain:1,880m/6,160ft

Finish your trek with a descent to the Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the cloud forest.

This Climbing Kilimanjaro trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred to Moshi.

- Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)

Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!

Facts about Rongai Route

What Are the Benefits of The Rongai Route?
One of the primary benefits of the Rongai Route is its lower crowd levels compared to other popular Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes.

This means climbers can enjoy a quieter and more serene trekking experience, with fewer fellow trekkers on the trail.

Some of the other major advantages of picking this route for Mount Kilimanjaro Tours include:

Scenic Variation
Expect diverse scenery when choosing the Rongai Route Itinerary – from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and barren lunar landscapes.

Gentle Ascent
This gentler gradient allows for easier acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude-related illnesses, making it an ideal choice for climbers looking for a more comfortable climb.

Climb High and Sleep Low
The Rongai Route 7 Days follows the principle of ‘climb high, sleep low,’ with strategic elevation gains and descents to aid acclimatization.

Northern Approach
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route offers a different perspective of the mountain compared to other Mt Kilimanjaro Routes that start from the south. This unique vantage point provides climbers with new and exciting views.

For the best experience, choose our Best Kilimanjaro Guides to lead your journey on this remarkable route.

What Is the Difficulty Level of The Rongai Route?
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is a challenging prospect and it’s essential to note that no route is easy. Although, in comparison with other routes, the Rongai Route is considered to be one of the easier options.

The reason for this is because of the gentle incline throughout the trek which allows climbers to maintain a steady pace and conserve energy during their ascension.

In contrast to this, the Rongai Route features fewer opportunities for climbers to climb high during the day and then descend to lower altitudes for the night.

Nevertheless, with the right preparation, training, and mindset, anyone can tackle the challenge of a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Rongai Route.

What Are the Associated Costs of The Rongai Route?
African Scenic Safaris offers the Rongai Route as a seven-day group or private climb, providing climbers with our comprehensive Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.

The Kilimanjaro Climb Cost for the Rongai Route starts at $2,220 per person (based on 2 people sharing a tent) and includes seven days on the mountain, as well as one day pre trek and one day post trek hotel accommodation.

How Is the Crowd Level on The Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route is known as one of the least frequented routes of the Kilimanjaro Best Routes. It offers climbers a quieter and more relaxed ascent compared to some of the more popular routes. This is mainly because the Rongai Route is the only route to approach the summit from the northern side of the mountain, attracting fewer climbers than routes starting from the southern side.

The Rongai Route offers climbers picturesque views of the northern slopes and the Kenyan plains, making it a prime choice for those seeking breathtaking Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.

6 Days Rongai Route Prices

Age1 person2 - 4 people5-7 people8-10 people11+ people
 Adult 
2,100
2,050
2,000
1,950
1,900
 Child
1,590
1,390
1,310
1,260
1,210
PRICES

INCLUDES

  • Transfer from your arrival and to your departure
  • Car type of Land Cruiser with open roof and other facilities for Tourism
  • Three meals per day and two liters of Mineral water
  • All Entrance fees during the Safari
  • Local Guide
  • All accommodations at the mountain
  • All accommodations in town (Only Bed and breakfast)

EXCLUDES

  • Flights – Domestic and international flights
  • Visa
  • Insurance
  • Tips to mountain crew
  • Personal Items
  • Sleeping bags.
  • Laundry services (available at the hotel for extra cost) 

ENQUIRY

Related Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

> Kilimanjaro Climb Cost

> Kilimanjaro Packing List

> Kilimanjaro Airport

> Uhuru Peak

> Kilimanjaro Fullmoon Climb

> Kilimanjaro Facts

> Kilimanjaro Altitude

> Kilimanjaro Height

> Kilimanjaro Group Climbs

> Kilimanjaro Daypack

> Training for Kilimanjaro

> Typical Day on Kilimanjaro

Contact Us

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Email: info@africankaiques.com

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Location

P.O. Box 693,
Kilimanjaro Complex, Moshi -Kilimanjaro,
Tanzania