6-day Rongai route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Join one of our certified mountain guides to get to the summit of Kilimanjaro via the Rongai route.
East African Mountains
6 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Get to the summit of Kilimanjaro via the less frequented Rongai Route.
- Witness exceptional views of the eastern ice fields & Kibo & Mawenzi peaks.
- Explore the amazing plant and animal life of the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Description
One of the least frequented routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Rongai Route starts from the northeast side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenya border. Join us on a 6-day trip to get to the top of Kilimanjaro via this amazing route.
Rising above Amboseli plains, the route experiences low traffic and offers the easiest camping approach to the peak, alongside offering excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
We’ll begin by picking you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to Moshi. You will spend the rest of the day relaxing and renting the necessary mountain gear.
The next morning, we’ll drive to the village of Nale Moru, the starting point of the route. The trail leads through a pine forest where you will see the wonderful Colobus monkeys and the rich animal life of the region including elephants and buffalos.
The next few days will take us through a moorland onto the Simba Camp, the Second Cave Camp and Kikelewa Camp. Heading further, we’ll cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut. The final ascent to Uhuru peak will begin from here.
Starting just past midnight, we’ll ascend slowly on scree slopes to reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) just in time to see a spectacular sunrise. From there, a further hike of 1-2 hours will take us to Uhuru Peak- the highest point in Africa!
The top offers stunning views of the neighboring peaks. And it will be no less than a humbling experience to stand on the roof of Africa!
After spending some time here, we’ll descend via the Marangu route, taking back with us unforgettable memories.
Although the trip can be completed in 6 days, it is recommended to stretch it by an extra day for better acclimatization. Also, you need to be in good physical shape to get onboard.
So, if the adventure interests you, send a message to reserve your seat to get to the top of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. We’ll be happy to guide you. And, the summit can also be reached via the Machame route.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Porters
- Tents
- Sleeping pad
- Clean drinkable water
Price details
- Price Includes: Taxes, Rescue Fee. Not Incuded: Laundry, Tips to mountain crew.
Itinerary
Day 0: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
We’ll drive to the village of Nale Moru, the starting point of the Rongai route. Traversing farmland and pine forests, we’ll explore the rich animal life of the area. You may see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos on the way. Finally, we’ll reach Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4hours – 5hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 1: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
A steady ascent takes us to the Second Cave Camp which is located in the moorland. The camp offers superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 3hours to 4hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
Leaving the pine forest behind, we’ll continue walking through moorland. The trail offers excellent views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes of the mountain. Heading further, we’ll get to Kikelewa camp at 3630m.
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 3hours – 4hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Descending into the ravine of the Great Barranco, we’ll further climb a wall. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley, which will be our last stop for fresh water before the summit. Walking on scree, we’ll get to Barafu camp.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4hours – 5hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo, we’ll reach Kibo hut and spend the day preparing for the final ascent. The spot offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5hours – 6hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
We’ll begin our final ascent around midnight and start towards the summit. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, we’ll climb slowly to reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro to see a beautiful sunrise. A further hike of 1 – 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
On our return journey, we’ll have a hot lunch at Kibo Hut, and get back to Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12 hours – 15 hours
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage will take us through heath and moorland zone to reach the Mandara Hut (2700m) for a delicious lunch. Thereafter, passing via tropical rainforest we’ll reach Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (1860m), from where we’ll transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Departure Day
Transfer back to the airport.
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
About the guide
Popote Africa
5.0
(1)
Tour Operator
We are a local Tanzanian owned tour operator specialized in adventure travel in the country. We arrange lodge and camping safaris in Tanzania as well as Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru climbs. Besides, we also take our guests on relaxing beach stays on the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean on either Tanzania’s mainland or on one of the beautiful islands of Zanzibar, Mafia or Pemba. We are the true experts when it comes to Tanzania!
We offer a personalized experienced with the highest service quality to our clients, encouraging them to let us know their interests, wishes, travel style, budget and time available, to come up with the most suitable itinerary to their family or group.
We have a great team of carefully selected driver guides, well trained and experienced and with a vast knowledge of the wildlife and animal behavior as well as the local fauna and flora. Our Kilimanjaro guides are all KINAPA trained and licensed, and specifically chosen for their friendly personalities.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Languages
English
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