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Rongai Route

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  • Trek: 7 Days
  • Full Itinerary: 9 Days
A group of climbers ascends a snowy mountain ridge under a bright sun, with a sea of clouds below.
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Trek the Rongai Route

The Rongai route is the only path that ascends the mountain from the northeast, starting near the Kenyan border. This less-traveled route is often overlooked due to the long drive to the starting gate, but it offers an array of unique experiences, such as catching a glimpse of local life in traditional Chagga villages.

It also provides an unparalleled close-up view of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak, and includes a rewarding hike across the ‘Saddle,’ the expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo (Uhuru) Peaks.

(Still undecided about which Kilimanjaro climbing route is best for you? Explore Pristine Trails’ Kilimanjaro Routes. Any questions? Please get in touch.)

Rongai Route Tour Includes

Crew
Equipment
Food & Drink
Healthy & Safety
Preparation & Fees
Accommodation & Transfers
  • Lead Guide(s)
    English Speaking & Wilderness First Responder Trained
  • Assistant Guide(s), for 2+ people
  • Cook
  • Porters, equipment
  • Porters, personal client luggage (15 kg per client)
  • Sleeping tent, 3-person size for 2 people
  • Sleeping mat, 2-inch foam
  • Pillow
  • Walk-in dining tent and table
  • Backed chairs
  • Wash basins with hot water each morning and evening
  • Private portable toilet with toilet paper
  • Three meals per day & afternoon snack during the trek
    Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free upon request
  • Treated drinking water
    (minimum of 3L per day while trekking with additional water available at camp)
  • Coffee and tea during the trek
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Altitude sickness checklists
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees
    Camping/hut, rescue, conservation and taxes
  • Pre-trek briefing with your guide
  • Roundtrip airport transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Moshi
  • Roundtrip transfer between Moshi and the park gate
  • Hotel stays in Moshi pre- and post-trek (2 nights total) on bed & breakfast basis at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Tour Excludes

  • Gratuities/tips
  • Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing
  • Favored beverages (water, soda and alcohol at hotels)
  • Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Domestic or international flights
  • Expenses of a personal nature

Additional Amenities Available

  • Private portable shower/wash tent
  • Sleeping cot and walk-in sleeping tent
  • Portable altitude chamber
  • Custom evacuation stretcher

Pricing

Prices are based on group size and may vary year by year. Below is the pricing through 2025.

1 pax: From $3,880
2-3 pax: From $3,095
4-6 pax: From $2,845
7+/Open Group: From $2,705

Overview of Rongai Route Trek

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

From:
Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport

To:
Moshi

Distance & Time:
–

Altitude Change:
–

From: 
Rongai Gate (1997 m / 6,552 ft)

To: 
Simba Camp (2635 m / 8,645 ft)

Distance & Time:
7 km / 4.3 mi
3-4 hours

Altitude Change: 
+638 m / +2,093 ft

From: 
Simba Camp (2635 m / 8,645 ft)

To:
Second Cave (3487 m / 11,440 ft)

Distance & Time:
5.5 km / 3.4 mi
4-5 hours

Altitude Change: 
+852 m / +2,795 ft

From:
Second Cave (3487 m / 11,440 ft)

To:
Kikelelwa Camp (3675 m / 12,057 ft)

Distance & Time:
6.25 km / 3.9 mi
2-3 hours

Altitude Change: 
+188 m / +617 ft

From: 
Kikelelwa Camp (3675 m / 12,057 ft)

To:
Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302 m / 14,114 ft)

Distance & Time:
3.75 km / 2.3 mi
4-5 hours

Altitude Change: 
+627 m / +2,057 ft

 

From: 
Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302 m / 14,114 ft)

To:
Kibo Huts (4714 m / 15,466 ft)

Distance & Time:
9 km / 5.6 mi
5-6 hours

Altitude Change: 
+412 m / +1,352 ft

From:
Kibo Huts (4714 m / 15,466 ft)

To:
Uhuru Peak (5895 m / 19,341)

Distance & Time:
6.2 km / 3.9 mi
6-8 hours

Altitude Change: 
+1181 m / +3,875 ft

From:
Uhuru Peak (5895 m / 19,341)

To:
Horombo Huts (3721 m / 12,208 ft)

Distance & Time:
16 km / 10 mi
6-8 hours

Altitude Change: 
-2174 m / -7,133 ft

From:
Horombo Huts (3721 m / 12,208 ft)

To:
Marangu Gate (1905 m / 6,250 ft)

Distance & Time:
20 km / 12.4 mi
5-7 hours

Altitude Change: 
-1816 m / -5,958 ft

From:
Moshi

To:
Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport

Distance & Time:
1 hour

Altitude Change: 
–

Detailed Rongai Route Itinerary

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Pristine Trails representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Depending on your arrival time, you will have a pre-trek briefing with your Kilimanjaro guide either this afternoon/evening or the following morning.

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Transfer Time: 1 Hour
Meals: None

Day 2: Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp

Wake early to begin the long drive to the Rongai Gate, passing through local Chagga villages and markets on the way. Upon reaching the gate, you will meet your porters and begin the trek from the Nale Moru Village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gradually through a pine forest onto Simba Camp, where you will settle in for your first night on the mountain.

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi
Altitude Change: 638 m / +2,093 ft

Overnight: Simba Camp
Transfer Time: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Simba Camp – Second Cave

The trail continues up towards Kibo, on a shade-less path that will eventually pass First Cave and take you to your destination at Second Cave, where you will have your lunch and spend the night.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5.5 km / 3.4 mi
Altitude Change: +852 m / +2,795 ft

Overnight: Second Cave
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Second Cave – Kikelelwa Camp

Today you will walk through open moorland on an undulating path to Kikelelwa Camp where you will spend the night. This camp is located by the Kikelelwa River. From here the clouds tend to clear, affording expansive views of the summit peeking out over the ridge. Spend the afternoon either resting or taking an acclimatization hike in the surrounding area.

Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 6.25 km / 3.9 mi
Altitude Change: +188 m / +617 ft

Overnight: Kikelelwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kikelelwa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. You will leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the nearby ridge to the west as an aid to acclimatization.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 3.75 km / 2.3 mi
Altitude Change: +627 m / +2,057 ft

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts

Today you start by retracing steps before heading west across the ridge and dropping down the slope for the crossing of the lunar-like desert of the ‘Saddle’ between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The flora is sparse but the views all around you are stunning. After a few hours you will reach the Kibo Huts at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the evening resting for the final ascent to the summit that will begin at midnight.

Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
Altitude Change: +412 m / +1,352 ft

Overnight: Kibo Huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:Kibo Huts – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts

Wake around midnight to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave. You will then take on switchbacks up to Gilman’s Point at 5719 m / 18,763 ft, situated on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gilman’s Point, hike for another two hours up to your ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You made it! Enjoy a short time on the Roof of Africa before beginning the descent.

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 6.2 km / 3.9 mi
Altitude Change: +1181 m / +3,875 ft

Descend back down via the same route through Gilman’s Point and Kibo Huts where you will stop for a rest and a meal. From there you will continue your descent via the Marangu Route, passing through the heath and moorland zones onto Horombo, where you will spend your last night on the mountain. Enjoy your final mountain dinner and a well-earned night’s sleep.

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Altitude Change: -2174 m / -7,133 ft

Overnight: Horombo Huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi

After breakfast, continue your descent, stopping first at Mandara Huts for lunch before the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate, where park formalities will be completed and you will be met by our vehicles to return you to the Pristine Trails office. Here you will receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, have the tipping ceremony for your mountain crew and collect any luggage you stored. Thereafter, you will be driven back to your hotel where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a good night’s sleep.

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km / 12.4 mi
Altitude Change: -1816 m / -5,958 ft

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Transfer Time: 1 hour
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9Continuation of Your Journey or Departure

After breakfast, you will begin the next leg of your journey either onto your wildlife safari or you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Transfer Time: 1 hour to airport
Meals: Breakfast

Recommended Tipping Guide

Tipping is customary on Mount Kilimanjaro for all members of your mountain crew.

Although they receive a fair wage, they rely on tips for a total fair compensation as set by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project Partners for Responsible Travel.

Crew Member Per Crew Member
Per Day Per Group		 Per Crew Member
Per Trek Per Group
Lead Guide $20 $140
Assistant Guide $15 $105
Cook $15 $105
Special Porters:
Waiter; summit porters		 $8 $56
Porters $6 $42

The standard guide to client ratio on your trek is 1 lead guide and 1 assistant guide for every up to 4 clients, 1 cook, 2-3 special porters and an average of 4-6 porters per client. Therefore, the total recommended tipping amount per client for this trek ranges from $250-400, depending on the trekking package and total number of people in the trekking group.

To ensure fair and transparent tipping for each crew member, there will be a tipping ceremony at the Pristine Trails office following your descent from the mountain. Envelopes will be provided to divide your tips for each member of the crew.

Map of the Rongai Route

Topographic map showcasing Mount Kilimanjaro's routes, featuring the Northern Circuit Route along with Uhuru Peak and camps such as Kibo, Horombo, and Mweka.

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