Rongai Route

7 Days | 6 Nights

From $2,141/ person

Your trip overview

The 7-day Rongai Route itinerary is increasingly popular, known for its accessibility and stunning natural scenery. As the only option on the north-eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route boasts a distinct advantage over other routes: its resilience to rain.

Beginning from the northern slopes, which experience minimal precipitation, the Rongai Route remains viable even during rainy seasons, making it a preferred choice for climbers seeking an all-weather route to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

Climbers seeking to avoid large crowds often opt for the Rongai Route, which spans the Tanzanian or Kenyan borders of Mount Kilimanjaro and typically takes 6 days to complete.

Unlike other routes, the Rongai Route is exclusively used for ascending the mountain and converges with the Marangu Route at the summit. Along the way, climbers encounter various caves that serve as overnight accommodations.

As the only route starting from the north side of the mountain, the Rongai Route is less traversed, offering a unique and less crowded climbing experience. Its north-facing orientation results in a less steep and drier terrain, contributing to its popularity among climbers seeking a distinct ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Duration: 6 or 7 days, Difficulty: Medium, Scenery: Very good, Traffic: Low

The summit success rates for the 7-day Rongai Route stand at a commendable 80%, whereas the shorter 6-day variation of the Rongai Route records a lower success rate of 65%.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Rongai Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro

First Cave 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 Camp

Starting at an elevation of 1950m, our journey kicks off with a check-in at the Marangu Park Gate, followed by a transfer to the Rongai trailhead, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, we meet our porters before embarking on the 7-day Rongai Route trek from the settlement of Nale Moru.

The trail winds through picturesque corn fields before gradually ascending into a tranquil pine woodland. Our first night’s campsite is nestled at First Cave, situated at an altitude of approximately 2600 meters above sea level.

Elevation (m):
1950m to 2600m

Distance:
8 km

Time:
4 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest

Where to stay

First Cave Camp

Day 2: First Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Our journey continues as we ascend towards Kibo, passing through Second Cave (3450m) along the way. The trail leads us to Kikelewa Cave at 3600 meters, where the expansive vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro come into view, showcasing the sheer magnitude of the mountain.

We will spend the night at Third Cave Camp, nestled within the Kikelewa Caves.

Elevation (m):
2600m to 3600m

Distance:
9 km,

Time:
6-7 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Kikelewa Cave

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb over grassy hills rewards us with breathtaking panoramic views and an authentic sense of wilderness. Leaving the forest behind, we arrive at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m), beautifully nestled in a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

This serene location provides an ideal setting for acclimatization, allowing the afternoon for relaxation or exploration of the surrounding area.

Elevation (m):
3600m to 4330m

Distance:
6 km,

Time:
4 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Mawenzi Tarn

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn

At an elevation of 4330m, we remain at Mawenzi Tarn for an additional day to acclimatize to the altitude. This extra day allows us to explore the surrounding area, hike, and rest, ensuring we are well-prepared for the ascent of Kilimanjaro the following day.

Elevation (m):
4330m

Distance:
Acclimatization

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Campsite

Ascending from Mawenzi Tarn (4330m) to Kibo Campsite (4750m), we traverse the lunar desert landscape of the ‘Saddle’ situated between Mawenzi and Kibo.

Covering a distance of 4 km over approximately 3 hours, we reach the Kibo campground located at the base of the Kibo crater rim. The remainder of the day is dedicated to recuperation, ensuring we are ready for the final ascent tomorrow.

Elevation (m):
4330m to 4750m

Distance:
4 km,

Time:
3 hours.

Habitat:
Alpine Desert.

Where to stay

Mandara Hut

Day 6: Kibo Campsite to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Starting early at 23:30 a.m., we rise and enjoy a light breakfast of tea and biscuits before commencing our ascent. The journey begins with a challenging trek to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), followed by a zigzagging ascent along the crater rim to Gillman’s Point (5681m).

This segment of the route is particularly demanding due to its steepness and the presence of loose scree. From Gillman’s Point, the path continues to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa, where a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment awaits.

The duration of our summit stay will depend on weather conditions, allowing for ample time to capture memorable photographs before descending back to Kibo Hut and onward to Horombo Hut for the night. Here, we indulge in our final meal on the mountain, with optional soft drinks and beer available for purchase at 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 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Descending from Horombo Hut after breakfast, we traverse through the scenic moorlands, passing by Mandara Hut along the way. The journey culminates at Marangu Gate, where you will receive your well-deserved summit certificates.

From here, a vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, marking the conclusion of your 7-day Rongai Route tour.

Elevation (m):
3720m to 1980m

Distance:
20 km,

Time:
5-7 hours.

Habitat:
Moorlands.

Where to stay

Marangu Gate

Rates Per Person

The prices for the 7-day Rongai Route package are as follows:

1PAX	2-5 PAX	6-10PAX	11+PAX
$2,495	$2,278 (per person)	$2,199 (per person)	$2,141 (per person)

Please contact us if you are interested in full moon Kilimanjaro climbs for this 7 days Rongai route trip, and we will provide you with the dates for the years 2025-2026.

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

7 Days | 6 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Rongai Gate

First Cave 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

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

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