08 DAYS
RONGAI ROUTE – KILIMANJARO
Trekking Duration
08 Days 7 Nights
Group Size
Unlimited
Trip Type
Trekking, Climbing
Route Details
The Rongai Route is a less-traveled path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique experience for climbers seeking a quieter and more scenic adventure. Starting near the Kenyan border, this route approaches Kilimanjaro from the northeast, providing diverse landscapes, fewer crowds, and higher chances of spotting wildlife like colobus monkeys and elephants.
Unlike the southern routes, Rongai is known for its drier conditions, making it an excellent choice during the rainy season. While the ascent offers gradual acclimatization, the descent follows the Marangu Route, allowing climbers to experience different scenery.
Tips for Rongai Route Success
- Acclimatization: Choose a 7-day itinerary if possible for better altitude adjustment.
- Physical Preparation: Train for stamina and endurance with hikes or long walks.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 3 liters of water daily.
- Gear: Pack layers for varying climates, from warm lowlands to freezing summit nights.
Trekk Schedule On Day by Day
- Activity: Briefing, equipment check, and rest.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
- Altitude: ~900m/2953ft.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8km (5 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 650m (2,132ft)
- Highlights: Scenic farmland and pine forest with potential wildlife sightings.
- Overnight: Simba Camp.
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 850m (2,789ft)
- Highlights: Expansive views of the Kenyan plains and gradual altitude gain.
- Overnight: Second Cave Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 6km (3.7 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 150m (492ft)
- Highlights: Shorter hike, moorland scenery, and acclimatization day.
- Overnight: Kikelewa Camp.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 730m (2,395ft)
- Highlights: Stunning views of Mawenzi Peak, alpine desert environment.
- Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn.
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 8km (5 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 370m (1,213ft)
- Highlights: Trekking across the lunar landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Overnight: Kibo Hut.
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent)
- Distance: 21km (13 miles)
- Elevation Gain: 1,195m (3,921ft) ascent, 2,175m (7,136ft) descent
- Highlights: Summit at sunrise, breathtaking views, and return through diverse terrains.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut.
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 20km (12.4 miles)
- Elevation Loss: 1,860m (6,102ft)
- Highlights: Tropical rainforests, farewell ceremony with guides and porters.
- Overnight: Transfer to Moshi/Arusha.