Rongai Route
The Rongai Route climbs Kilimanjaro from the drier north, away from the crowds. What to expect on the route, and our Rongai climbs.
Also on this route: 7 Days Rongai Route
Kilimanjaro climb
6 Days Rongai Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Among these, the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach from the south, while the Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route, on the other hand, approaches from the north, near Kenya. All routes, except Marangu and Rongai, descend via Mweka.
The 6 Days Rongai Route: Serene Wilderness and Gentle Ascents
Offering a tranquil trekking experience away from the crowds due to its remote location, the Rongai Route presents adventurers with a unique wilderness encounter where sightings of large wildlife such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo are possible. Situated on the drier side of the mountain, this route boasts fewer rain encounters and clearer views of the peak.
Although relatively flat, the Rongai Route lacks the ‘climb high, sleep low’ approach, necessitating additional days for acclimatization. Nonetheless, it is considered one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro, being the sole route to approach from the north and descend via the Marangu Route. Summit night from Kibo Hut entails a steep ascent, following the same path as the Marangu Route, leading past Gilman’s Point to the illustrious Uhuru Peak.
before ascending from the east for the summit bid.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp Distance 7km / 5miHiking 3-4 hrsZone Rainforest
Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
- Elevation
- 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
- Altitude gained
- 638m
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Day 2 Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp Distance 5.8km / 3.6miHiking 5-6hrsZone Moorland
After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
- Elevation
- 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
- Altitude gained
- 852m
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Day 3 Second Cave Camp – Third Cave Camp Distance 3.3km / 2miHiking 3-4hrsZone Semi Desert
After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent, entering into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
- Elevation
- 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
- Altitude gained
- 449m
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Day 4 Third Cave Camp – Kibo Huts Distance 6.7km / 4.2miHiking 4-5hrsZone Alpine Desert
As you depart early the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning and begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
- Elevation
- 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
- Altitude gained
- 1238m
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Day 5 Kibo Huts – Summit – Horombo Huts Distance 4km / 2.5 mi up; 15.75km / 9.8mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174mExcitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude gained
- 721m
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Day 6 Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi Distance 20km / 12.5miHiking 6-7hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
- Elevation
- 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
- Altitude lost
- 1816m
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Rongai Route
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