Description & Routing
At its 5,895 m Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and is often known as ‘The rooftop of Africa’. Mount Kilimanjaro towers nearby Moshi in Tanzania.
The Rongai route is the only route that starts from the north eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro which is close to the Kenyan border, due to its remote location the Rongai route has much lower traffic compared to the other Mount Kilimanjaro routes. This route retains a sense of un spoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective while climbing Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai route is flatter than other Mount Kilimanjaro routes and generally considered as one of the easiest however it does not offer the advantage of trekking high and sleeping low due to its topography.
It is highly recommended to trek the Rongai route in 7 days, as this included an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, although the Rongai route also can be done in 6 days. This Rongai trekking route has a total of 76,5 km.
The summit night from Kibo hut follows the same path as for the trekkers on the Marangu route through Gilman`s point to Uhuru peak.
The Rongai route ascends on the northern side and descends on the south eastern side of the mountain via the Marangu route. The scenery is not as varied compared to the western routes but the remoteness is what make some pick this route.
Mega Adventures recommends the trail for those who have less experience climbing or are unprepared, those looking for a more remote hike and less traffic.
| Date | From – To | Distance | Elevation | Hiking time | Habitat |
| 1 | Rongai Gate (Nale Moru Gate) – Simba Camp | 7 km | 1,996 m – 2,626 m | 4-6 hrs | Rainforest |
| 2 | Simba Camp – Kikelewa Cave | 12 km | 2,626 m – 3,697 m | 3-7 hrs | Moorland |
| 3 | Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut | 4 km | 3,697 m – 4,303 m | 3 hrs | Semi desert |
| 4 | Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Mawenzi Ridge Mawenzi Ridge – Mawenzi Tarn Hut | 2 km Ascent 2 km Descent | 4,303 m – 4,389 m 4,389 m – 4,303 m | 1-2 hrs Ascent 1-2 hrs Descent | Alpine desert |
| 5 | Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut | 9 km | 4,303 m – 4,730 m | 5 hrs | Alpine desert |
| 6 | Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut | 5.5 km Ascent 15 km Descent | 4,730 m – 5,895 m – 3,705 m | 7-8 hrs Ascent 6-7 hrs Descent | Arctic Alpine desert, Moorland |
| 7 | Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate | 20 km | 3,705 m – 1,860 m | 6 hrs | Moorland, Rain forest |
Day 1: (Rongai Gate (Nale Moru Gate) 1996m – Simba Camp 2626m):
In the morning depart Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking time: 3-4 hrs
- Habitat: Rain forest
Day 2: (Simba Camp 2626 – Kikelewa Cave 3697m):
Depart after breakfast for Kikelewa Cave.
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking time: 6-7 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: (Kikelewa Cave 3679m – Mawenzi Tarn Hut 4303m):
After breakfast depart for Mawenzi Tarn Hut.
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking time: 3 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: (Mawenzi Tarn Hut 4303m – Mawenzi Ridge 4389m):
Acclimatization day. After breakfast depart for Mawenzi Ridge.
- Distance: 2 km ascending and 2 km descending, total of 4 km
- Hiking time: 1-2 hrs ascending and 1-2 hrs descending, total of 2-4 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: (Mawenzi Tarn Hut 4303m – Kibo Hut 4730m):
Depart after breakfast for Kibo Hut.
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking time: 5 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: (Kibo Hut 4730m – Uhuru Peak 5895m – Horombo Hut 3705m):
An early start at around 01:00hrs to climb steeply to the great summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak.
- Ascending distance: 5.5 km
- Ascending hiking time: 7-8 hrs
- Ascending habitat: Alpine desert and Arctic
- Descending distance: 15 km
- Ascending hiking time: 6-7 hrs
- Ascending habitat: Arctic, Alpine desert and Moorland
Day 7: (Horombo Hut 3705m – Marangu Gate 1860m):
After breakfast depart for marangu gate.
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking time: 6 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland and Rain forest
At arrival at the Marangu Gate you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
Inclusive of:
- Pick up and drop off from Moshi/ Arusha on the date of climb.
- 3 meals a day on the climb.
- Goverment Taxes.
- Porters, chef and guide.
- Park fees, Fees for the huts, Fees for armed rangers
- Equipment for the huts (except own sleeping bags available for hire $35 per trip)
- Bottled Water (on day one)
Exclusive of:
- Tipping to the guide and porters.
- Airport transfers (Available upon request)
- Travel Insurance.
- Accommodation before and after the climb (can be arranged for)
| NO. of PAX in one group | Above 6PAX | 4-6PAX | 2-3PAX | 1PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $1,500 | $1,585 | $1,760 | $2,100 |
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