Starting north of Mount Kilimanjaro, just south of the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a more relaxed expedition to the Roof of Africa. While not easy, it is less challenging than some of the other routes, and with its gradual inclines and long winding trails, it is suitable for most fitness levels.

 

The Rongai Route starts at the Marangu Gate and winds its way through maize fields before climbing gently through the equatorial rainforest that homes a variety of wildlife such as the black and white Colobus monkey. This route offers stunning views of Kibo, and it is one of just a few routes to transit Gilman’s Point on the way to Uhuru Peak.

 

While you can hike the Rongai Route in six days, the seven-day route is recommended to allow for acclimatisation, particularly for those with little experience of hiking at high altitude.

 

Pre-and-post climb accommodations and airport transfers are included with all Kilimanjaro Company Rongai Route Expeditions, and so the only extras you need to budget for are dinner/drinks at the hotel in Moshi and tips for your mountain crew. Please read our Kilimanjaro Essential Information Guide for more information.

 

RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY

 

DAY 1: ARRIVE KILIMANJARO

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, proceed to the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. In the afternoon, your guide will schedule a briefing at the hotel to prepare you for the days ahead.

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (or similar)

 

DAY 2: MOSHI – RONGAI GATE – FIRST CAVE CAMP

After breakfast today, your driver will collect you and drive you to the Marangu Gate where you will collect your hiking permit. From here, you will transfer to the Rongai Gate where you will begin your Kilimanjaro expedition. The path winds through farmlands before climbing gently into the rainforest habitat at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, as you make your way to your first camp on the mountain – aptly named First Cave Camp.

DAILY INFORMATION

Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp

Elevation: 5,900 ft to 8,400 ft

Elevation: 1,900m to 2,600m

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Overnight: First Cave Camp                                                                                                                                    

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 3: FIRST CAVE CAMP – KIKELELWA CAVE CAMP

After breakfast today, you will start with a slow and steady ascent to Second Cave Camp where you break for lunch while enjoying the spectacular views of Kibo and the eastern ice-fields of the crater rim. From here, you will continue through the moorland zone towards to Mawenzi Peak, and your base for the night Kikelelwa Cave Camp.

DAILY INFORMATION

First Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Cave Camp

Elevation: 8,400 ft to 11,800 ft

Elevation: 2,600m to 3,600m

Distance: 12 km / 8 miles
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland Heath

Trekking Time: 6-8 Hours                                                                                                                                                           

Overnight: Kikelelwa Cave Camp                                                                                                                                                     

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 4: KIKELELWA CAVE CAMP – MAWENZI TARN CAMP

After breakfast today, you’ll leave the vegetation zone behind and cross grassy slopes as you make your way towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp - spectacularly located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Today’s hike is relatively short, leaving plenty of time to explore this majestic camp in the afternoon and acclimatize to the altitude.

DAILY INFORMATION

Kikelelwa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 14,200 ft

Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp                                                                                                                                             

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 5: ACCLIMATISATION DAY

Today is an important day for acclimatization, and to the reduce the risk of altitude sickness, you will spend the day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp. With no early wake-up call, you can enjoy a lie in before heading out on an acclimatisation walk with your guide. There are several options available, with both steep scree slopes and lunar desert hikes nearby. The evening will be spent at leisure at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

DAILY INFORMATION

Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Elevation: 14,200 ft

Elevation: 4,330m

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp                                                                                                                            

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 6: MAWENZI TARN CAMP – KIBO HUT

After breakfast in camp, you will cross the lunar desert ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. You will spend the rest of the day relaxing here in preparation for your midnight summit attempt.            

DAILY INFORMATION

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 14,200 ft to 15,400 ft

Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight: Kibo Hut                                                                                                                                                              

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner            

 

DAY 7: KIBO HUT – UHURU PEAK SUMMIT – HOROMBO CAMP

It’s summit night! After a midnight wakeup call and a hot drink, you will begin your summit to Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19,340ft above sea level. This is the steepest and most demanding part of your journey, and as you walk slowly through loose scree to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point, it will take every ounce of determination to reach your goal. After a short rest, you’ll continue further to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa!

After taking those cherished summit photos, you will begin your descent to Kibo Hut for lunch, before trekking further down to Horombo Camp for your final night on the mountain.  

DAILY INFORMATION

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Camp

Elevation: 15,400 ft to 19,340 ft (and descend to 12,200 ft)

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (and descent to 3,720m)

Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
Hiking Time: 10 - 13 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Overnight: Horombo Camp                                                                                                                                                  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 8: HOROMBO HUT – MARANGU GATE - MOSHI

After a final mountainside breakfast, you will descend to the Marangu Gate where you will collect your certificate and spend some quality time with your mountain crew. The perfect time to give them their well-deserved tips. Afterwards, you’ll transfer back to the hotel in Moshi for a night of relaxation or celebration!

DAILY INFORMATION

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 12,200 ft to 6,050 ft

Elevation: 3,720m to 1,830m

Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
Hiking Time: 5  7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel Moshi                                                                                                                           

Meals Included: Breakfast 

 

DAY 9: DEPARTURE

At the agreed time, your driver will collect you and transfer you to the airport for your return flight home. Alternatively, you will connect with your safari adventure or beach holiday.

Meals Included: Breakfast  

 

From £2235.00 per person sharing