The Rongai Route is the only route that begins from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu Route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season - since the north side of Kilimanjaro receives less precipitation. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days. The seven days itinerary for Rongai is recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp. This route descends down the Marangu Route. Note that although Marangu Route has huts, those descending from the Ronagi Route still stay in tents during overnights. Rongai is thought by many to be the least difficult camping route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Rongai route itinerary
Duration: 6 nights /7 days Climb
Arrival Day
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) you will see our driver waiting for you just outside the secured customs area - with a Kilifortune Expeditions sign with your name on it. From there you will be drive to your hotel in Moshi. After allowing some time to settle in, there will be a climb briefing with your guide. Here all questions will be answered. There will also be an equipment check. If you are lacking any items, they can be rented locally of good quality at a reasonable price. If you have a nightime arrival, these things can be done early the next morning.
Day 1: Nale Muru – Simba Camp
The adventure beings with the drive through villages and coffee plantations to the
remarkable wooden village of Nale Moru. On the northeast side of the mountain where
you meet the porters. The first part of the trail leads through moist rainforest,
which quickly becomes lighter on the dry north side. Soon you will reach the heather
zone. Overnight in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp) in the tent at about 2,671M
altitude. Simba Camp is located close to First Cave, with a magnificent view out
over the plains of Kenya.
Hiking hours: 3 hours
Distance: 7km
Overnight Altitude: 2,671M
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
Today’s stage begins in the morning with a steady climb up to Second Cave. The route takes in a long stretch of heath, distinguished by heather, wild flowers and stony paths. As you walk, you can enjoy the view of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch you will leave the main trail and continue along a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. You will finally reach ‘Second Cave’, which is located in a sheltered valley close to Kikelewa Caves and surrounded by giant senecio plants.
Hiking hours: 3 hours
Distance: 8km
Overnight Altitude: 3,450M
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Second Cave Camp– Third Cave Camp
This day has been set aside for acclimatization, to improve your chances of reaching
the summit, and reduce the risk of your suffering the effects of altitude sickness.
Spend the morning relaxing and simply enjoying the surroundings. Around lunchtime,
it is time to leave the camp and make your way across the heath, following a narrow
path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi Peak before returning to Third Cave Camp.
Hiking hours: 3 hours
Distance: 3km
Overnight Altitude: 3,800M
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Third Cave Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp
Today’s stage takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp. Following a short but steep climb up
grassy mountainside, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view as your reward. The
heathland gives way to rocky highlands, littered with large and small volcanic
boulders that testify to a previous period of volcanic activity. After a couple more
hours on the trail, you will reach the site of your overnight accommodation, which
enjoys a spectacular location, nestling in a valley between the towering spires of
Mawenzi Peak.
Hiking hours: 4 hours
Distance: 5km
Overnight Altitude: 4,315M
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp – Kibo Huts Camp
You will now find yourself walking through the almost lunar landscape that is known
as ‘The Saddle’ and links Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. On arrival at Kibo Huts Camp, located at the
foot of the crater wall of Kibo, it is time to ready your equipment and warm clothes
for the next day’s trek to the peak. Make sure to store your drinking water in a
Thermos to prevent it freezing solid. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing and go
to bed early to ensure your ‘human batteries’ are fully charged for Kilimanjaro’s
ultimate challenge.
Hiking hours: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8km
Overnight Altitude: 4,720M
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Kibo Huts Camp – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts Camp
You will be woken up around midnight, and there is just time for a light meal before you set off into the night. Most people find the tricky terrain, where the trail is littered with loose stones, to be the most challenging part of the ascent. The objective is to reach Gilman’s Point at dawn, so you can make it to Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo – shortly after sunrise. You will stop briefly at Gilman’s Point to enjoy the magnificent view before continuing along the rim of the crater to Uhuru. The last stretch of the climb features an even incline.
Depending on the season, you may encounter snow on the last part of the route to Uhuru Peak, which is your final goal: the top of Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. Once you reach the peak at an altitude of 5,895 masl, you can give yourself a pat on the back, enjoy the magnificent view and have your picture taken in front of the Uhuru Peak sign as a lasting souvenir of your achievement.
It is then time to start the descent to Kibo Huts Camp, which you will find passes remarkably quickly. At Kibo Huts Camp, you will stop to enjoy a well-deserved lunch before continuing on to Horombo Huts Camp, where a much needed night’s sleep awaits.
Hiking hours: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9km
Overnight Altitude: 3,720M
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Day 7: Horombo Huts Camp – Marangu Gate – Hotel
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Marangu Gate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you at the gate, but we will have lunch here before returning back to Moshi. Once in Moshi you will say goodbye to your mountain crew then head to your hotel for a good shower, rest, recovery, and celebration.
Hiking hours: 4-5 hours
Distance: 19km
Overnight Altitude: 1,879M
Habitat: Montane forest.
Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel in included in your climb package. If you have booked a safari we will leave after breakfast. Otherwise our driver will be available to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) at any time necessary for your flight. Hotel checkout is at 10am. If you have a flight leaving later in the day, we can try to arrange a late checkout or a day room (there would be an extra charge for a dayroom).