Rongai Route
The Northern Approach
The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that starts from the northern side of the mountain, offering trekkers a quieter and more remote experience. Known for its gentler ascent and drier conditions compared to the other routes, Rongai provides trekkers with a unique perspective of the mountain. It’s a good option for those looking for a less crowded and scenic trek. While it is considered one of the easier routes, proper acclimatization is still crucial to ensure summit success.
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
- Starting Altitude: 1,950m
- Ending Altitude: 2,620m
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
Your trek begins at the Nalemoru Gate, where you will hike through lush rainforest. The trail is relatively easy, with some gradual uphill sections. The forest is home to many bird species and monkeys, making for an enjoyable and peaceful start to your adventure. You’ll spend the night at Simba Camp, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,620m
- Ending Altitude: 3,450m
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Vegetation: Heathland
- Summary:
On Day 2, you will leave the rainforest behind and enter the heathland zone. The landscape opens up with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. The trail becomes a bit steeper, but it’s a gradual ascent, allowing for good acclimatization. The Second Cave Camp offers stunning views of Kibo Peak, making it a perfect place to rest for the night.
Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,450m
- Ending Altitude: 3,600m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Moorland
- Summary:
Today, you will hike through the moorland zone. The trail is gradual, with excellent views of the surrounding valleys and the peak of Kilimanjaro. The terrain begins to feel more arid and open, with the higher altitudes becoming more evident. Kikelewa Camp is located at 3,600m, offering a great spot to rest and acclimatize.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,600m
- Ending Altitude: 4,330m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
Day 4 is a shorter but challenging hike to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of the towering Mawenzi Peak. The landscape transforms into an alpine desert with rocky terrain, and you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the Mawenzi peaks. Mawenzi Tarn Camp is an ideal place to rest and acclimatize, as the altitude begins to increase significantly.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
- Starting Altitude: 4,330m
- Ending Altitude: 4,700m
- Distance: ~9 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
On Day 5, you’ll make your way to Kibo Hut, where you’ll prepare for the summit attempt. The terrain is barren, rocky, and windswept, with little vegetation. As you hike through the alpine desert, you will begin to notice the harshness of the environment. Kibo Hut is situated at an altitude of 4,700m, where you will rest and have an early dinner in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Starting Altitude: 4,700m
- Summit Altitude: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
- Ending Altitude: 3,080m
- Distance: ~14 km (Round Trip)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Vegetation: Arctic and Moorland
- Summary:
The summit day begins around midnight with a steep and challenging ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. You’ll first reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at around 5,681m, before continuing on to Uhuru Peak. After taking in the stunning views and celebrating your success, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,080m for an overnight rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Starting Altitude: 3,080m
- Ending Altitude: 1,640m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
On Day 7, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The descent is relatively easy and allows you to reflect on your journey. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate your incredible achievement. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to relax and unwind.
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
- Starting Altitude: 1,950m
- Ending Altitude: 2,620m
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
Your adventure begins at the Nalemoru Gate, where you will hike through the lush rainforest. This part of the trek offers the opportunity to spot wildlife such as monkeys and various bird species. The trail is gradual and provides a comfortable introduction to the mountain. Simba Camp, where you’ll spend the night, is set in a peaceful valley surrounded by dense forest.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- Starting Altitude: 2,620m
- Ending Altitude: 3,450m
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Vegetation: Heathland
- Summary:
The trail continues as you leave the rainforest behind and ascend into the heathland zone. The landscape opens up, providing stunning views of the surrounding valleys and Kibo Peak. The hike is relatively moderate, with a steady climb to Second Cave Camp, offering an excellent spot for resting and acclimatization.
Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,450m
- Ending Altitude: 3,600m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Moorland
- Summary:
On Day 3, you continue your ascent through the moorland zone, where the landscape is characterized by small shrubs and heathers. The trail remains relatively easy, and you will have plenty of opportunities to admire the panoramic views. Kikelewa Camp is situated at 3,600m and offers an ideal location for a rest and acclimatization.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Starting Altitude: 3,600m
- Ending Altitude: 4,330m
- Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
Day 4 involves a more challenging hike through the alpine desert zone, characterized by rocky terrain and fewer plants. The trail takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated at the base of Mawenzi Peak. The rugged surroundings provide an opportunity to acclimatize to the higher altitude. The camp is located in a stunning setting with spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Acclimatization Day
- Altitude: 4,330m
- Activity: Acclimatization hike
- Summary:
This is an important rest day to allow your body to acclimatize before the summit attempt. You can explore the nearby Mawenzi Ridge or hike to Zebra Rocks, an area with striking rock formations and panoramic views. This additional acclimatization day greatly increases your chances of summiting by giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. Return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for the night.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
- Starting Altitude: 4,330m
- Ending Altitude: 4,700m
- Distance: ~9 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Vegetation: Alpine Desert
- Summary:
Today, you’ll make your way to Kibo Hut, which is located at 4,700m. The hike takes you through the barren and rocky alpine desert landscape, offering stunning views of the volcanic terrain. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you will have some time to rest, prepare for your summit attempt, and enjoy an early dinner. The summit push will begin later that night.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Starting Altitude: 4,700m
- Summit Altitude: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
- Ending Altitude: 3,080m
- Distance: ~14 km (Round Trip)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Vegetation: Arctic and Moorland
- Summary:
Summit day begins around midnight. You will start the climb from Kibo Hut, first reaching Gilman’s Point on the crater rim and then continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb is challenging, with steep sections and cold temperatures, but the reward of reaching the summit is incredible. After taking in the breathtaking views, you will descend back to Kibo Hut and continue on to Mweka Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Starting Altitude: 3,080m
- Ending Altitude: 1,640m
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Vegetation: Rainforest
- Summary:
On the final day, you will descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The descent is easier than the ascent, providing time to reflect on your achievement. Upon reaching the gate, you will receive your summit certificate and celebrate your success with your guides and porters. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to rest and relax.
Rongai Inclusive
- Park fees, camping fees, and hut accommodation.
- Professional guide, cook, and porters.
- Three meals per day during the climb.
- Drinking water and tea/coffee.
- Rescue fees and oxygen for emergencies.
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Kilimanjaro certificate (for successful summiteers).
Rongai Exclusive
- Flights and visa fees.
- Personal hiking gear (can be rented).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (~$200-$300 per climber).
- Optional extended acclimatization days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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