6Day Kilimanjaro trekking Rongai Route

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Overview

Our Kilimanjaro Rongai route is a 8-day trip with Ndovu African Expeditions that takes you to Kilimanjaro. Below you will find the tour overview, a day-by-day itinerary and what is included in the price.

Overview

The Rongai Route sets off from the northern side of the mountain, situated just south of the Kenyan border, offering climbers a less frequented path. Its distinctive feature lies in its descent along the Marangu Route on the southern slope, granting climbers varied perspectives of the mountain.

Embarking on the journey, travelers can expect a scenic drive lasting approximately 3 hours from Moshi. The route winds through numerous villages and picturesque coffee plantations, punctuated by a necessary stop for climbing permits registration at Marangu.

For those coming from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, accessing the Rongai Route is also feasible, with the journey taking around 2 hours, inclusive of border crossing formalities.

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Itinerary

Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp

Embark on a picturesque journey from your hotel to the quaint wooden village of Nale Moru, a scenic drive of approximately 2 hours. Along the way, pause to acquire climbing permits at Marangu, ensuring all formalities are duly attended to before commencing your adventure. Upon arrival at Nale Moru, after completing registration procedures and orchestrating the logistics with the porters, the trail beckons. Follow a well-defined path that winds its way through verdant fields adorned with maize and potatoes, gradually transitioning into a tranquil pine forest. As the terrain gently ascends, revealing glimpses of diverse wildlife thriving amidst the lush foliage, immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the surroundings. The first night’s camp awaits at Simba Camp, nestled on the threshold of the moorland zone, offering sweeping vistas that stretch across the undulating Kenyan plains.

• Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
• Distance: 6km/4mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

Embark on the day’s journey with a steady ascent to Second Cave, where captivating views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields adorn the horizon, providing a fitting backdrop to your trekking experience.

• Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
• Distance: 6km/4mi
• Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave

Forge ahead on the trail, transitioning from Second Cave to Third Cave, traversing through captivating semi-desert landscapes that offer a glimpse into the rugged beauty of the region.

• Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
• Distance: 9km/5mi
• Walking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut

Embark on a journey to Kibo Hut, situated at the base of the Kibo crater wall, where you’ll spend the remainder of the day acclimatizing and preparing for the exhilarating final ascent to come.

• Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Set out on an epic adventure as you ascend to the summit under the cover of darkness, traversing steep and challenging terrain to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, before pushing onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After soaking in the breathtaking vistas from the summit, commence the descent to Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night amidst the tranquil surroundings.

• Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (up), Down to 3700m/12,200ft (down)
• Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Trailhead to Moshi Hotel

Embark on the final leg of your journey as you descend through the enchanting moorland to Mandara Hut, before continuing your descent through lush forested paths to the National Park gate at Marangu. Bid farewell to the awe-inspiring landscapes as you conclude your trek and reunite with transport back to your hotel in Moshi.

• Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
• Distance: 20km/12.5mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast

What Is Included in the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

• Professional, experienced, mountain guides
• Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
• Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
• Rescue fees (part of park fees)
• VAT (18% charged by the Government)
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate
• All meals while on the Mountain

Not Included

• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
• 5 Star Accommodation
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

Why Book the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route With Us

Every Kilimanjaro Rongai route is run by our local team in Arusha, with an experienced English-speaking guide who knows the area well. We can adjust the Kilimanjaro Rongai route to your travel dates, group size and budget, and combine it with other trips in Tanzania.

Find more ideas among our Tanzania safari tours and Kilimanjaro climbing tours, check the best time to visit Tanzania and read our Tanzania safari FAQ. Official park information is available from Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).

The Kilimanjaro Rongai route can be adapted for your own group. Ask us about the best season for the Kilimanjaro Rongai route. Prices for the Kilimanjaro Rongai route depend on the season and group size.

Ready to go? Contact us to check availability and book your Kilimanjaro Rongai route.