Itinerary
Overview
Remote & Scenic Climb to Africa’s Summit
The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded and most scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the northern side, near the Kenyan border, it offers trekkers a quieter experience with stunning views, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Unlike the busier southern routes, Rongai allows for a unique perspective on Kilimanjaro, as you approach the mountain from the remote north, then descend via the Marangu Route, giving you varied viewpoints.
This 6-day trek is moderately challenging, with excellent opportunities for acclimatization and a high success rate for reaching the summit. If you’re looking for a more tranquil yet equally rewarding climb, the Rongai Route is ideal.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trek?
- Breathtaking scenery: Witness the stunning sunrise from the summit, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from various vantage points on the mountain.
- Unique wildlife and flora: Spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and other mountain creatures, and discover the unique flora of the rainforest and alpine desert zones.
- Rich cultural experiences: Interact with local guides and porters, and learn about the history and culture of the Chagga people, the indigenous tribe that inhabits the mountain.
- Challenging yet rewarding climb: Push your limits and test your endurance on this 7-day climb, with a gradual ascent to the summit and a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you forever.
- Stargazing: Enjoy the incredible stargazing opportunities on the mountain, with minimal light pollution and crystal-clear skies.
- Summit certificate: Receive a certificate of achievement upon reaching the summit, a testament to your hard work and determination.
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi and Transfer to Rongai Gate
The adventure begins! Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the town, getting a feel for the local culture and preparing for the climb ahead. In the afternoon, transfer to Rongai Gate (2,360m/7,750ft) for registration and preparation.
Distance: 120km/75mi from Moshi to Rongai GateTime: 3-4 hoursAccommodation: Hotel in MoshiMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hotelActivities: Registration and preparation at Rongai GateDay 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,800m/9,200ft)
Begin the climb through the rainforest, passing through the village of Nale Moru. The trail is relatively easy, with a gradual incline, and the scenery is stunning, with towering trees and exotic plants. Stop for lunch at the Simba Camp, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The camp is located near a natural spring, providing a refreshing stop for the night.
Distance: 8km/5miTime: 4-5 hoursElevation gain: 440m/1,440ftAccommodation: Simba CampMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountainActivities: Climbing, sightseeingDay 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave (3,450m/11,300ft)
Continue ascending through the moorland zone, with breathtaking views of the Kibo peak. The terrain becomes more rugged, with rocky outcroppings and scrubby vegetation. Stop for lunch at the Second Cave, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The cave is a natural rock formation, providing a unique spot to rest and take in the views.
Distance: 6km/3.7miTime: 4-5 hoursElevation gain: 650m/2,130ftAccommodation: Second Cave CampMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountainActivities: Climbing, sightseeingDay 4: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)
Climb through the alpine desert zone, with unique vegetation and stunning views. The trail becomes steeper, with a more dramatic incline, but the scenery is breathtaking. Stop for lunch at the Kikelewa Camp, with views of the surrounding landscape. The camp is located near a natural spring, providing a refreshing stop for the night.
Distance: 5km/3.1miTime: 3-4 hoursElevation gain: 150m/490ftAccommodation: Kikelewa CampMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountainActivities: Climbing, sightseeingDay 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300m/14,100ft)
Ascend to the Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful glacial lake with stunning views. The trail becomes more challenging, with a steeper incline, but the scenery is breathtaking. Explore the surrounding area and take in the views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.
Distance: 6km/3.7miTime: 4-5 hoursElevation gain: 700m/2,300ftAccommodation: Mawenzi Tarn CampMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountainActivities: Climbing, sightseeingDay 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp (4,700m/15,400ft)
Climb to the Kibo Camp, the last stop before the summit. The trail becomes even steeper, with a more dramatic incline, but the scenery is breathtaking. Rest and prepare for the summit attempt, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Distance: 8km/5miTime: 5-6 hoursElevation gain: 400m/1,310ftAccommodation: Kibo CampMeals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountainActivities: Climbing, sightseeingDay 7: Summit Day!
The final day! Begin the ascent to the summit (5,895m/19,341ft) at midnight, using headlamps to navigate the dark terrain. Watch the sunrise from the summit and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Descend to the Kibo Camp for breakfast and then to the Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft).
Distance: 20km/12.4miTime: 12-14 hoursElevation gain: 1,195m/3,921ftAccommodation: None (return to Moshi)Meals: Breakfast and lunch on the mountainActivities: Climbing, sightseeingWhat's Included?
- 7-day climb with experienced guides and porters
- Transportation from Moshi to Rongai Gate and back
- Accommodation in Moshi and on the mountain
- Meals and snacks on the mountain
- Park fees and permits
What's Excluded?
- Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
Rates
Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently
