Rongai Route

6 Days | 5 Nights

From $1,854/ person

Your trip overview

The 6-day Rongai route journey commences on the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering an ideal path for climbing during the rainy season due to the minimal rainfall in this region.

This expedition takes you to the summit of Africa, Uhuru Peak, traversing diverse vegetation and climatic zones along the way. You’ll have the opportunity to observe wildlife, birds, and captivating landscapes while navigating scenic trails with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks.

It’s an exhilarating adventure exploring varied terrains and satisfying your thirst for excitement atop the mountain.

The Rongai Route offers a secluded and tranquil trekking experience with fewer climbers, providing a sense of wilderness adventure and increased chances of encountering big game wildlife along the way. However, its acclimatization profile is less favorable due to its nearly flat gradient, deviating from the “climb high, sleep low” principle.

This route is suitable for year-round use as it receives minimal moisture and precipitation, benefiting from being shielded from rain on this side of the mountain, thus offering clearer views of the peak during the ascent.

Considered one of the easier routes for ascending Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route starts from the northern side of the mountain and descends via the Marangu trail, with summit night from Kibo Hut following a steep path shared with the Marangu route, passing Gilman’s Point en route to Uhuru Peak.

Various options exist for this route, with the longer variation traversing through the Mawenzi Tarn.

Duration: 5 or 6 days, Difficulty: Medium, Scenery: Very good, Traffic: Low

The summit success rate for the 6-day Rongai Route is lower at 65% compared to a higher 80% for the longer 7-day route variation of the Rongai Route.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Rongai Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro

First Cave’s Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kikelewa Cave

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mawenzi Tarn

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kibo Campsite

Mount Kilimanjaro

Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro

Marangu Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Kenya, especially to the Masai Mara, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Rongai Gate to First Cave’s Camp

Commencing our 6-day Rongai Route trek, we’ll register at the Marangu Park Gate and then transfer to the Rongai trailhead (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon reaching Nale Moru village, we’ll meet our porters.

The initial part of the trail winds through corn fields before gradually ascending into a pine woodland. The camp for the first night, situated at an elevation of around 2,600 meters, is First Cave.

Elevation (m):
1950m to 2600m

Distance:
8km

Time:
4 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest

Where to stay

First Cave's Camp

Day 2: First Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Ascending towards Kibo, the trail leads through Second Cave (3450m) before reaching Kikelewa Cave at 3600 meters. As we progress, the landscape unfolds, offering expansive views that highlight the immense size of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Our overnight stop is at Third Cave Camp, nestled within the Kikelewa Caves.

Elevation (m):
2600m to 3600m

Distance:
9km,

Time:
6-7 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Kikelewa Cave

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Embarking on a short yet steep ascent across grassy hills, we’re greeted with breathtaking panoramic vistas, immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of nature.

Leaving the lush foliage behind, we soon reach Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), nestled within a picturesque cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon provides an opportunity for acclimatization, with free time to rest or explore the surrounding area.

Elevation (m):
3600m to 4330m.

Distance:
6km,

Time:
4 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Mawenzi Tarn

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Campsite

Our journey continues between Mawenzi and Kibo as we traverse the lunar-like desert terrain of the ‘Saddle,’ finally reaching Kibo Campsite (4750m) nestled at the base of the Kibo crater rim.

With tomorrow’s final ascent in mind, the remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and recuperation.

Elevation (m):
4330m to 4750m

Distance:
4km,

Time:
3 hours.

Habitat:
Alpine Desert.

Where to stay

Kibo Campsite

Day 5: Kibo Campsite to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

We rise early at 23:30 a.m., fueling ourselves with tea and biscuits before commencing our ascent. The journey ahead becomes increasingly challenging. Beginning with a rugged path leading to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), we then navigate along the crater rim to reach Gillman’s Point (5681m).

This segment of the route proves to be the most demanding due to its steepness and abundant stone scree. Snow may be encountered en route to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa, starting from Gillman’s Point. Emotions run high as a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment sets in – the ultimate goal has been achieved!

The duration of our summit experience will be determined by the prevailing weather conditions, allowing for ample time to capture memorable photographs before descending to Kibo Hut and eventually Horombo Hut, where we will spend the night. Later in the evening, we enjoy our final meal on the mountain, with the option to purchase soft drinks and beer from the camp office, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Elevation (m):
4750m to 5895m

Distance:
6 km ascent / 16 km descent

Time:
6-8 hours ascent / 4-5 hours descent.

Habitat:
Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

Where to stay

Horombo Hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Following breakfast, we resume our descent journey, traversing through the moorlands and passing by Mandara Hut as we make our way towards the Marangu Gate.

At the gate, you will receive your well-deserved summit certificates, marking the successful completion of your 6-day Rongai Route adventure. A vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel, concluding this memorable expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Elevation (m):
3720m to 1980m

Distance:
20km,

Time:
5-7 hours.

Habitat:
Moorlands.

Where to stay

Marangu Gate

Rates Per Person

The cost breakdown for the 6-day Rongai route package is as follows:

1PAX	2-5 PAX	6-10PAX	11+PAX
$2,209	$1,991 (per person)	$1,911 (per person)	$1,854 (per person)

These prices are based on sharing accommodations for a group of 10 people. Please note that costs may vary for groups of different sizes or for customized arrangements.

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after the climb)

Breakfast included at the hotel

1 Post-climb celebratory drink (beer, juice, or soda) on us

Group transport to and from Moshi to ALL Kilimanjaro park gates

No additional transport fees will be charged to the Northern or Western route gates

Kilimanjaro National Park permits

Camping/Hut fees

Mountain rescue fees

Guides/Porters salaries

Private toilet for the party on all climbs (except for Marangu)

All season mountain tents

Foam sleeping pad (unless you opt to bring your own instead)

Mess tents, tables, chairs for parties of two or more

All meals on the mountain

No small party supplement fees will be charged

No single supplement fees for Private Climbs will be charged

Exclusions

Airfare

Personal Gear

Tips for porters & Guides

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Tips and any items of personal nature.

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Rongai Route

6 Days | 5 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Rongai Gate

First Cave’s Camp

Kikelewa Cave

Mawenzi Tarn

Kibo Campsite

Horombo Hut

Marangu Gate

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

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