Information

Kilimanjaro climbing Rongai Route is the only route to ascend up the North side of the mountain, originating close to the Kenyan border. It is considered one of the easiest routes up Mount Kilimanjaro and boasts a high success rate for reaching the summit. However, it is one of the less-frequently used routes, mostly attributed to the long drive required to reach the gate on day one. This has its advantages though, as it is less crowded and therefore a quieter way to ascend the mountain.

The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route.

• 6 Days, Group: 2-8 people, Kilimanjaro

Tour Plan

• ARRIVAL DAY

  On the arrival day, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town

  you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

• DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO RONGAI CAVE

  We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

  Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

  Distance: 8 km

  Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  Habitat: Rain Forest

  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  Accommodation: Rongai Cave

• DAY 2: RONGAI CAVE TO SECOND CAVE THEN KIKELEWA CAVE

  We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

  Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft

  Distance: 6 km

  Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  Habitat: Heath

  Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

  Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft

  Distance: 6 km

  Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  Habitat: Heath

  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  Accommodation: Kikelewa Cave

• DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN

  The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area

  Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

  Distance: 5 km

  Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

  Habitat: Alpine Desert

  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn

• DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT

  We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

  Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

  Distance: 8 km

  Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

  Habitat: Alpine Desert

  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  Accommodation: Kibo Hut

• DAY 5: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK

  Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

  Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

  Distance: 6 km

  Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

  Habitat: Arctic

  Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

  Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

  Distance: 16 km

  Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

  Habitat: Heath

  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

  Accommodation: Horombo Hut

• DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

  Forest On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

  Elevation loss (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

  Distance: 20 km

  Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

  Habitat: Rain

  Meal Plan: Breakfast, and Lunch.

  Accommodation: Your Hotel