8-Day Rongai Route

Trip Overview

8-Day Rongai Route

It is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity among climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu Route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation)

8-Day Rongai Route

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Your arrival day

Welcome to Tanzania’s Peace Land. Our driver will get you up at Kilimanjaro and take you to Arusha Town for the night.

Stay the night in Arusha with half-board lodging.

Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

This morning we will drive 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 en route. 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
Accommodation: Tents

Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)

eaving the pine forest behind us carry on with a steady ascent walking though 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. 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
Accommodation: Tents

Day 4: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

Leaving the pine forest behind us carry on with a steady ascent walking though 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. 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
Accommodation: Tents

Day 5: Kikelewa 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. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut 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
Accommodation: Tents

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. 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
Accommodation: Tents

Day 7: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & 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
Accommodation: Tents

Day 8: Horombo Hut (3700m) 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. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Accommodation: Tents       

Rongai- Quotation includes:

  • Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport
  • All transfers to and from the gate
  • Accommodation on camps and meals as specified in your itinerary.
  • Park entry fees, Rescue fees, & camping fees
  • Porters and Guides wages

Kilimanjaro Quotation excludes:

  • International flights tickets.
  • Sleeping bags
  • Airport taxes
  • Visas
  • Personal Insurance
  • All items of personal in nature. E.g. drinks, laundry, cigarettes etc
  • Changes or deviation from the itinerary.
  • Any item not specified above
  • Flying doctor coverage/fees
  • Tips and gratuities to safari guides, porters and hotel staff

price for 2023

EACH OF 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax SRS
HIGH SEASON (JAN-MAR,JUN-31 OCT,16 DEC - 31 DEC)
3300
3150
2995
2850
2700
2650
900
LOW SEASON (APRIL-MAY)
3100
2900
2800
2650
2530
2500
500

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