Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the only trail to approach from the North, near the Kenyan side of the mountain.

The Rongai Route is one of the quietest trails as it does not converge with any other trail until it joins with the Marangu for the ascent to the summit.

The trail begins at Rongai Gate to the northeast. A gradual climb takes the group to various campsites named after caves in the area. There are great views of Mawenzi Peak. The summit is from School Hut or Kibo Hut. The descent is via the Marangu Route.

This route can be done in 6 days but is typically takes 7 days which allows for better acclimatization.

The 7 day Rongai Route is a recommended route.

DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO RONGAI CAVE

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Total Distance: 7km/4 miles
Starting Elevation: 1,950m/6,398ft
Final Elevation 2,834m/9,300ft
Habitat: Rain Forest

After a 4-hour drive from Moshi to the village of Nale Muru the Rongai Route trek beings. The trail is a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes then enters a pine forest. The route then begins to ascend gently through the beautiful forest, which thins out as it reaches the Rongai cave where you camp for the first night on Kilimanjaro.

DAY 2: RONGAI CAVE TO KIKELEWA CAVE

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Total Distance: 10km/6 miles
Starting Elevation: 2,834m/9,300ft
Final Elevation 3,599m/11,811ft
Habitat: Health

The morning’s trek is steady and gradually ascends to the Second Cave camp where you will stop for lunch. You will then leave the main trail and cross the moorland on a smaller path towards Mawenzi Peak. The Kikelewa camp is situated in a sheltered valley near the Kikelew cave.

DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Total Distance: 7km/4 miles
Starting Elevation: 3,599m/11,811ft
Final Elevation 4,315m/14,160ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert

A steep climb up a grassy slope, when you reach the top you will be rewarded with an amazing view of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. The vegetation will diminish as you enter the barren alpine desert zone. Mawenzi Tarn camp is situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon can spent relaxing in camp or exploring the area around Mawenzi.

DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT TO MAWENZI TARN

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Total Distance: 7km/4 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,315m/14,160ft
Final Elevation: 4,703m/15,430ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is for acclimatization, with a short trek up to the Kibo hut and then back to Mawenzi for a second night.

DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Total Distance: 8km/5 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,315m/14,160ft
Final Elevation: 4,703m/15,430ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert

From Mawenzi you will cross the alpine desert zone of Kilimanjaro and the saddle between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo to reach the Kibo Huts at the bottom of Kibo’s crater wall. The afternoon is for resting and preparing for the climb to the summit.

DAY 6: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK TO HOROMBO HUT

Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
Total Distance: 22km/14 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,703m/15,430ft (to summit 5,894m/19,340ft)
Final Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert – Arctic – Health

Summit Night! You will be woken at around midnight, for tea and biscuits before setting off into the night and ascend over scree and rocks until you reach Gillman’s Point at the crater rim at dawn where you will rest briefly before continuing to the summit Uhuru Peak. This is the most challenging part of the trek for most climbers with the highest chance of suffering from altitude sickness. Take in the view from the summit and ensure you have taken plenty of photographs before starting your descent to Kibo Hut where you will rest and eat. You will then trek across the saddle to Horombo Hut for your final night on Kilimanjaro.

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Total Distance: 19km/12 miles
Starting Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft
Final Elevation: 1,842m/6,046ft
Habitat: Rain forest

After breakfast, you will pack your bags and descend through the moorland zone to the Mandara Huts. You will stop for lunch and then continue down through the rainforest until you reach the park gate in the early afternoon. You will then drive back to your hotel in Moshi, for a celebratory drink and shower!