Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro
The Rongai Route, starting from the north side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border, is the only route approaching from this direction. Considered one of the more accessible routes, it offers a gradual ascent. However, climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging regardless of the route. The trek typically lasts 6 to 7 days to allow for proper acclimatization. The route features arid conditions and diverse landscapes, including wide-open fields, moorlands, and stunning views of the Kenyan plains.
From $2,500.00
Rongai Route
Conquer Africa’s Highest Peak on a 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Rongai Route!
Embark on a unique 7-day adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, following the less-traveled Rongai Route. Known for its remote and serene trails, stunning views of Kenya’s wilderness, and steady incline, the Rongai Route is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter and more intimate climbing experience.
Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for a pre-climb briefing. The next day, start your trek at the Rongai Gate, hiking through the pristine Tropical Mountain Rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, colorful birds, and lush greenery.
As you ascend, you’ll transition into the Heather and Moorland Zone, where expansive views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes unfold. Camp beneath a star-filled sky as you journey through this tranquil and scenic route.
The trek continues through the remote Alpine Desert, offering dramatic, rugged terrain and panoramic vistas. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular sights of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones, as you make your way toward the summit.
Push through the arctic conditions of the summit zone to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Witness the awe-inspiring sunrise and breathtaking views before beginning your descent via the Mweka Route.
Celebrate your achievement with a return to Arusha for a well-deserved rest, followed by an optional transfer to Zanzibar Airport for a relaxing beach extension or your onward journey.
Choose from Standard, Comfort, or Premium trekking packages and embark on a challenging yet rewarding adventure to the Roof of Africa. Book your Kilimanjaro climb today and take the first step towards a life-changing experience!
Customize your Trek
Create your perfect adventure by customizing a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro. Choose your route, duration, and level of support to match your preferences and fitness level.
The Rongai route is a path for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, located on the mountain’s north-eastern side, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route is unique in that it’s the only one approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, offering a journey through relatively unspoiled wilderness.
What sets the Rongai route apart is its remote and wild nature. It’s one of the more secluded trails on Kilimanjaro, providing a sense of adventure and solitude. Despite its remoteness, the Rongai route has several benefits, making it an attractive option for climbers seeking a distinct experience on Africa’s highest peak.
One of the key characteristics of the Rongai Route is its low foot traffic. It’s among the least traversed paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, which means trekkers choosing this route can enjoy a peaceful and quiet journey with minimal encounters with other climbers. This tranquility lasts until reaching Kibo Camp. From here, the Rongai Route converges with the Marangu Route, and climbers join others on their final ascent to the summit.
The Rongai Route begins on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border. It’s the only route that approaches the mountain from the north.
Generally considered one of the more accessible routes, it offers a more gradual ascent than other routes. However, climbing Kilimanjaro is challenging regardless of the route and requires good physical fitness.
The trek usually takes 6 to 7 days, allowing for proper acclimatization to the high altitude.
The Rongai Route is known for its more arid conditions than the rainforest environment on the southern routes. The scenery includes wide-open fields, moorlands, and spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.
The northern approach is less frequented, offering a higher chance of wildlife encounters, including various bird species and sometimes even larger animals like elephants and buffaloes in the lower sections.
It is one of the less crowded routes on Kilimanjaro, providing a more solitary and quiet trekking experience.
The final ascent to the summit is made via the Kibo hut to the east, joining the Marangu route before reaching Gilman’s Point and then Uhuru Peak.
Pros:
– Lower traffic, providing a more peaceful journey.
– Higher success rate due to a more gradual ascent.
– Unique northern perspective with distinct scenery.
Cons:
– More remote, making access slightly more challenging.
– Limited rescue options due to the route’s lower traffic.
– Less diverse scenery in the initial days compared to the rainforest paths on other routes.
The Rongai Route is particularly suitable for those who prefer a quieter, less crowded path and seek a more gentle ascent. It’s also favorable for trekkers during the rainy season, as the mountain’s north side receives less precipitation.
The Rongai Route offers a unique and less-traveled path for climbers aiming to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its gradual incline, scenic diversity, and higher chances of wildlife sightings make it an appealing choice for many trekkers.
Pick up from Kilimanjaro Airport
First Night in Tanzania
First Night in Tanzania
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight stay at Bed and Breakfast (BB)
Our Choices Includes;
Pink Flamingo
Ameg Lodge
First Day on the Mount Kilimanjaro (2625m)
Before your journey begins, you’ll have breakfast while all the necessary gear is being prepared. Expect a beautiful drive, approximately two and a half hours, to the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration process at the Nalemoru Gate, marking the official start of your hiking adventure.
Your hike will take you through a diverse landscape. Initially, you’ll pass by small farms, giving you a glimpse of the local agricultural practices. As you proceed, you’ll walk amidst pine trees, gradually making your way into the dense forest that adorns the mountain slopes. This part of the hike offers a chance to witness the region’s unique wildlife, including the possibility of spotting colobus monkeys, easily identifiable by their striking black and white tails.
While you’re immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the trek, the porters will lead the way to set up your camp. You will maintain a moderate hiking pace, aiming to reach the Simba campsite, located at an elevation of 2625 meters, in about four hours. Upon arrival at the campsite, you’ll find the tents already set up for you. Warm washing water will be available for your comfort.
To cap off the day, a warm supper will be served, providing a cozy end to your first day on the mountain. This meal is not only nourishing but also an opportunity to relax and prepare for the following day’s trek.
Kikelelwa Camp (3630m)
Following a hearty breakfast of hot porridge and eggs, you’ll be ready to embark on the next segment of your trek. As you progress, you’ll notice a noticeable shift in the landscape, with the vegetation transitioning to more shrubs, characteristic of the moorland zone. This part of the hike offers a unique experience as the flora around you changes.
On days when the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views. The Kenyan plains stretch out in the distance, offering a vast and impressive panorama. Additionally, the Mawenzi peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s notable summits, should be visible, adding to the breathtaking scenery.
Your journey today includes a well-deserved break at the Second Cave, located at an elevation of 3450 meters. Here, you’ll stop for lunch, a moment to refuel and rest before continuing your hike. The trail ahead involves navigating through a series of ups and downs, a stimulating challenge that adds to the adventure.
Your destination for the day is the Kikelewa Camp. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a serving of tea – a warm and welcoming gesture. This campsite is known for its exceptional views, offering a visual feast that adds to the experience. It’s an excellent spot to relax, unwind, and take in the tranquility of the mountain. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peace of your surroundings, recharging for the next day’s journey.
Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Today’s trek on Mount Kilimanjaro presents a significant shift in the landscape, offering you an experience quite different from the previous days. As you move forward, the lushness and the peculiar Senecio plants, a common sight in other parts of Kilimanjaro, give way to a starkly different terrain. You’ll find yourself walking through an area that resembles a rocky lunar landscape, providing a unique and surreal hiking experience.
The absence of dense vegetation allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks, weather permitting. On a clear day, the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, two of Kilimanjaro’s most prominent summits, will be visible, offering awe-inspiring sights that highlight the diverse beauty of this mountain.
Your hike today will be a challenging one, lasting about six hours. The goal is to reach the Mawenzi Hut, your resting place for the night. You’ll notice a significant temperature drop in this region, especially at night. A nearby small lake, which often freezes over at night, is a testament to the cold conditions you can expect.
Despite the cold environment, you can look forward to a warm and comforting end to your day. A hot supper will await you at the camp, providing physical warmth and a morale boost. This meal is crucial for your sustenance and offers a moment of relaxation and an opportunity to reflect on the day’s journey while preparing for the next phase of your climb.
Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s journey on Mount Kilimanjaro involves crossing the Saddle, a broad, flat area between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You’ll be trekking on a good, firm path, but as you gain altitude, you might start feeling the effects of the thinner air.
At these higher elevations, it’s common to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches and nausea. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, so make sure to take in plenty of fluids throughout the day. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a slow and steady pace to help your body adjust to the altitude. You’ll likely hear your guide repeatedly advising “pole pole,” which means “slowly slowly” in Swahili, emphasizing the need to take your time.
The day’s hike will challenge you, especially towards the end, but your efforts will be rewarded. Your destination is the Kibo Hut, where you will spend the night. Upon arrival, you can look forward to a nourishing dinner and a comforting cup of hot chocolate, which will help you relax and warm up in the cold mountain environment.
Before turning in for the night, it’s essential to prepare your daypack for the final ascent. Organize all the gear you’ll need for the summit push. Since you’ll wake up around midnight to start the final stretch to the summit, you should go to bed early. This early start will ensure you reach the summit at sunrise, offering a spectacular view and an unforgettable experience as you stand atop Africa’s highest peak.
Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Rise and shine for an extraordinary day! You’ll begin your ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in the early hours while it’s still dark and very cold. The path ahead will be illuminated by a string of headlights, each belonging to fellow climbers on the same journey. It’s crucial to move slowly and steadily, heeding the guidance of your experienced guide.
As you climb, the ground underfoot will be frozen, making the trek challenging. Fatigue is common in these conditions, but it’s important to keep pushing forward. Persistence and determination are key. After approximately seven hours of climbing, you’ll reach a significant milestone – Gillman’s Point, located at an altitude of 5685 meters on the crater’s rim.
At Gillman’s Point, you’ll have the opportunity to warm up in the morning sun. The summit, Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5895 meters, is just an hour or two away. The feeling of reaching the peak, the highest point in Africa, is indescribable and a moment of immense pride and accomplishment.
After spending some time at the summit, you’ll begin your descent. The return path is similar to the ascent route, but by now, the ground will have defrosted, making it dusty. The descent is faster, and you should reach Kibo Hut by late morning. Here, a well-deserved rest and a hot meal await you, providing a much-needed break to recharge.
But your day isn’t over yet. The descent continues towards Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night. This part of the journey allows you to reflect on the incredible feat you’ve just achieved while gradually adjusting back to the lower altitudes. The night at Horombo Hut is a time for rest and recovery, preparing you for the final leg of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Marangu Gate to Moshi
Today is the last day on the mountain. The descent to Marangu Gate will take about six hours. Here, the crew will say farewell, and the transfer driver will wait. At the hotel, cold drinks will be staying, too. You will undoubtedly enjoy a shower and a swim before sitting down for supper to celebrate your adventure.
Our Choices include:
Pink Flamingo
Ameg Lodge
Continue on Safari with us or Drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport
After a leisurely night, you can proceed on a safari with us, a flight back home, or an extension to Zanzibar.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Trekking tour according to the itinerary
- Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Personal porter
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking Water
- Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
- Portable toilet and toilet tent
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- National park fees
- Rescue fees
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Flights (international and domestic)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
- Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
- Sleeping bag (can be rented; please ask us at the time of the booking)