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Kilimanjaro: Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Known for its gentle gradient and remote wilderness, this route is less traveled, offering a quieter and more solitary trekking experience. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a gradual ascent and a unique perspective on Africa’s highest mountain.

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Total Duration:

Hiking Distance:

Elevation Gain:
Facilities:

Rongai Gate, a northeastern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

8 days (6 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro)

40 km (ascend), 36 km (descend)

3,531 m

Private portable toilets and high quality Mess tents for camping routes.

Popularity:

Difficulty:

Itinerary

Keep in mind that these itineraries are just examples and the first step in preparing yourself for your Stunning Kilimanjaro adventure.
We offer tailor-made Tours & Holidays that are fully customized, based on the hiking experience and preferences of our clients.

Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Later, meet with your certified Kilimanjaro guide for a detailed briefing and gear check to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey.
Enjoy dinner, get some rest, and prepare for your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

After breakfast, your mountain support crew will drive you to Rongai Gate (2,364 m), where your journey begins by trekking through lush farmland and pine forests.
The trail ascends gently, providing a relaxed introduction to the climb.
Along the way, you might encounter colobus monkeys swinging through the trees, after which you’ll arrive at Simba Camp (2,671 m).
The first night is spent acclimatizing at this peaceful campsite.

Altitude: 2,364 m - 2,671 m

Hiking distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

Today the terrain is emerging into moorland, with expansive views of Kibo Peak ahead.
The landscape becomes more open, with fewer trees and more heather and scrub vegetation.
Slowly the trail becomes steeper and the air becomes thinner.
Today's route offers stunning views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim, as you approach Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 m).
Upon arrival, your camp shall be set in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant Senecio plants. The rest of the day can be spent resting or exploring the surrounding area.

Altitude: 2,671 m - 3,600 m

Hiking distance: 16 km

Hiking time: 9-10 hours

Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

After breakfast, you will embark on a steeper climb, towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315 m).
The trail leads you through an increasingly barren landscape as you approach the rugged and jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
Mawenzi Tarn Camp is nestled in a cirque beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi, providing a dramatic and awe-inspiring setting. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and acclimatization.

Altitude: 3,600 m - 4,315 m

Hiking distance: 3 km

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

This day involves a long trek across a high-altitude desert that connects Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
The landscape is stark and otherworldly, with little vegetation and the route is relatively flat, but the altitude and the distance are making it challenging.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut (4,720 m), the final camp before the summit push.
Take the rest of the day for preparations by checking your gear, having a summit briefing and taking enough rest and saving your strengths.

Altitude: 4,315 m - 4,720 m

Hiking distance: 8 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

Around midnight, start your last ascend and head for the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Hike to Gillman's Point (5,685m), the rim of the crater, as the sun rises.
Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your triumph and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and plains far below.

Descend to Kibo Hut (4,720 m) for a short and well-deserved rest and for refreshments.
You will spend the rest of the day descending to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
Descending goes a lot faster, but the trail can be steep and challenging, especially given the long morning of hiking.

Altitude: 4,720 m - 5,685 m - 5,895 m

Hiking distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Altitude: 5,895 m - 4,720 m - 3,720 m

Hiking distance: 16 km

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Congratulations!

Descend from Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,879 m).
There we can celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb and we will present you with your commemorative certificates.
At last we provide you a transfer back to your chosen hotel in Arusha for a relaxing shower, dinner and overnight.
Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Altitude: 3.720 m - 1,879 m

Hiking distance: 20 km

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

All entrance fees including government taxes.
All activities (unless indicated as optional).
All accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
A professional driver and mountain guide.
3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
Transportation to and from the base of the mountain.
Pick-up and drop-off by airport.
Camping equipment.
Porter services.

International or domestic flights.
Tips (for your crew).
Visa (50 USD for Tanzania).
Medical and/or travel insurance.
Local SIM card.
Personal expenses and/or items, such as souvenirs.
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
Meals not specified as included.
Climbing gear (can be rented upon request).
Medical evacuation by helicopter.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

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Kilimanjaro: Rongai Route

Itinerary

Arrival

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Acclimatization Day

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

Congratulations!

Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

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