KILIMANJARO TREK – RONGAI ROUTE

Duration: 6N/7D of trekking
Start point: Rongai Gate
Activity: Trekking
Difficulty: Medium
Max Height: 19,340 ft. | 5,895 m
Min. age: 13

Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route overview:

The Rongai route, Kilimanjaro, is the one of easiest ways to summit the massive mountain. It’s the only route that takes you to the summit from the northern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trail has a gradual ascend and is more paced out than other routes, making it an ideal choice for newbies.

As you climb the Rongai route, Kilimanjaro, you’ll cross the various climatic zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro, starting with a dense rainforest that fades into the short shrubbery of heath, and finally onto the cold, arctic zone closer to the peak. The Rongai route also receives the least rainfall of all routes, so, many trekkers enjoy the hike to Kilimanjaro during the monsoons via the Rongai route.

Please note that a minimum of 2 travellers are required to book this trip.

Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route highlights:

Trek to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro via the only northern route
Enjoy a change in scenery as you descend via the Marangu route
Easily trek the Rongai route, Kilimanjaro, even in the monsoons as it receives minimal rainfall
95% summit success rate with Kili Treks Tanzania
Visit two Kilimanjaro peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo
The Rongai route is the easiest of all trails

Pick up point:

Kilimanjaro International Airport

How to get there:

The most convenient airport to arrive to for the Rongai route Kilimanjaro trek is the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our driver and/or guide will be at the airport to greet you upon arrival and drive you to your lodge. Please refer to the itinerary for the accommodation arrangements.

Inclusions:

- Pre climb comprehensive briefing
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Airport & mountain transfers
- Two-night Moshi accommodations (double occupancy)
- VAT, all government & camping, conservation fees
- Emergency oxygen tank
- Private toilet
- Sleeping tents and mattresses
- All camping equipment and gear
- Crew including guide, asst. guide, cook, waiters, and porters

Exclusions:

- International Airfare
- Visas
- Personal spending money
- Extra day(s) on mountain
- Helicopter evacuation
- Personal gear
- Personal medical kit
- Travel insurance
- Emergency transport costs
- Tips to crew (Industry recommendation: $20-$25 / day Head Guide, $15-$20/day Asst. guide, $35/day Cook & Waiter and $8 - $10 /porter/ day)

Sketch itinerary:

- Day 0:Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania
- Day 1:Drive to Rongai Gate; trek to Simba Cave Camp
- Day 2:Trek from Simba Cave Camp to 2nd Cave Camp
- Day 3:Trek from 2nd Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp; acclimatisation day
- Day 4:Trek from Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
- Day 5:Trek from Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
- Day 6:Trek to Uhuru Peak via Gillman’s Point; descent to Horombo Hut via Kibo
- Day 7:Trek from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

What to expect:

- Lesser people on the route because it is less travelled
- Colourful vistas on the lower slopes, with much of the land lying in Kenya
- The only route where you get to camp at the bottom of Mawenzi peak

What to carry in the daypack:

- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- A daypack
- Rain cover for your bag
- One 1Lt / 32oz water bottle and 2lt camelpak.
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Poncho (rain jacket)
- Headlamp or torch
- Trekking pole
- Basic first aid kit
- Medication (if required to carry any)
- Toiletries
- Passport
- Valuables.

When to go:

Dec – Feb and June – Oct. It is also possible to go during March – May and November, but chance of rain is very high

Photos

Itinerary

Day 0 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania

A Kili Treks Tanzania staff member will greet you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport upon arrival and transfer you to your lodge. Today, you rest after your travels and recharge for the upcoming trekking days.

Overnight: in Moshi.
Meals included: Half Board

Day 1 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Drive to Rongai Gate; trek to Simba Cave Camp (6,600 ft. | 2,000m)

Today, after a delicious breakfast, you’ll be driven to the start point of your trek, the Rongai Gate. You will meet your porters and guides, then be served lunch at the gate. After lunch, kickstart your Rongai route Kilimanjaro trek with a hike to the first camp – the Simba Cave Camp. The walk is at a leisurely pace through timber forests. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys and other unique wildlife.

Overnight: Simba Cave Camp
Trekking time: 2-3 hours
Meals included: Full Board

Day 2 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Simba Cave Camp to 2nd Cave Camp (11,300 ft | 3,450 m)

Continue trekking towards your second campsite – the 2nd Cave Camp. You will enjoy the magnificent view of the Mawenzi peak as you trek toward Kibo peak. Today’s surroundings will be vastly different from the previous day’s as you enter the heath zone. Enjoy seeing exotic heath-zone flowers and plants which grow alongside the trail. Upon arrival at the 2nd Cave Camp, you will be welcomed with a hot lunch.

Overnight: 2nd Cave Camp
Trekking time: 3 – 4 hours
Meals included: Full Board

Day 3 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Trek from 2nd Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp and acclimatization (11,800 ft | 3,600 m)

Your trek today takes you towards the east. The Rongai route in this patch has low shrubbery and short heath, giving you’re the best views of the Mawenzi peak and other surrounding sceneries as you hike. Take your time to enjoy the views and keep your cameras ready. You will arrive at the Kikelelwa Camp right in time for a hot lunch.

Overnight: Kikelelwa Camp
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Full Board

Day 4 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Trek from Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,160 ft | 4,315 m)

Witness yet another stark change in your surroundings as you enter the moorland and then the barren highland desert. The trek today might be a bit more taxing as you gain considerable altitude. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy the stunning sight of the Kibo peak in addition to the Mawenzi peak as you head towards the camp.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Full Board

Day 5 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Trek from Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut (15,585 ft | 4,750 m)

Because of the cold wind blowing from the Saddle, the moon-like high-altitude desert, temperatures drop as you gain elevation to the Kibo Hut. Keep your fleece gloves and hat handy. Use the rest of afternoon to discuss the upcoming summit day with your guide. Dinner will be server earlier than previous nights to allow an early rest so you’re up in time to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Overnight: School Hut
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Full Board

Day 6 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Trek to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft. | 5,895 m) via Gillman’s Point; descent to Horombo Hut (13,200 ft | 3,950 m) via Kibo

Today is the day! You will be awoken before midnight to eat, and then depart for the summit. After 5 – 6 hours of hiking in frigid temperatures, you will reach the rim of the crater at Gillman’s Point (18,750 ft. | 5,712 m). The trail to the summit from Gilman’s point is less demanding than the previous few hours. The coldest time is between 03H00 – 06H00 (-10°C to -20°C | 14°F – 4°F). You will spend some time at Uhuru peak, basking in the glory of summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Soon, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and something to eat, then continue down to Horombo for the night.

Overnight: Horombo Hut
Trekking time: School Hut to Uhuru peak 6-8 hours | 4-5 hours to Horombo
Meals included: Full Board

Day 7 of the Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route: Trek from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will start to descend to the Marangu Gate. Bid goodbye to your fellow trekkers and team, and board vehicles back to your hotel. This will mark end of your Rongai route Kilimanjaro trek, for those catching flight home.

Overnight/day room: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel / AMEG lodge

Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Half Board

FAQ

When is the best time to go on the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

The best months to go are from December to February and June to October. Though the trek remains operational for the rest of the year, there is a high probability of rain, adding to the difficulty of your trek.

How to do I get to the start or pick up point of the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

The best way to reach Kilimanjaro is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is frequented by many international airlines from across the world. From the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel (which, as with the transfer back to the airport at the end of your trek, is included in the price of your trek).

How many hours will I trek each day on the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

On the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek, you’ll trek between 3 – 7 hours most days. The summit day is a bit longer day, with trekking hours going up to 8-12 hours.

Will there be network on the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

Cellular network is extremely inconsistent on the Rongai route. You can check with your guide or porters to know when the occasional signal pops up, but that, too, is infrequent.

What gear is needed while on the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

No specialty mountaineering gear is needed (i.e., ice axe, crampons, helmet, etc.) to climb Kilimanjaro. However, basic trekking gear like hiking boots, base layers, fleece hats and gloves, a fleece sweater, etc are required. Once you’ve joined a Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek, you’ll receive a detailed packing list and rental gear list to help you prepare.

How can I prepare for the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

You will need to start preparing for your Kilimanjaro climb at least 3 to 4 months in advance. We recommend exercises that help build your stamina, control your breathing, increase your endurance, and get you accustomed to climbing on inclines. You can choose to include hiking up and down hills with weight to make your body accustomed to different terrains and hiking with a full backpack. Try to build up from 3 hour to 8 hours hikes once a week. Taking regular and increasingly longer hikes will help develop the muscles that you need when the day comes for climbing Kilimanjaro. You can also train with cardio exercises, yoga, and frequent runs.

Write to us at info@kilitrekstanzania.com or visit our preparation page for more training recommendations.

I’m a beginner – am I still eligible for the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

Absolutely! The Rongai route is among the easiest routes to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. The route offers ample time for acclimatization and does not feature many tricky terrains. However, you should be fully aware of the conditions, seasonal climates, and requirements to prepare yourself for this challenge.

What kind of food will I eat on the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

Our highly trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. Enjoy your meals in our dining tents with fellow trekkers and guides. We are also equipped to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals with advance request.

Where can I get drinking water throughout the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

We provide clean drinking water each night for you to fill up your water bottles for the trek. A trained porter will purify and filter water for you. We recommend you bring two to three 1-ltr bottles.

What kind of accommodation will be provided on the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

During the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek, you’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground sheets to keep you and your gear dry. These tents will be set up each day by our expert crew. Toilet tents, dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided at every campsite.

What medication should I carry on the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek?

It is important to consult your doctor before departing for the trek for the types of medications you need to carry with you. Make sure you carry any prescription medicines you need. Though all our guides carry a first aid kit, make sure you carry one yourself in case you need immediate help. Carry enough medication to last you the duration of the trek and a few extra in case your trip gets extended.

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

Already A Member?

Don't have an account? Create one.