Route Overview

Rongai Route - 6 Days, 5 Nights Trek

The Rongai route approaches Mt. Kilimanjaro from the North, and it is close to the Kenyan border. It is one of the easiest routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit, and it joins Marangu route at Kibo Hut. The minimum number of days required to get to the top using this route is six days, but seven days are recommended.


The sceneries on this route are not as diverse as on the Western routes, but gives to the hikers feel of the sheer wilderness for days, before merging with Marangu route. Rongai descends to Marangu Gate, and it is mildly challenging route, but it is highly recommended for people who are new to the hiking experience.

DAY 1

Nale Moru Gate – Simba Campsite

In the morning, we’ll drive you to Nale Moru, the village which is the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stretch of the hike is going to take you through farmland and pine forest, although you will have the opportunity to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or elephants and buffalos if you are lucky. Your first camp will be the Simba, located on the very edge of the moorland zone, at 2625m.

  • Elevation 1990meters to 2625meters
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 2

Simba Campsite – Kikelewa Campsite

The morning hike will be a steady ascent to the Second cave camp which is located in the moorland zone. From here, you will have spectacular view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields dwelling at the crater rim. You will have lunch at the cave camp and then proceed with the hike through the moorland. You’ll be able to see the breathtaking eastern ice fields on the rim of Kibo (the highest of three volcanoes which form the mountain). You’ll then leave the main trail and branch into the moorland on a lesser trail leading to spiked peaks of Mawenzi, the second highest volcanic comb of Kilimanjaro. We’ll set up camp here in the secluded valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m.

  • Elevation 2526meters to 3630meters
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland 

DAY 3

Kikelewa Campsite – Mawenzi Turn Hut

You will wake up to a short but steep hike up the grassy slopes which lead to a rewarding view of the Kenyan plains to the North. By leaving the vegetation behind you will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut, the camp nested directly below the high cliffs of Mawenzi. Here you will then have a chance to explore the surrounding areas in the afternoon, which would be very useful for your acclimatization.

  • Elevation 3630meters to 4310meters
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

DAY 4

Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut

You will leave the campsite to walk across the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ that parts Mawenzi and Kibo. After a couple of hours hiking, you will reach the area where the summit of Kilimanjaro will be majestically stand in the background, and your trail to the high camp will unfold in plain sight. Once you reach the camp, you will spend the rest of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent, after a very early night.

  • Elevation 4310meters to 4700meters
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5

Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

You will wake up at around 11:30 P.M. for a hot cup of tea or coffee, and then get ready for your hike to the summit which will begin at around 12:30 P.M. The temperature at around this time is below freezing. The trail you will take twists upwards through heavy scree towards the Gilman’s point. Once we reach Gilman’s point, hot cup of tea or coffee will be served to warm you up, accompanied by breathtaking view of the sunrise over Mawenzi.
The hike to Uhuru peak continues for another 1.5 hours, over a gentle slope around the edge of the crater rim. Uhuru peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Once at the top, you will spend a short time enjoying the view and photograph your success, before we begin the steep hike back to Kibo hut for lunch and some rest. Our descend continues to Horombo Hut for dinner and a good night’s rest.

  • Elevation 4700 meters to 5895 meters to 3720 meters
  • Distance: 20km
  • Hiking Time:13 – 14 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

DAY 6

Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate

After breakfast and the last celebration with the porters, you will trek down to Marangu gate. Once here, you will have a hot lunch. Vehicle will meet you at the gate to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi where you can shower and rest.

  • Elevation 3720metes to 1800meters
  • Distance: 10km
  • Hiking Time:6-7 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-Desert

Cost Includes

  • All Entrance fees and Government taxes
  • Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew.
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Rescue Fees and all taxes.
  • Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
  • Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
  • Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.

Cost Excludes

  • International and local airfare.
  • Yellow fever vaccination passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
  • Local transportation before and after the climb.
  • Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
  • Tips for the support team
  • Private Toilet and hot shower tent
  • Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
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