RONGAI ROUTE

Overview:

The Rongai route is the only route that ascends the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Due to its remote nature, the Rongai Route is among the least visited of all of the trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Those who choose this path will experience peace and quiet for much of the
trek, encountering few other climbers prior to reaching the Kibo Camp, at which point the trail merges with the Marangu Route for the final push to the summit. Because the Rongai Route starts on the north side of the mountain, not far from the border with Kenya, it is also the driest route on Kilimanjaro as well. This makes it a good choice for a trek all year round, but especially during the rainy season in April and May. Most of the rain storms tend to stay on the southern side of the mountain, allowing Rongai hikers to stay drier and warmer than those on some of the other, more popular, trails.

BOOKING DETAILS

Expedition Dates: July 25th - 31st, 2025
Arrival in Moshi: 23rd July, 2025
Team: at least 6pax

Place To visit

Nale Muru Gate, Simba Camp, Second Cave Camp, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Summit, Horombo Huts and Marangu Gate

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FULL ITINERARY

Arrival in Moshi

You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) by our tour driver, who will transfer you to a comfortable mid-range hotel in Moshi. Attend a pre-climb briefing where our experienced guides will provide essential information about the trek, ensuring that you are fully prepared and confident for the days ahead. A session to discuss the details of the climb, check the required gears, and offer clarity where it is needed.

Day 1: Rongai gate to Simba Camp

Rongai gate to Simba Camp
• Elevation: 1979m to 2684m
• Distance: 6km
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
7.00am pick up from hotel in Moshi and driving for about 4 hours to the starting point at 1979m. After gate clearance and lunch, trekking for 6km via rain forest to Simba camp at 2684m and overnight stay.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

Simba Camp to Second Cave
• Elevation: 2684m to 3487m
• Distance: 6km
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast ascending to Second Cave for lunch overnight. Terrific views of Kibo and first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. Temperature begin to drop. Small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as we approach the Second Cave.

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
• Elevation: 3487m to 3675m
• Distance: 8.5km
• Time: 4-5 hrs
• Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, we continue our stead ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. It is a relatively short hiking day bringing us closer to the Eastern ice fields as we enjoy their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide and team leader informed of altitude sickness.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Elevation: 3675m to 4355m
Distance: 3.5km
Time: 4hrs
Habitat: Moorland and Alpine Desert
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. Spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Free afternoon to rest and explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 4355m to 4757m
Distance: 11.5km
Time: 5-6hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the lunar dessert of the saddle btn Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The trek is a gradual incline that heads west through the Saddle, a ridge of barren land that connects the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut dinner will be served early, and sleep early as you will be awoken at around 11:00pm.

Day 6: Kibo to Uhuru

Kibo to Uhuru
• Elevation: 4757m to 5895m
• Distance: 6km
• Time: 6-8hrs
• Habitat: Arctic Zone
We start hiking at 11:30pm. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. We'll reach Gilmans point shortly before sunrise and continue to Stella Point. Not very steep after Gilmans point. One step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa and the world's
highest free-standing mountain. It is time to take photos and celebrate, enjoy your incredible accomplishment!

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
• Elevation: 5895m to 3721m
• Distance: 16km
• Time: 5-6hrs
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin your steep descent down to Horombo. You will have Brunch at Kibo and lunch at Horombo Hut, afternoon rest and a well deserving sleep.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
• Distance: 15.7 km (9.8 miles)
• Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Early morning breakfast then descend to Mandara Hut and continue trekking through the rain forest to Marangu gate at 1876m, sign out for your certificate. We’ll then transfer you back to Moshi for final celebrations.

Day 8: Departure

• Meals: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. Leave with unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure and the satisfaction of having conquered one of the world’s most iconic peaks.

Book This Tour

Book This Tour