Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6 Days

$1465

per person

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low. It can be hiked on a six, seven or even eight day. The seven or eight day Rongai routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize.

Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Due to its remote setting the Rongai Route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and descends via the Marangu trail. Seven and eight day trekkers usually spend an additional day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) to acclimatize. Eight day trekkers also stop on day two at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters) before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters).

6 Days 5 Nights

14+ Age

Budget Friendly

Escorted Tours

Group Tours

Hiking Adventures

Departure

Moshi Town to Rongai Gate
Departure Time

Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time

Approximately 1:00 PM in the last day.
Dress Code

Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, spare clothing.
Include

All Park Fees

Helicopter Rescue Fees

18% VAT on Tour Fees & Services

Camping Facilities

Transfers to and from the park for Kilimanjaro climbers

Crew salaries

Sleeping tents

Professional Guide

Sleeping Mat

Meals according to the Itinerary
Not Included

Bicycle Helmets

All bicycle transfers

Snacks and fruits at water points for Cycling tours

Accommodation as indicated on the Cycling tour itinerary

TREK Mountain Hardtail 4300 & Merida Matts 20-D Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Cycling Tour Support Vehicle(s)

Village entry fees (for the day trips)

Any services not mentioned above

Safari Camping Equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)

Overnight stays in safari tents

Professional Safari Cook

Camping safari according to the itinerary

Flights

Other Optional Activities

Alcoholic and Soft Drinks

All Mentioned Safari Activities

Bottled Mineral water

Transportation in 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography

Climbing gears

Meals not listed

Emergency oxygen

Visa Fees

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

Tips and gratuities

Personal trekking equipment

Airport Transfers

Hotel Accommodations According to the Itinerary

From Our Gallery

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low. It can be hiked on a six, seven or even eight day. The seven or eight day Rongai routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize.

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)

Hiking time: 5 hours

Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers

Habitat: Montane Forest

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then be transferred by vehicle to the Rongai trailhead, which is 2.5 hours away from the Managu Gate. The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. This trail has a gradual ascent and allows hikers to enjoy their surroundings. About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!

Day 2: 1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Habitat: Moorlands

Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorlands

On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

Day 5: Summit Attempt Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo

Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 27 kilometers

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Moshi in your hotel.

Our Gallery

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low. It can be hiked on a six, seven or even eight day. The seven or eight day Rongai routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize.

Number of People	Price in USD
1	1,670
2	1,465
3	1,455
4	1,445
5	1,435
6	1,425
7	1,415
8	1,405
9	1,395
10	1,385

Hotels: We offer the following hotel options

Hotel/Lodge Name	Price Per Night in USD
Panama Garden Resort (Single Room)	USD 80 per night
Panama Garden Resort(Double Room)	USD 100 per night
Panama Garden Resort (Triple Room)	USD 150 per night
The Secret Garden	USD 18 per night
The Hibiscus Moshi	USD 35 per night
Kilimanjaro Cottages (Single Room)	USD 35 per night
Kilimanjaro Cottages (Double Room)	USD 56 per night
Kilimanjaro Cottages (Triple Room)	USD 84 per night
Parkview Inn (Single Room)	USD 71 per night
Parkview Inn (Double Room)	USD 81 per night
Parkview Inn (Triple Room)	USD 160 per night
Kilimanjaro Wonders (Single Room)	USD 130 per night
Kilimanjaro Wonders (Double Room)	USD 145 per night
Kilimanjaro Wonders (Triple Room)	USD 160 per night

Gears: We offer the following ad-dons to your gear

Private Toilet	USD 90
Sleeping Bag	USD 40
Duffel Bag	USD 20
Head torch	USD 10
Oxygen Cylinder	USD 76

Transfers: We offer the following transfer options

Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi (one way)	USD 30 per vehicle
Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) (one way)	USD 30 per vehicle
Arusha to Moshi (one way)	USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi to Arusha (one way)	USD 50 per vehicle

Working Hours

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6 Days