Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
Route review, sucess rate , detailed itinerary and prices
Price from $2,500
Overview of the Rongai route
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and well-balanced trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the remote western side of the mountain, it offers breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a gradual ascent profile that supports excellent acclimatization. Trekkers pass through lush rainforests, cross the dramatic Shira Plateau, and climb through alpine deserts on their way to Uhuru Peak.
Our recommendation
The Rongai Route is offered in 6- and 7-day itineraries. For beginners without prior acclimatization, the 7-day program provides a better acclimatization profile, making the trek more comfortable and increasing the chances of reaching the summit. The 6-day option is suitable only for experienced trekkers or those already acclimatized to high altitudes.
Lemosho route detailed itinerary
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedDay 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5 :Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approxim 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 29 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Departure
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast Includedus leo.
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6 : Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approxim 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 29 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Derpature
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast Includedtours | Price per person |
Lemosho 6 days | $ 20000 |
lemosho 7days | $ 30000 |
lemosho 8 days | $ 4000 |
Rongai route - summit success rate
6-day itinerary: Crater Rim ~89%, Uhuru Peak ~86%
7-day itinerary: Crater Rim ~93%, Uhuru Peak ~91%
The 7-day itinerary offers better acclimatization, making it more suitable for beginners and increasing the likelihood of reaching Uhuru Peak. The 6-day option is faster and recommended only for experienced trekkers or those already acclimatized.
Climbing cost includes
All transfers
Hotel before and after the hike
The night before your climb and the night after your descent, you will stay in a 3-star hotel near Moshi Town, included in your Kilimanjaro package. Accommodation is in a shared double room by default, with the option to upgrade to a single room for an additional fee. Your stay includes everything a traveler needs: comfortable rooms with mosquito nets, professional staff, an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a relaxing and convenient experience before and after your climb.
Camping equipment
For all our expeditions, we use durable 4-season tents designed to keep you warm at night and protected from rain. Each tent includes a buffer zone where you can remove your dusty boots and rain gear before entering the main sleeping area. We've relied on this tent model for many years with excellent results. Although the tents are originally built for three people, we only accommodate two per tent to ensure comfort and space for both climbers and their duffel bags. You'll share the tent with your travel companion, or if you're traveling solo, we'll pair you with a same-sex tentmate. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself, you can request a private tent for an additional charge, which covers the cost of an extra porter to carry it.
Meals on the hike
Our mountain chefs and waiters will take care of preparing and serving your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the adventure. The menu has been designed in consultation with a professional dietitian to ensure that our meals are both delicious and energy-rich, providing hikers with the necessary nutrition.
Professional guides and porters
At Dreamworth Safaris, your Kilimanjaro climb is led by experienced, certified guides who specialize in high-altitude trekking and safety. Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency response to ensure a secure and enjoyable expedition. Supporting them is our team of skilled porters, who carry equipment, set up camps, and provide essential assistance throughout the journey. We follow strict ethical standards, including fair wages, proper meals, and weight limits, aligned with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). Our dedicated guides and porters are passionate about helping you reach the summit safely while delivering excellent service every step of the way.
GPS trackers
Each expedition is equipped with a reliable GPS tracking device, allowing us to track our Kilimanjaro teams in real-time. While primarily a safety protocol, the GPS links also provide peace of mind for your loved ones who can track the hikers’ progress from home.
The morning your Kilimanjaro expedition begins, our adventure consultant will give you a QR code that can be scanned to generate a GPS link
Medical kit
At Dreamworth Safaris, your safety is our top priority. Our guides carry a fully equipped medical kit on every Kilimanjaro expedition, stocked with essential supplies to handle common altitude-related issues, minor injuries, and emergencies. The kit includes medications for altitude sickness, pain relief, bandages, antiseptics, and other first aid essentials. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) techniques, enabling them to provide immediate care and manage any health concerns on the mountain. We are committed to ensuring you have a safe and healthy climb from start to finish.
All park fees and taxes
At Dreamworth Safaris, all Kilimanjaro National Park fees and government taxes are fully included in our expedition packages. This covers the park entrance fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and all mandatory taxes required for your climb. We handle all permits and official documentation on your behalf, so you can focus on your adventure without any hidden costs or surprises. Climb with confidence knowing that everything is taken care of transparently and professionally.
Climbing cost excludes
International flights
Our Kilimanjaro packages don’t include international flights. You’ll be responsible for covering those costs separately. Feel free to contact your manager to get recommendations about the airlines operating flights to Tanzania.
Tips to the crew member
Tipping your guides and porters is a customary way to show appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and support during your Kilimanjaro climb. While tips are not included in the package price, they are an important part of the crew’s income.
Visa fee
Please note that visa fees for Tanzania are not included in our Kilimanjaro packages and must be paid separately by travelers upon arrival or in advance, depending on your nationality. The cost and process vary, so we recommend checking the latest visa requirements with your nearest Tanzanian embassy or official government website before your trip. If you need assistance or guidance with your visa application, our team at Dreamworth Safaris is happy to help.
Personal gear rentals
If you don’t have all the necessary equipment for your Kilimanjaro climb, Dreamworth Safaris offers a range of personal gear available for rent. This includes items like sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and other essential gear to ensure your comfort and safety on the mountain. Renting gear can help lighten your packing load and ensure you have high-quality, reliable equipment. Please contact us in advance to arrange rentals and check availability.
Single supplement
Our group expeditions include shared accommodation, which means you'll be sharing a hotel room and a tent with either your travel companion or a same-sex member of your travel group. If you prefer a private room and/or tent, please let us know. Single supplements are available for an additional charge. Single supplement is not available on the Marangu route where you stay overnight in huts that can accommodate up to 20 hikers.
Travel insuarance
Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. For our Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures, all participants are required to have travel insurance that covers trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation. Since the requirements and costs of insurance vary across different countries, please contact your insurance provider to make sure that those requirements are covered, and find out about the exact costs.
Portable toilet
Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. You can contact our travel consultants to learn more about this option. Portable toilet is not available on the Marangu route due to the Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.