7 Days Rongai Route

ABOUT RONGAI ROUTE

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has very low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, a more remote hike, or to climb during rainy season, this route is perfect.

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai compensates by passing through true wilderness areas before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

kilimanjaro machame gate

ITINERARY

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport

After arriving at the Airport, you will be picked up by a Nafika tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later on, you will enjoy dinner with your group before being briefed on the trek followed by an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. We can organize the rental of any missing equipment should it be needed.

Day 1: Nalemuru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m).

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel around 8:00 am and driven to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi 

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

day 1 rongai route

Day 2: Simba Camp (2625) to Second Cave (3480m)

 The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone providing superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi 

Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include

Day 2 rongai route

Day 3: Second Cave (3480m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3630m).

 Leaving the pine forest behind us, we carry on with a steady ascent walking though the moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain range. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi 

Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

kikelelwa Camp

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

 This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. Shortly after we leave vegetation behind reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, which sit directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi 

Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

rongai route day 4

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

 We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. With the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes we truly get to realize how spectacular this place is. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi 

Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

rongai kilimanjaro tanzania

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) then, down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

 Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi 

Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

elias minja

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

 The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Continuing through the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, we will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a private car will then take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy the warm shower you have been craving. It’s definitely time to celebrate!

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi 

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

kilimanjaro descending

7 DAYS RONGAI  ROUTE

PRICING.
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)

Group Size Price
1 Person
$ 2,100/person
2-4 People
$ 1,950/person
5-9 people
$ 1,850/person
10 & above
$ 1,700/person

Included in the price:

  • Two nights accommodation in Hotel
  • Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
  • Qualified guides with mountain crew
  • National park fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees and services
  • All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
  • Transport
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
  • Pulse oximeter
  • First aid kit
  • Emergence oxygen
  • Katady filtered water through the trek
  • Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authorit

Not Included:

  • Flights
  • Visa
  • Insurance
  • Tips to mountain crew
  • Personal Items
  • Laundry services (available at the hotel for cost)

 

Book 7 Days Rongai Route

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