Rongai 6-Day Route

The Rongai route is considered to be one of the more accessible routes up the mountain. It is the only route starting from the Northern side of the mountain in a small village close to the Kenya border. The climbing conditions are drier on the Northern side of the mountain. The summit is reached via the Eastern side of Kibo, and the descent is via the Marangu route. Overnights are spent camping in tents since the Rongai route's distance is 72 kilometers long.


Itinerary

  • Day 1: Johannesburg / Kilimanjaro Airport / Moshi

    After clearing immigration at Kilimanjaro Airport and collecting your luggage, our friendly Kilimanjaro team will meet you for our transfer to Moshi, based at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Once checked in at the hotel, you’ll have the day at leisure. 

    Stay: Springlands Hotel 

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 2: Moshi / Nalemuru Gate / Simba Camp

    2,020m (6,627ft) – 2,625m (8,610ft) 

    Average hiking time: 4 hours

    You’ll have to get up early, as it’s a long drive (4 – 5 hours) to the Nalemuru Gate. First, stop at Marangu Gate to complete the park register before you continue to the Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through a beautiful forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the intriguing Colobus monkeys. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorlands.   

    Stay: Simba Camp

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 3: Simba Camp / Kikelewa Caves

    2,625m (8,610ft) – 3,630m (11,910ft) 

    Average hiking time: 7 hours

    The morning walk is a steady ascend up to the ‘second cave’ with superb views of Kibo Peak and the eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and hike across the moorlands on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite nestles in a valley with giant senecios.   

    Stay: Kikelewa Caves 

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 4: Kikelewa Caves / Mawenzi Tarn

    3,630m (11,910ft) – 4,310m (14,140ft) 

    Average hiking time: 4 hours

    A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. You’ll leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated on a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. You will have the afternoon free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.   

    Stay: Mawenzi Tarn 

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn / Kibo Hut

    4,310m (14,140ft) – 4,720m (15,486ft) 

    Average hiking time: 5 hours

    Cross the alpine desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! 

    Stay: Kibo Hut

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 6: Kibo Hut / Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT!!) / Horombo Hut

    4 713m (15 463ft) - 5895m (19341ft) 

    Average time to the summit: 7 hours

    We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb around midnight. We hike very slowly in the darkness on a zigzag trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point with sunrise. Rest there for a short while to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Continue hiking on the crater rim towards the Uhuru Peak - SUMMIT!!! the highest peak in Africa. 


    Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

    5,895m (19,341ft) – 3,719m (12,201ft) 

    Average descending time: 3 hours

    The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments and rest, you’ll continue you’re descending on the Marangu route to reach Horombo.   

    Stay: Horombo Hut 

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 7: Horombo Hut / Marangu Gate / Moshi

    3,719m (12,201ft) – 1,860m (6,102ft) 

    Average hiking time: 6 hours

    A steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut where you will enjoy lunch. Continue descending through a lovely forest on a good path to the Marangu Gate. You will have a packed lunch on way down. Transfer to a nice shower and a real bed.   Well done – you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro!

    Stay: Springlands Hotel

    Meals: Lunch & breakfast

  • Day 8: Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport / Johannesburg

    Transfer from Springlands Hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

    End of service

*Hiking times are estimated only but have been calculated to give the hiker a comfortable pace throughout the hike.

Map

  • Return flights from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro Airport, including airport taxes.
  • Airport transfers 
  • 2 Nights in Moshi at Springlands Hotel with breakfast (1 night before and 1 night after the climb)
  • Expedition briefing 
  • 6 Days hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro 
  • National Park / Camping & Hut fees.
  • Government tourist taxes.
  • Rescue fees (excluding evacuation by helicopter).
  • Qualified English speaking guide 
  • Assistant guides, cook, waiter & porters.
  • Salaries for your mountain crew.
  • Meals on the mountain 
  • Camping equipment 
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing.
  • Portable oxygen for emergencies.
  • Uhuru or Stella Point certificate issued by the National Park Board.

  • Entry visa to Tanzania 
  • Malaria – Tanzania is a malaria area
  • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
  • Meals & Beverages not specified  
  • Sightseeing 
  • All items of personal nature
  • Gratuity
  • Tips for the guides and porters 
  • Drinks not specified.
  • Climbing gear.
  • Personal first aid kit.

Dates & Prices

Dates:

PRIVATE CLIMBS ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERRED DATES

Rates:

RAND Rate (SA residents ONLY) USD Rate
Rates available on request. Rates available on request.
(Excluding International flights & airline taxes)

 

  • Please request a quote from our Kilimanjaro Specialists for the best and most current Rongai route offers and rates according to your preferred time of travel.
  • Prices are based on 2 - 5 climbers– if more people travel discounted rates are available. 
  • All rates are subject to increases beyond our control, including fuel price, government taxes and exchange rate fluctuations.
  • For travel outside of these dates, the price may vary according to season rates.