The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern part side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Despite some claims that this route begins on the “Kenyan side” of Mount Kilimanjaro, the whole of Africa’s highest mountain is within the borders of Tanzania. The start of the Rongai route is closer to the Kenyan border than other routes, but the entire trek takes place exclusively in Tanzania.
Because of its remote location, the route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo.
The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain.
The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile, it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low.
It can be hiked on a six, seven, or even eight-day route. The seven or eight-day Rongai Routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Then descends via the Marangu trail.
Highlights:
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Maps)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request
- Season: All year round
- Suitable for: Moderate fitness with previous trekking experience ideal
- Pros: It’s less crowded, recommended during the rainy season, has an incredible view of the mountain throughout the hike by descending via Marangu for a diverse trek, high chances of spotting wildlife, and easy daily hikes.
- Cons: Not ideal for acclimatization, due to overnight camp placements, some find summiting through Kibo Hut camp harder than through Barafu
Departures everyday
Details
Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a member of our staff will be at holding a Nihapa Tours placard. You will then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Rongai Gate – Rongai Caves Camp
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for obtaining the permits required for the summit and then take a short road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. We’ll come across numerous corn and potato fields and climb gently through the forest areas which accommodate a variety of wildlife which also includes the black and white colobus monkeys.
Day 3 Second Caves Camp – Kikelewa Cave
The day will begin with a morning trek where we’ll steadily incline up to the Second Cave. Continuing on with the trek, we pass through the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi leaving the main trail behind. Kikelewa Camp will be our destination for the day where we’ll be spending our night.
- Rongai Cave to Second Cave
- Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 4 Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
The hike today will be short and steep but along a grassy slope. It is surrounded by a vast wilderness area, and as we exit it, we enter the Alpine Desert zone and the landscape contrastingly alters. The campsites will be in the jagged areas of Mawenzi, Mawenzi Tarn to be precise. You’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.
- Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge
You’ll be spending the entire day hiking at the Mawenzi Ridge which offers landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi. This extra day is meant for acclimatization. After exploring the area to the fullest, we’ll then head back to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare our camp.
- Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6 Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Our camp, known as Kibo Hut, will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. Once at the hut, we relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
- Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7 Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning views of the sunrise coming over Mawenzi Peak. Then we ascend all the way to the roof of Africa and the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. After celebrating your accomplishment at the peak, we descend down to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we’ll be having our last dinner in the mountain and we’ll then go to sleep.
- Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
- Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 8 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. Youth Adventures vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9 Depart Tanzania
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions.
For trekkers not continuing with a safari, we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
Tour Pricing
| Number of People | Cost Per Person in Mid-Range | Cost Per Person in VIP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,500 | $6,900 |
| 2 people | $2,300 | $6,100 |
| 3 people | $2,250 | $5,900 |
| 4 people | $2,200 | $5,700 |
| 5 people | $2,150 | $5,500 |
| 6 people | $2,140 | $5,300 |
| 7 people | $2,110 | $5,100 |
| 8 people | $2,080 | $4,900 |
| 9 people | $2,050 | $4,700 |
| 10 people + | $2,000 | $4,500 |
Tour Accommodations
| Mid-Range Package | VIP (Luxury) Package |
|---|---|
| Two Nights Accommodations on BB at either of the following Ameg Lodge or Salinero Hotels | Two Nights Accommodations at Mount Meru Hotel on FB or at Gran Melia Hotel |
Tour Map
Questions & Answers
Are there charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro?
There are no charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing Power Banks and spare batteries. There are charging ports in our safari vehicles.
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.
What travel documents do I need?
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.
What kind of food will I eat on Kilimanjaro?
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day.
You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide.
Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
What kind of hiking experience do I need?
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, or if you have any allergies, just give us a heads up and you will be catered to.
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp.
Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
What about solar protection?
Tanzania is very near to the equator. So the sun is always at its acme for most of the day. The sun can be fierce and cause sunburns and sunstroke. Wear a hat, shades, and use SPF sunblock lotion
I would like to book but I have group is large group, is this a problem?
We aim to keep the size of the public groups to a minimum, as we feel that a group that is much larger than ten trekkers is cumbersome and trekkers lose the sense that they are in a wilderness if there are too many people. That said, if you are a single, private group, then there is no problem accommodating you whatever the size of the group, as, of course, you will be aware before arriving in Tanzania of the number of people you will be trekking with.
How many hours will I trek each day?
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
How long is the Kilimanjaro hike?
There are at least six routes to the top, of Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose.
The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.
How high is Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
Do You Offer Private and Fully Customizable Climbs For Kilimanjaro
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.
Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs
An overnight stop at Crater Camp is an optional extra on any customized Kilimanjaro climb, usually lasting eight actual mountain days or more on the Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Machame routes. Possibly the most bizarre place you will ever see, it is visited by less than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 people who annually ascent Kilimanjaro on a distinct highlands voyage in northern Tanzania
Do you arrange Airport pick-up and Drop off?
All our tours to mount Kilimanjaro climbs include airport transfers. We pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or any other airport near Arusha and Kilimanjaro as per your itinerary plan and take you to your pre-climb hotel in Moshi or Arusha, then back again at the end of your itinerary. In short, we take care of your air transfers and accommodation, before and after your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.
Do we tip the hiking crew?
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
