Rongai
6 Days/5 Nights

All Group and Private Tours include 2 nights hotel stay, transportation to and from accommodations and Mt. Kilimanjaro along with breakfast, lunch and dinner on the mountain.

These routes allow for novice, intermediate and advanced climbers

Designed to accommodate up to 25 climbers

Rongai is the preferred route for those climbers seeking a gradual incline. This route flows in from the North (the only route to do so) and receives less precipitation than all the other routes on the mountain. Rongai is a favorite amongst climbers during the rainy season (March through May and November through Mid December) due to it’s low precipitation along with the remote and tranquil scenic journey that is not encumbered by heavy climbing traffic.
Rongai - 6 Days/5 Nights

Tour Features

  • Duration 6 Days/5 Nights
  • Active Hiking 41 Hours
  • Final Elevation 19,300 ft

Day 1

Moshi to First Cave (Simba) (1950m to 2600m)

Early morning pick-up from your Hotel and drive Nalemoru gate which takes about 4 hours through attractive wooden village (1950 m). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Hike Time: 4 hrs
Elevation Change: 6400ft to 8500ft

Day 2

Simba to Kikelelwa Camp (2600m to 3600m)

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios near Kikelelwa Camp (3600 m). 

Hike Time: 7 hrs
Elevation Change: 8500ft to 11,800ft

Day 3

Kikelelwa to Mawenzi Tarn (3600m to 4330M)

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. In the afternoon you will be exploring the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Hike Time: 4 hrs
Elevation Change: 11,800ft to 14,200ft

Day 4

Tarn Hut to Kibo Camp (4330m to 4750m)

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4750 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparation for the final ascent 

Hike Time: 5 hrs
Elevation Change: 14,200ft to 15,600ft

Day 5

Kibo to Summit and Horombo Hut (4750m to 5895m)

Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb with headlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5685 m) Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895 m); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descents to Kibo (4700 m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo (3720 m). 

Hike Time: 12-15 hrs
Elevation Change: 15,600ft to 19,300ft 

Day 6

Horombo hut to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Transfer to Moshi 

Hike Time: 5-6 hrs
Beginning Elevation: 3700 m/12150 ft 
Ending Elevation: 1830 m/6000 ft