Rongai Trekk Route
Tour Overview
Rongai Trekk Route
Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The Rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Rongai route is truly one of the more remote and wild trails on the entire mountain. Despite that however, this route offers trekkers plenty of advantages, making it a very appealing option for those looking for a unique experience on Africa’s tallest peak.
Arrival & Briefing
If you have requested for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in a pre-trek briefing, check your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
- Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
- Distance: 9km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
VHike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
- Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo escarpment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- 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
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
What the best time to go?
Here’s the best time to go for the 6 Days Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, explained clearly for your tour page or clients: The Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the northern side, is one of the drier and quieter routes, making it a great option almost year‑round. However, some periods are better than others.
Best Time to Climb – Rongai Route
Best Time: June to October (Highly Recommended)
- Dry and stable weather
- Clear mountain and summit views
- Lower rainfall compared to southern routes
- Cool temperatures, especially at night
Best for: First‑time climbers, high success rates, peak trekking season
Very Good Time: January to March
- Generally dry with warmer daytime temperatures
- Fewer crowds on the trail
- Occasional clouds, but good summit chances
Best for: Quieter climbs, photographers, experienced trekkers
Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the gate
- Experienced, mountain guides
- Park fees
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Hut fees
- Sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Mess tents with table and chairs
- Camping / Hut fees (where required)
- Rescue fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Exclusions
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional)
- Transfers (available as an optional)
- Personal equipment list for Mount Kilimanjaro. Trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for renting)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks
Rongai Trekk Route
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