Rongai Route

"Discover Kilimanjaro's Rongai Route!"

The Rongai Route on Mt. Kilimanjaro offers a stunning adventure with breathtaking mountain views, diverse wildlife, and Tanzania’s natural beauty. Starting with a drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits, you’ll then hike from the Rongai Gate through picturesque fields and lush rainforest, possibly spotting colobus monkeys and various birds. The ascent, covering 8 km (5 miles) from 6,398 to 9,300 feet, takes 3-4 hours and is less steep than other routes, providing a serene and memorable climb with vistas of glaciers and volcanic formations.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport and clearing customs, our friendly driver and guide will greet you at the exit with a sign bearing your name. They will assist with your luggage and transfer to your accommodation in Arusha.

At the hotel, our driver will help you check in and confirm the schedule for the following day. Depending on your arrival time, a brief meeting with our sales person may occur, and your guide will inspect your climbing gear to ensure it’s ready. If not done upon arrival, the briefing will be scheduled for the next morning.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at a Hotel in Arusha on Bed and Breakfast Basis

We’ll start by driving from Moshi to Marangu Gate to secure permits, then transfer briefly to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The hike begins through fields of corn and potatoes, gradually ascending into the forest, which is home to wildlife like the black and white colobus monkey.

Driving Distance: 120 km / 3 hours
Walking Distance: 8.3 km / 5-6 hours
Starting/Ending Elevation: 6398 to 9300 meters above sea level
Nature of Trail: Well-maintained path with a gentle walk
Vegetation: Rainforest

We start the day with a steady ascent to Second Cave, then proceed through moorland, veering off the main trail to follow a smaller path towards the striking peaks of Mawenzi. Our trek concludes at Kikelewa Cave, where we will spend the night

Today’s hike is brief but steep, taking us up a grassy slope with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. As we transition from the heath zone into the starkly beautiful Alpine Desert, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. We’ll set up camp at Mawenzi Tarn, located beneath the striking spires of Mawenzi Peak. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the stunning area around the camp.

We will ascend steadily across the arid, lunar landscape of the “Saddle,” nestled between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our journey leads us to Kibo Hut, situated at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Here, we’ll rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the challenging final ascent to the summit.

We start our final ascent to the summit in the early hours, around midnight, facing the most demanding part of the trek. The harsh cold and darkness make this stage challenging, with several hours of climbing and brief rests. Reaching Gilman’s Point at 18,600 feet, we are greeted by a stunning sunrise over Mawenzi Peak before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Here, we pause to celebrate our achievement and take in the breathtaking views.

Afterward, we descend to Horombo Hut for the night. There, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and reflect on the incredible journey, resting well-deserved after our summit success.

Walking Distance: 6 km (6-8 hrs) to Uhuru Peak, then 16 km (4-5 hrs) from Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Starting/Ending Elevation: 15,430 ft (at Kibo Hut)-19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) and then 12,250 ft (Horombo Hut)
Vegetation: Alpine desert to Arctic to Heath
Nature of Trail: Steep and Challenging

On our final day, we embark on a lengthy descent through the vibrant tropical rainforest, making our way to Marangu Gate at the park headquarters. Here, we will receive our hard-earned summit certificates. A vehicle will be ready to take us back to our hotel in Moshi, where we can unwind and reflect on our remarkable adventure up Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Package Includes

2 nights hotel accomodation in Moshi / Arusha (before & After the climb)
Group transport to and from Moshi to the thrail head.
Kilimanjaro National Park Permits, camping / hut fees ,rescue fees and Value added Tax
Expert guide, assistant guides, chef and porters
Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
Mountain tents, double occupancy
Sleeping pad, foam, sleeping bag & trekking poles.
Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
Fresh nutrition meals on the mountain
Pick up and drop off at kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
All ground Transfers