The Rongai route is the only route approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, those who would like a more remote hike, and those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately complex route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai compensates by passing through actual wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. The descent is via the Marangu route.
Per Person
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp. The Camp offers a range of wellness facilities, including a hot tub and a sauna with a spacious and elegant tent, a private pool, a spa, and a breathtaking view of the majestic Kilimanjaro. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
A 4-5 hour drive from Moshi will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife you will likely see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
As you depart the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning, begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, it ascends through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you from the gate and drive you to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp. The Camp offers a range of wellness facilities, including a hot tub and a sauna with a spacious and elegant tent, a private pool, a spa, and a breathtaking view of the majestic Kilimanjaro. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
A 4-5 hour drive from Moshi will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife you will likely see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
As you depart the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning, begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, it ascends through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you from the gate and drive you to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
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What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route? For all operators combined, it is estimated that the 6-day Rongai route has a success rate of approximately 90%, and the 7-day Rongai route has a success rate of about 98%.
The Rongai Route is moderately complex and highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. Although the scenery is not as varied as that of the western routes, Rongai compensates by passing through wilderness areas nearly the entire way. The descent is made via the Marangu route.
The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the northern or Kenyan side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location, it offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience, where they can see large wildlife such as antelope, elephant, and buffalo.
Elevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ft
The trail consists mainly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section called Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m).
