Summit Mount Kilimanjaro VIA the Rongai Route Overview
The Rongai Route is one of the lesser-traveled paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a serene and less crowded experience. It starts from the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border, and is known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife sightings, and gradual ascent. The route provides trekkers with a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro, combining scenic views of the surrounding plains with diverse ecosystems as you ascend. The Rongai Route is ideal for those looking for a quieter trekking experience while still experiencing the mountain’s iconic challenges.
Best Time to Use the Rongai Route
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is during the dry seasons, specifically January to March (warmest, fewer crowds) and June to October (best, more stable weather). Because it is on the northern side, it is drier than other routes, making it an excellent, reliable option for year-round trekking.
Route Success Rate
- 6-Day Rongai Route: Around 65% to 70%. The shorter itinerary leaves less time for acclimatization, increasing the risk of altitude sickness and lowering the chances of a successful summit.
Quick Route Note
Scenery
Excellent
Traffic
Low
Difficulty
Medium
Price Per Person (6-Day Rongai Route)
| 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,100 | $2,070 | $2,030 | $2,000 | $1,940 |
DAY 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,620m)
Begin with a scenic drive through Nale Muru Village to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After completing permit formalities, trek through lush rainforest to Simba Camp at the edge of the moorland zone, offering stunning views over the Kenyan plains.
- Distance: 7 km / 5 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 1,997 m / 6,552 ft to 2,635 m / 8,645 ft
- Altitude Gain: 638 m
Accommodation:
Simba Camp
Meal Plan:
Dinner and BreakFast
DAY 2: Simba Camp (2,620m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
A steady ascent through the moorland brings views of Kibo Peak and the eastern ice fields. As vegetation thins, you’ll reach Second Cave Camp, where temperatures begin to drop as you near higher altitudes.
- Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 2,635 m / 8,645 ft to 3,487 m / 11,440 ft
- Altitude Gain: 852 m
Accommodation:
Kikelewa Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
A shorter trek day in semi-desert terrain, with the mesmerizing views of the Eastern ice fields drawing you closer to Kilimanjaro’s upper reaches. Be sure to communicate any symptoms of altitude sickness with your guide.
- Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
- Elevation: 3,487 m / 11,440 ft to 3,936 m / 12,913 ft
- Altitude Gain: 449 m
Accommodation:
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Your journey continues through the sparse Alpine desert, arriving at Kibo Huts near the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent preparing for your midnight summit attempt, ensuring your gear is ready and recharging headlamp batteries for the challenging night ahead.
- Distance: 6.7 km / 4.2 mi
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 3,936 m / 12,913 ft to 5,174 m / 16,975 ft
- Altitude Gain: 1,238 m
Accommodation:
Kibo Hut
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 5: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
A midnight start begins your summit journey past the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, eventually reaching Stella Point with a breathtaking sunrise. After a short break, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Celebrate this incredible achievement before a steep descent to Horombo Huts for a well-deserved rest.
- Ascent: 4 km / 2.5 mi | 5-7 hours
- Descent: 15.75 km / 9.8 mi | 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation Gain: 721 m to reach 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
- Elevation Loss: 2,174 m
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,870m)
A final descent through lush rainforest brings you to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to your crew. A transfer will take you back to Moshi for a relaxing hot shower, dinner, and celebration.
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation Loss: 1,816 m
Accommodation:
Your Chosen Accommodation Facility
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner
Cost Inclusions
- All park fees, entrance fees, and Government Taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Certified and experienced English-speaking Guides
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Private cook speaking fluent English
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Visas & vaccinations
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent.
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
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