RONGAI 7 DAYS

From USD 2,150 per person

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The Rongai Route is one of the easiest ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, with a high success rate. It begins on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border, and is less crowded than other routes. The descent is via the Marangu Route on the southern side, offering varied views of the mountain.

The drive to the trailhead from Moshi takes about 3 hours, passing villages and coffee plantations, with a stop at Marangu to register climbing permits. The route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park, around 2 hours including the border crossing passport copies are needed in advance.

A taste of what to expect…

Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp

Drive about 2 hours from Moshi to the wooden village of Nale Moru, stopping at Marangu to get permits for Mount Kilimanjaro. After registration and preparing porters, begin hiking along a wide path through maize and potato fields, then enter pine forest. The trail climbs gently through wildlife-rich forest before thinning out at the edge of the moorland, where the first camp offers sweeping views of the Kenyan plains.

  • Elevation: 2,000 m / 6,560 ft → 2,650 m / 8,700 ft

  • Distance: 6 km / 4 mi

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Montane forest

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hike across the moorland on a narrow path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley, surrounded by giant Senecios.

  • Elevation: 3,450 m / 11,300 ft → 3,600 m / 11,800 ft

  • Distance: 9 km / 5 mi

  • Walking Time: 2–3 hours

  • Habitat: Semi-desert

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes leads to stunning views. The next camp, Mawenzi Tarn, sits in a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore, helping with acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft → 4,330 m / 14,200 ft

  • Distance: 6 km / 4 mi

  • Walking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Semi-desert

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross the lunar-like Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Camp at the base of Kibo’s crater wall. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the final, very early ascent.

  • Elevation: 4,330 m / 14,200 ft → 4,750 m / 15,600 ft

  • Distance: 9 km / 5 mi

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine desert

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start very early (midnight–2 am) for the final climb up steep scree or snow to Gilman’s Point (5,700 m / 18,700 ft) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy incredible views and take summit photos. Descend to Kibo for lunch and rest, then continue to Horombo Camp.

The climb begins in darkness—headlamps are essential. It will be very cold until descent. Move slowly (“pole pole”)—this is the toughest part with many switchbacks.

  • Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,500 ft → 5,895 m / 19,340 ft, down to 3,700 m / 12,200 ft

  • Distance: 6 km / 4 mi up → 15 km / 9 mi down

  • Hiking Time: 6–8 hrs up / 6–8 hrs down

  • Habitat: Alpine desert

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, descend steadily through moorland to Mandara Hut, then continue down lush forest paths to the Marangu Park Gate. At lower elevations, trails can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Shorts and t-shirts are usually enough, but keep rain gear and warm layers handy.

A Monkey Adventures vehicle will meet you at the gate for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (~1 hour).

  • Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,200 ft → 1,700 m / 5,500 ft

  • Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Forest

  • Meals: Breakfast

Cost includes

  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel

  • All meals while on the Mountain

  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)

  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate

  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

  • Clean, purified drinking water

  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides

  • Sleeping Mattress

  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)

  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)

  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

  • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)

  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

  • Hotel before and after the hike

Cost excludes

  • Tanzania Visa

  • Transfers (available as an optional addon)

  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)

  • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

  • International and domestic flights

  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

  • Travel insurance

  • Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages

BOOK THIS TOUR


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