9 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Starting from the northeastern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route rises above the Amboseli plains and approach the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the Mawenzi peak. It is an unfrequented route and is also the easiest camping approach to Uhuru Peak. The descent normally uses the Marangu Route.

There are two variations to this route. You can choose to attempt the summit via Mawenzi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut. The former is longer and more popular. Prior acclimatization is recommended in order to attempt the latter successfully.

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania 

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative). 

Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m) 

This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m. 

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi 

Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours

Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) 

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. 

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi 

Approx. time taken: 3 - 4 hours

Day 4: 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m) 

Leaving the pine forest behind we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m 

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi 

Approx. time taken: 3 - 4 hrs

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)  

This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization. 

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi 

Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m) 

We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night! 

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi 

Approx. time taken: 5 - 6 hours

Day 7: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m) 

Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut. 

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi 

Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

Day 8: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m) 

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro. 

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi 

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Day 9: Depart Tanzania 

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. 

*We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region. 

*Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania