Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Rongai Route
Group Size: Based on Minimum of 2 passengers
Departs: Daily Private Departure
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The Rongai route is a popular and scenic option for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a less crowded and more gradual ascent than some of the other routes.
Rongai Route Itinerary: A 7-Day Adventure
The Rongai route is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, renowned for its less crowded trails and gradual ascent, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Here’s a typical 7-day itinerary:
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 700 meters (2,300 feet)
- Highlights: Lush rainforest, diverse wildlife, gentle ascent
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
- Highlights: Moorland, panoramic views of Mawenzi peak
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
- Highlights: Alpine desert, unique flora and fauna
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 700 meters (2,300 feet)
- Highlights: Stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,312 feet)
- Highlights: Crossing the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), then 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) descent
- Highlights: Summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), breathtaking views
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
- Elevation Loss: 3,700 meters (12,139 feet)
- Highlights: Descending through rainforest and cultivated fields
Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
This Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border, and is considered one of the easier paths to the summit due to its gradual slopes. The journey typically takes six to seven days, allowing climbers to acclimatize to the altitude. The route offers a variety of landscapes, including moorland, alpine desert, and an arctic summit.
Rongai Route: Pros and Cons
The Rongai Route is one of the less crowded paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique wilderness experience and a high success rate due to its gradual ascent. It provides stunning views and a variety of landscapes, including moorland, alpine desert, and an arctic summit. However, the cons include its remote location, which makes it more expensive and time-consuming to reach. The descent is also done via the Marangu Route, which can be crowded. Additionally, it offers fewer acclimatization opportunities compared to other routes.
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Success Rates
The Rongai route, also known as the Nalemuru route, is one of the less crowded paths to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It has a high success rate, with approximately 95% of climbers reaching the summit. This is due to its gradual ascent and longer duration, which allows climbers to acclimatize better to the high altitude. However, success rates can vary depending on the physical fitness and preparation of the individual climbers.
Success rates | 7 days: 80% to 95% 6 days: 60% to 70% |
Starting point | North |
Number of days | 6 to 7 days |
Elevation of starting point | 6,400 feet (1,950 meters) |
Distance | 45 miles (72 kilometers) |
Views | Unique views of true wilderness areas along the ascend. Beautiful views at higher elevations, though not as varied as the western or southern routes. |
Cost | Mid- to high-end range. Higher cost due to its further starting point. |
Traffic | Not too crowded |
Huts or tents | Tents |
Climb high, sleep low | There is not much opportunity. It might be possible for the 7-day option. |
Level of difficulty | Medium. One of the easier routes has an easy, gradual inclination. There are no steep climbs and no major ascents or descents. |
Descending route | Marangu Route |
BEST SEASON FOR RONGAI ROUTE
The best season for the Rongai Route, a popular trekking path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, is during the dry months. There are two main dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer the most favorable conditions for trekking, with less rainfall and clearer paths. However, it’s worth noting that the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable and can change rapidly, so it’s always important to be prepared for a variety of conditions.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST ROUTE TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO?
The easiest route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is the Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route. This is the only route with hut accommodation for the entire climb, and it is considered the least difficult path because it has a gradual and direct ascent. It typically takes five to six days to complete, making it the shortest route as well. However, this also means it has a lower success rate due to less time for acclimatization.
WHAT IS THE RONGAI ROUTE SCENERY LIKE?
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. The scenery along this route is diverse and less crowded, offering a unique wilderness experience. It starts in a lush rainforest, transitions into heath and moorland, and then into an alpine desert, before reaching the arctic conditions at the summit. The route provides stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the chance to see wildlife such as colobus monkeys and large elephants.
HOW HARD IS IT TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO ON THE RONGAI ROUTE?
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai route is considered moderately difficult. It is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, is close to the Kenyan border, and is less crowded than the other routes. The climb is typically done over six or seven days, which allows for better acclimatization and a higher success rate. However, the route’s gradual ascent and longer duration can still pose challenges, particularly due to altitude sickness, harsh weather conditions, and the physical demands of the trek. Proper preparation and fitness are crucial for a successful climb.
HOW BUSY IS THE RONGAI ROUTE?
The Rongai Route is one of the less-crowded paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, is close to the Kenyan border, and is less busy due to its remote location. Despite its lower traffic, the Rongai Route still offers a unique and tranquil trekking experience with a high success rate of reaching the summit.
HOW LONG IS THE RONGAI ROUTE?
The Rongai Route is one of the paths that climbers use to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is approximately 70 kilometers long, making it one of the longer routes. The trek typically takes between six and seven days to complete, depending on the climber’s pace and acclimatization to the high altitude.
Day | Daily Activities |
1 | Arrival Day: The journey starts! After what has likely been a lengthy journey, we pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transport you to Lindrin Lodge in Moshi. Here, you can freshen up and unwind. Your lead guide gives you a briefing and responds to any questions you have in the evening. After that, it’s time to get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow will start early |
2 | Climb Starts: You must first travel from Moshi, which is located south of Kilimanjaro, to Rongai Gate (1,950 m or 6,398 ft), which is located on the mountain’s northern flank. This means that you must leave early today. The climb starts after everyone has registered and unloaded their gear. To get to Simba Camp, which is 2,830 m (9,285 ft) above sea level, you must hike through a rainforest. The hike today lasts roughly four hours. To ease you into things, today is a rather easy first day |
3 | Moorland: Today, you ascend above the forest, which opens you to some amazing, broad views. Keep a watch out for large animals like giraffes and elephants on the plains below! At 3,450 m (11,300 ft) above sea level, Second Cave is a three- to four-hour journey away. Many people consider this to be their favorite part of the path because of the lovely and distinctive moorland vegetation that surrounds them |
4 | Kikelelwa Cave: Another three- to four-hour ascent is required today to reach Kikelelwa Cave, which is located 3,600 m (11,811 ft) above sea level. More lovely moorland can be seen, and you frequently get stunning views of the Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks on each side of you. You should start to experience some symptoms of the high altitude now that you are in the middle of the ascent. But because you’re going at a good pace, your body should adjust without any problems. |
5 | Mawenzi Tarn Hut: Reaching Mawenzi Tarn Hut at 4,315 m (14,160 ft) above sea level takes about four hours of climbing. This translates to a substantial elevation increase of more than 700 meters today. You also enter the bleak alpine desert region, where little vegetation grows. The campsite for tonight offers a breathtaking, up-close view of Mawenzi Peak, which towers over you |
6 | Base Camp: Today’s climb will take five to six hours to cover the 4,750 m (15,600 ft) altitude of Kibo Hut. You traverse “the Saddle,” a comparatively level section that connects Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The alpine desert is where the climb is located. Watch for eagles and other birds that are swooping over you. Your body will be experiencing the effects of the high altitude today, so you need to remain focused on your goal. |
7 | Summit Day: The big day is today! You start heading for the top around midnight. Although the climb takes roughly eight hours, you must dig deep since your crew is there to assist you. For a spectacular view, get to Stella Point before sunrise. From there, Uhuru Peak may be reached in under an hour. When you stand here, you are the highest person in Africa at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level! A further eight hours of descent later, you arrive at Horombo Hut at 3,720 m (12,205 ft). |
8 | Last Day On the Mountain: You descend the last mountainous section today to arrive at Marangu Gate at 1,843 m (6,046 ft). Although the five- to seven-hour journey is arduous, it is mostly downhill. You receive climb certificates at the entertaining tipping ceremony before you head to the lodge. The lodge is the next stop, where hot baths and cold refreshments are waiting. |
9 | Departure: Your daily activities are over and a well-deserved rest is in order. You know you accomplished something fantastic when you woke up today! We drive you to Kilimanjaro after breakfast so you can catch your flight home or stay to explore the other wonders of Tanzania. |
6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY
The 6-Day Rongai Route Itinerary is a popular trekking route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, is close to the Kenyan border, and is less crowded than the other routes. The trek begins in the pine forests of the lower slopes, moving through moorland and alpine deserts before reaching the summit. The descent is made via the Marangu Route. The Rongai Route takes six days to complete, offering a different perspective of the mountain and a high success rate for reaching the summit.
Day 1
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions.Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive around the mountain to the Eastern side to the park gate at Nale Muru, arriving in the early afternoon. Your guide will complete the necessary paperwork, after which you’ll set off. Hiking is through farm and pine plantations and then through montane forest. You reach Simba Cave Camp for your first night – 2,600m.Day 3
Today’s trek first takes you up to Second Cave (3450) with views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch leave the main trail and head towards Mawenzi. Kikelewa Caves campsite is in a sheltered valley. Overnight Kikelewa Caves Camp- 3,600m.Day 4
Hike up close to Mawenzi Tarn (4330) located in a cirque beneath Mawenzi. In the afternoon you head out for an acclimatisation walk with your guide. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp – 4,330m.Day 5
Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone. Kibo camp is situated at 4700 meters. In the afternoon it is time to prepare for the night ascent and then an early dinner and to bed for a few hours. Overnight Kibo Camp – 4,700m.Day 6
Summit Day! An early start is required to arrive in time for dawn on the roof of Africa! You ascend the Kibo volcano via Gilman’s point (5685m) which takes around 6 to 7 hours. It is then a further 11/2 to 2 hours to the summit and then descent to Kibo for refreshment and food. After this, you head down the Marangu Route down to Horomobo camp. Overnight Horombo Camp – 4,700m – 5,895m – 3,706m.Day 7
After breakfast at Horombo you’ll continue down to the park gates a Marangu, 1,843m. It takes from 5-7 hours walking. Here you’ll be picked up and driven back to the base hotel. Check into your room and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower before a drink or two in the bar and a celebratory dinner.Day 8
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport or your onward travels.
6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE PARK FEES
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees | |
Conservation fees | USD 70 per day |
Camping fees | USD 50 per day |
Rescue fees | USD 20 per hiker |
Guide and porter entrance fees | USD 2 per supporting crew |
Forestry entry fees | USD 10 per hiker |
Forestry vehicle entry fees | USD 20 per vehicle |
Tourism-added tax ( VAT) | 18% |
Retail value tax added | 18% |
Total | USD 989.99 |
8 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO—RONGAI ROUTE IN 6 DAYS—PRICES AND SERVICES
| GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
1 person | $ 2 648/person |
| 2-4 people | $ 2 243/person |
5-9 people | $ 2 063/person |
10 + people | $ 1,950/person |
9 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO-RONGAI ROUTE IN 7 DAYS
The 7-Day Rongai Route Itinerary is a popular trekking route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border, and is less crowded than the other routes. The trek begins in the Rongai Forest and ascends through several climate zones, offering trekkers a diverse range of scenery and wildlife. The route includes a night at Mawenzi Tarn camp, allowing for acclimatization before the final ascent to the summit. The descent is made via the Marangu Route.
Day 1
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions.Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive around the mountain to the Eastern side to the park gate at Nale Muru, arriving in the early afternoon. Your guide will complete the necessary paperwork, after which you’ll set off. Hiking is through farm and pine plantations and then through montane forest. You reach Simba Cave Camp for your first night. 2,600mDay 3
Today’s trek first takes you up to Second Cave (3450) with views of the Eastern ice fields. After lunch leave the main trail and head towards Mawenzi. Kikelewa Caves campsite is in a sheltered valley. Overnight Kikelewa Caves Camp – 3,600mDay 4
Hike up close to Mawenzi Tarn (4330) located in a cirque beneath Mawenzi. In the afternoon you head out for an acclimatisation walk with your guide. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Camp – 4,330mDay 5
Today is an acclimatization and rest day. Your guide takes you on a hike which normally lasts for around 4 hours. Overnight Mawenzi Tarn Hut – 4,330mDay 6
Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo in the alpine desert zone. Kibo camp is situated at 4700 meters. In the afternoon it is time to prepare for the night ascent and then an early dinner and to bed for a few hours. Overnight Kibo Camp – 4,700mDay 7
Summit Day! An early start is required to arrive in time for dawn on the roof of Africa! You ascend the Kibo volcano via Gilman’s point (5685m) which takes around 6 to 7 hours. It is then a further 11/2 to 2 hours to the summit and then descent to Kibo for refreshment and food. After this, you head down the Marangu Route down to Horomobo camp. Overnight Horombo Camp – 4,700m – 5,895m – 3,706mDay 8
After breakfast at Horombo you’ll continue down to the park gates a Marangu, 1,843m. It takes from 5-7 hours walking. Here you’ll be picked up and driven back to the base hotel. Check into your room and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower before a drink or two in the bar and a celebratory dinner.Day 9
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport or your onward travels.
7-DAY RONGAI ROUTE PARK FEES
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees | |
Conservation fees | USD 70 per day |
Camping fees | USD 50 per day |
Rescue fees | USD 20 per hiker |
Guide and porter entrance fees | USD 2 per supporting crew |
Forestry entry fees | USD 10 per hiker |
Forestry vehicle entry fees | USD 20 per vehicle |
Tourism-added tax ( VAT) | 18% |
Retail value tax added | 18% |
Total | USD 1.194.68 |
9 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO—RONGAI ROUTE IN 7 DAYS—PRICES AND SERVICES
GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
1 person | $ 2 938/person |
| 2-4 people | $2,513/person |
5-9 people | $ 2 313/person |
10 + people | $ 2,050/person |
What’s included
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- 2 nights in 3-star hotel in Marangu on a twin-share basis
- 5 nights of fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis
- Group camping equipment, including a tent (sleeping bag and mat not included; can be hired locally)
- Experienced local mountain guides, cooks, and camp crew
- Park entrance fees valued at US$826
- Emergency Oxygen
What’s not included
- Christmas and New Year supplement (please ask our staff for details of this small peak season surcharge)
- International flights
- Arrival or departure airport transfers if not taking the complimentary transfer to/from the airport
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Kitbag, hiking pack, or soft duffle bag to store your main luggage that is carried by porters
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature, such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Tips
- Airport and departure taxes.
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
