6 Days Rongai Route Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

Duration

Max People

Min Age

10+

Reviews

(3)

4.33 /5

Overview

The Rongai Route stands out as one of the more approachable paths up Mount Kilimanjaro, boasting a notably high success rate among climbers. Beginning from the mountain’s northern side, just below the Kenyan border, it’s distinguished by its lesser-traveled status. Climbers on this route are treated to varied perspectives of the mountain as they descend via the Marangu Route on the southern side.

The journey to the trailhead typically spans around 2.5 hours from Moshi, traversing numerous villages and coffee plantations en route. Before embarking, climbers must register their climbing permits at Marangu, a necessary stop along the way.

Highlights

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp
Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave
Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Third Cave
Day 4: Hike Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hu
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi town or Arusha city

Tour Plan

Expand All

Day 1Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). 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 the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an 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 with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

-- Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Simba Camp

Day 2Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

-- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Second Cave Camp

Day 3 Hike Second Cave to Third Cave

Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

-- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
-- Distance: 9km/5mi
-- Walking Time: 2-3 hours
-- Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Third Cave Camp

Day 4 Hike Third Cave to Kibo Hut

Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!

-- Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
-- Distance: 5km/3mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp

Day 5Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

-- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
-- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
-- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp

Day 6Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi town or Arusha city

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. 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). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

-- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
-- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
-- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-- Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge

Inclusions

PRICE INCLUSIONS	PRICE EXCLUDES
=> All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel	=> International and domestic flights
=> Professional, experienced, mountain guides	=> Meals not listed
=> Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees	=> Beverages and alcohol
=> Emergency Oxygen Cylinder	=> Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
=> Conservation fees (part of park fees)	=> Optional tours
=> Camping fees (part of park fees)	=> Single room supplement
=> VAT (18% charged by the Government)	=> Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
=> Rescue fees (part of park fees)	=> Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $450–$650/person)
=> All accommodations per itinerary	=> Sleeping bags and personal gear
=> All meals per itinerary	=> $50 for a single tent
=> All tours and entrance fees per itinerary	=> Low season discount in April/May
=> Round-trip Kilimanjaro Airport transfers (shared)	=> Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
=> National Park gate fees	=> Travel insurance
=> Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
=> Salaries for all crew members
=> Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
=> Oximeters
=> Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)