Climb Kilimanjaro rongai route

7 days—The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mt. Kilimanjaro

$1620-2200 USD

pp

Safari summary

The Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

The Rongai Route is one of the less crowded and more scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. It is located on the northeastern side of the mountain and is considered a relatively easier route compared to some of the other more popular routes like the Machame or Marangu routes.

The Rongai Route is indeed the only trail that begins from the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is located in Tanzania. This route is less crowded compared to other popular routes like Marangu and Machame, offering a more remote and peaceful trekking experience. The Rongai Route is known for its gradual ascent, which can help with acclimatization, and it approaches the summit from the northeast side of the mountain.

This route typically takes around 6-7 days to complete, providing ample time for climbers to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the diverse landscapes along the way. The trail passes through different ecological zones, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert, before reaching the snow-capped peak of Uhuru Peak.

While the Rongai Route may not be as scenic as some of the other routes on Kilimanjaro, its quieter nature and unique perspective of the mountain make it a popular choice for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Cost for 7 days Rongai route

1PAX 2PAX 7PAX
$2,200 $2,000 $1,620

Key Features of the Rongai Route:

Scenery: The Rongai Route provides stunning views of the mountain from various angles, including the rugged Mawenzi Peak and the expansive Kibo Crater.

Less Crowded: Due to its location and less popularity compared to other routes, the Rongai Route tends to be less crowded, offering a quieter and more peaceful climbing experience.

Variety of Landscapes: Climbers on the Rongai Route pass through different ecological zones, starting in lush rainforest areas before ascending into alpine desert terrain closer to the summit.

Northern Approach: Unlike many other routes that approach Kilimanjaro from the south, the Rongai Route starts from the northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border.

Higher Success Rate: The Rongai Route is known for its higher success rate in reaching the summit due to its gradual ascent profile, allowing climbers more time to acclimatize.

Wildlife Encounters: While wildlife sightings are not as common on this route as on some others, there is still a chance to spot various bird species and even some small mammals along the way.

Summit Attempt: The final summit attempt usually starts from Kibo Hut, following a challenging but rewarding path to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro.

Overall, the Rongai Route offers a unique and less-traveled experience for climbers seeking a quieter journey up Mount Kilimanjaro while still enjoying breathtaking views and diverse landscapes along the way.


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Hiking | trekking
Activity level Strenuous activity
Best months January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • All drinks
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • International flights
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Rongai Gate – Hike to Simba camp

Kilimanjaro

Drive to Marangu gate for permits and continue for 2 hours to Nale Moru village to start trek on path through farmland and pine forest initially to reach the edge of the moorland where the camp is with beautiful views over the Kenyan plains.

Simba camp

Simba Camp – Kikelewa Camp. 6kms

Kilimanjaro

Steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo summit and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Continue across moorland towards Mawenzi Peak. The camp is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Kikelewa camp

Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn. 9kms

Initial short climb and superb views of the mountain and a few hours to the tarn which is in a cirque directly beneath Mawenzi. Short hike, and rest day in the afternoon. Camp here for two nights.

Mawenzi tarn

Acclimatization day

Kilimanjaro

Rest and acclimatize at Mawenzi Tarn Camp. Optional hike to explore the area.

Mawenzi tarn

Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut. 9 kms.

Kilimanjaro

Crossing the high desert terrain of the saddle between Kibo peak and Mawenzi peak, the final camp is at Kibo campsite beneath the massif itself. Rest in preparation for summit day

Kibo hut

Kibo Camp – Uhuru Peak – Horombo

Kilimanjaro

Kibo Camp – Summit Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut. 6 kms up, 15 kms down. Summit day ascent to the crater rim at Gilmans Point and then Uhuru peak itself, and a descent to Horombo Hut which is on the Marangu route.

Horombo hut

Horombo Hut - Mweka Gate. 20 kms.

Kilimanjaro

A long day descending back to the forest and all the way down to the gate on the path. From Mweka, the drive back to Moshi is only half an hour.

hotel in moshi

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