Rongai Route
7 Days
Duration
Simb Camp, Second Cave,Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Horombo Hut and Marangu Gate
Tour Destination
The Rongai Route offers a unique and less crowded approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning from the northern side near the Kenyan border. This scenic trail features diverse landscapes, from lush farmlands and montane forests to alpine deserts and glaciers. The gradual ascent allows for excellent acclimatization, increasing summit success rates.
Tour overview
Day by Day Program
Day 1
Elevation: 2,000m (6,560ft) to 2,650m (8,700ft)
Distance: 6km (4mi)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to the charming village of Nale Moru. The approximately two-hour drive includes a stop at Marangu Gate for permit formalities before continuing to the trailhead. Once at the starting point, you will meet your guides and porters, finalize preparations, and begin your ascent.
The trail initially winds through cultivated farmlands of maize and potatoes before transitioning into a dense pine forest. As you gain elevation, the forest gradually thins out, revealing the moorland zone. The first night’s campsite, Simba Camp, is perched on the edge of the moorland and offers breathtaking views of the vast Kenyan plains.
Moshi to Simba Camp
Day 2
Elevation: 2,650m (8,700ft) to 3,450m (11,300ft)
Distance: 6km (4mi)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving Simba Camp, the trail continues its gradual ascent through the moorland zone. The landscape transforms into open heathland, with unique high-altitude vegetation including lobelias and giant heathers.
Along the way, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro, and the Eastern Ice Fields that shimmer along the crater rim. After a steady climb, you will arrive at Second Cave, your campsite for the night. This day serves as an important acclimatization period, preparing your body for the increasing altitude.
Simba Camp to Second Cave
Day 3
Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 3,450m (11,300ft) to 3,600m (11,800ft)
Distance: 9km (5mi)
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Continuing from Second Cave, the path veers away from the main Rongai route, leading you towards the rugged slopes of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic peaks. The terrain transitions from moorland to a semi-desert environment as the vegetation becomes sparse.
The trek is relatively short but involves a steady ascent, offering excellent acclimatization opportunities. The day ends at Kikelewa Camp, which is nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by giant Senecio plants. The camp provides a peaceful setting to rest and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Day 4
Elevation: 3,600m (11,800ft) to 4,330m (14,200ft)
Distance: 6km (4mi)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Today’s hike is a steep but rewarding climb up grassy slopes, leading to one of the most scenic campsites on the trek. As you ascend, you will notice the dramatic shift in landscape, leaving behind the last patches of vegetation.
The trail winds through rocky terrain until you reach Mawenzi Tarn, a glacial lake situated at the base of Mawenzi Peak’s jagged cliffs. The afternoon is left free for acclimatization, with optional short hikes in the surrounding area to prepare for the days ahead.
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
Day 5
Elevation: 4,330m (14,200ft) to 4,750m (15,600ft)
Distance: 9km (5mi)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leaving Mawenzi Tarn behind, you will cross the desolate lunar-like terrain of the ‘Saddle’ – a high-altitude desert that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The barren landscape, with its volcanic scree and vast openness, presents a stark contrast to the lush forests you trekked through earlier in the journey.
After several hours of steady walking, you will arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the foot of Kibo Crater. This is the final stop before the summit attempt, and the remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the challenging ascent ahead.
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Day 6
Elevation: 4,750m (15,600ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) (Uhuru Peak)
Descending to: 3,700m (12,200ft) (Horombo Hut)
Distance: 6km (4mi) up / 15km (9mi) down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
The most challenging and rewarding day begins in the early hours, usually around midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you will begin the arduous climb up steep scree towards Gilman’s Point (5,700m/18,700ft) on the crater rim. This section is physically and mentally demanding, but the sight of the sun rising over Mawenzi Peak provides an unforgettable moment of beauty. From Gilman’s Point, a final push leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you will begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. The descent is challenging on the knees, and trekking poles are highly recommended. By evening, you will arrive at Horombo Hut, where you can enjoy a well-earned rest after an unforgettable day.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Day 7
Elevation: 3,700m (12,200ft) to 1,700m (5,500ft)
Distance: 20km (12.5mi)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
On the final day of the trek, you will descend through moorland and dense rainforest, passing Mandara Hut on the way to the Marangu Gate. The lower altitude brings warmer temperatures and increased oxygen levels, making the trek more comfortable. As you walk through the forest, keep an eye out for blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys in the treetops.
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will sign out of the national park and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest, a hot shower, and a celebratory meal.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Book this Tour
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
- Park Fees
- Game Drives
- Drinking Water
- Airport Transfers
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- personal Items
- Travel insurance
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Tips
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