Rongai Route 6 days / 7 days

The "desert route" has its own very special charm


The Rongai route leads across the rarely used, rain-poor northeast flank of Kilimanjaro. The route

starts near the Kenyan border, and offers great views of the Kenyan savannah and rugged Mawenzi. The trail leads first through fir forest and lighter rainforest, whilst at the Mawenzi Tarn Camp you will pass the only mountain lake on Kilimanjaro. The mountain massif is exceeded during this tour, and the descent is via the Marangu route. Due to the drier climate, the route is also suitable for ascents during the rainy season. The route is relatively easy, but some rock passages in the summit area require a certain degree of surefootedness.

 

We recommend the Rongai route as a 7 day tour. For very fit mountain hikers, the 6 day tour is also suitable. The second day of the 6 day tour walks directly from the Simba Camp to the Kikelewa Camp, as the intermediate stage over the Second Cave Camp is omitted.


Highlights:

Daily stages/walking times:


  • Exceeding the Kilimanjaro
  • Ascent via the Rongai route, descent via the Marangu route
  • Very varied route from the dry north to the lush south
  • Great views in the savannah and on the Mawenzi, on the route is the only mountain lake at Kilimanjaro
  • Total distance about 70 km
Day Overnight stays in tents Hours Kilometers
1 Nalemoru Gate (1990m) - Simba Camp (2625m) 3-4h 7
2 Simba Camp (2625m) - Second Cave Camp (3450m) 3-4h 4
3 Second Cave Camp (3450m) - Kikelewa Camp (3650m) 3-4h 5
4 Kikelewa Camp (3650m) - Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m)  3-4h 
5 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m) -  Kibo Hut (4700m)  4-5h 9
6 Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) -  Horombo Hut (3700m)  12-14h  20
7 Horombo Hut (3700m) - Marangu Gate (1860m)  4-6h  19

Itinerary

Day 1 Transfer from the hotel to Nalemoru Gate (1990m) - Simba Camp (2625m)

After breakfast and a general briefing for your upcoming ascent (including equipment check), we will drive around Kilimanjaro on its east side. After a 3 to 4 hour ride, which passes some small villages, we reach the park entrance. Once the formalities are completed and your luggage is distributed to the carriers, the tour can start. First you pass cultivated fields, then the way leads through the pine forest into the light rainforest. With some luck you will see the black and white colobus monkeys. After a 3-4-hour hike, you will arrive at the Simba Camp, which is surrounded by a beautiful landscape and offers a view of the Kibo. Here you spend your first night at Kilimanjaro.

Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 2 Simba Camp (2625m) - Second Cave Camp (3450m)

Today's section of the route leads through both heath and moorland landscapes. In good weather you have a great view of the savannah. At noon you will reach Second Cave Camp where you will spend the night. After lunch, you can take a short hike towards the Third Cave - this supports your acclimatization.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 3 Second Cave Camp (3450m) - Kikelewa Camp (3650m)

Today we continue upwards through heath and moorland to Kikelewa Camp. The camp is located in a protected sink surrounded by senecios. You will arrive around noon and have plenty of time to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the views.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 4 Kikelewa Camp (3650m) - Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m)

Today's stage continues through heath and moorland landscape, the senecios typical for the Kilimanjaro are your companion. The landscape soon becomes more barren and we move towards the Mawenzi. After crossing some rocky sections, the way leads over a moraine ridge to today‘s destination - the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. The camp is protected by the Mawenzi and is located at the only mountain lake on Kilimanjaro. It is one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 5 Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330m) - Kibo Hut (4700m)

After breakfast the trail leads steady uphill. Once you have reached the mountain ridge, you will

have a clear view of the Kibo saddle and your day's destination. The trail continues over the saddle which connects the Mawenzi to the main summit Kibo. Here the landscape changes into an alpine desert, only a few plants can survive in the dry and low oxygen environment. The Kibo Hut is located at the foot of the main peak of the same name, and it is here that you will spend the last night before the ascent to the summit. Tonight is for gathering your strength and sleeping early, as the night will be short and tomorrow will be exhausting.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 6 Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3700m)

At around 11pm it will be time to leave your sleeping bag, and after warming up with a cup of tea or coffee, you will start your ascent of the summit at around midnight. At an even tempo, using the light of your headlamp, the trail leads upwards. After about two hours you will reach the Hans Meyer Cave, the first milestone to the summit. The further climb is increasingly steep, and just before sunrise you will reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point. From here you will walk along the

crater rim, pass the Stella Point ,and after 1-2 hours, reach the Uhuru Peak. You did it and are now

on the roof of Africa! But the long descent is still ahead of you. In the warm midday sun the trail leads back to Kibo Hut, where refreshments will be waiting for you. After a short rest, you will continue to your camp for the night, the Horombu Hut. On arrival here, and after further refreshments, you will probably fall quickly into deep but contented sleep.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

 

Day 7 Horombo Hut (3700m) - Marangu Gate (1860m) - Transfer to the hotel

Your last day on Kilimanjaro takes you back through the heath and moorland to the Mandara Hut (2700m), where you will enjoy lunch with views of the rainforest. After your break, you will continue your walk through the tropical rainforest, where you can spot blue monkeys and the black and white colobus monkeys. After a total walking time of 6 hours, you will arrive back to

the entrance of the national park. Here it will be time to say goodbye to your mountain team. After enjoying a shower at the hotel and a little relaxation, your guide will present you with your summit certificate. During a communal drink, you can remember the adventures of the past few days and celebrate your summit success.

Breakfast; Lunch


Prices / included services

Pricing for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6 days (per person)
1 Person 2 Persons 3-4 Persons 5-6 Persons 7 Persons and more
1990 USD 1720 USD 1560 USD 1530 USD 1480 USD

Pricing for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 days (per person)
1 Person 2 Persons 3-4 Persons 5-6 Persons 7 Persons and more
2250 USD 1960 USD 1810 USD 1760 USD 1730 USD


Services included:

  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook & porters)
  • Overnight stays in tents
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.)
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water, tea & coffee
  • All national park fees
  • Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back

 

Not included services:

  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance