7-Day Rongai Route Trekking

Q: What makes the Rongai Route unique compared to other routes on Kilimanjaro?

The Rongai Route is the only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north. It is known for its more gradual ascent and offers a quieter, less crowded trek compared to the popular southern routes. Additionally, Rongai provides a variety of landscapes, from rainforest and moorland to high-altitude desert, with fantastic views of Kenya on clear days.

Q: What is the difficulty level of the Rongai Route?

The Rongai Route is considered moderately challenging. Its gradual ascent helps with acclimatization, though the last two days (summit night and descent) can be particularly strenuous. Trekking experience is helpful, but many people complete the route with some prior training and a good fitness level.

Transportation
Bus, MinVan
Accomodation
Mountain Huts
Maximum Altitude
5,895 metres
Departure from
Arusha
Best season
Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
10
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended to those with less backpacking experience. Day 1: You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your accommodation for dinner and overnight (included).

Highlights

Less-crowded Rongai Route with varied scenery and excellent summit success rates
Diverse habitats from rainforests to ice-covered summit
Acclimatization days for easier adjustment to high altitude
Scenic ascent to Uhuru Peak with breathtaking views

Day 1 :

Arrival in Arusha

You’ll be picked up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport and taken to Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa in Arusha. Once settled in, your guide will brief you on the hike and check your gear to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Main Destination: Arusha City
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa (Mid-range hotel)
Meals & Drinks: Meals at own expense; drinks not included

Day 2 :

Rongai Gate to 1st Caves Camp

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and driven to the Marangu Gate for registration, then transferred to the Rongai trailhead. The hike begins with a gradual ascent through cornfields and pine forests, reaching 1st Caves Camp by late afternoon.

Elevation: 1950m / 6400ft to 2600m / 8530ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Budget camping at 1st Caves Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 3 :

1st Caves Camp to Kikelewa Cave

The day begins with a hot breakfast before heading toward Kikelewa Cave. The trail ascends through moorlands and passes Second Cave (3450m), a good spot for a lunch break. After a cold evening, expect temperatures below freezing.

Elevation: 2600m / 8530ft to 3600m / 11,810ft
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Accommodation: Budget camping at Kikelewa Cave
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 4 :

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

A short yet steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the foot of Mawenzi Peak, with impressive views and exotic vegetation such as giant lobelias and groundsels.

Elevation: 3600m / 11,810ft to 4330m / 14,210ft
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Accommodation: Budget camping at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 5 :

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, continue up a half-day hike to Kibo Hut, located in the alpine desert “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The guide will prepare you for the summit night.

Elevation: 4330m / 14,210ft to 4700m / 15,420ft
Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Budget mountain hut at Kibo Hut
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided (no water at camp; beverages available for purchase)

Day 6 :

Summit Attempt - Uhuru Peak, then Horombo Hut

You’ll begin the ascent around midnight, tackling a rocky path up to Hans Meyer Cave, then to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, it’s a snow-covered path to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a brief stay, descend to Kibo Hut, and then onward to Horombo Hut.

Elevation: 4700m / 15,420ft to 5895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak) and down to 3720m / 12,200ft
Distance: 6 km ascent, 21 km descent
Trekking Time: 8 hours to Uhuru, 6 hours to Horombo
Habitat: Stone scree, ice-cap summit
Accommodation: Budget mountain hut at Horombo Hut
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided

Day 7 :

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate - Return to Arusha or Airport

After breakfast, celebrate with the team before descending to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. A transfer vehicle will then return you to Arusha or drop you off at the airport.

Elevation: 3720m / 12,200ft to 1980m / 6490ft
Distance: 27 km / 17 miles
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Forest
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch; drinking water provided

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

What makes the Rongai Route unique compared to other routes on Kilimanjaro?

The Rongai Route is the only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north. It is known for its more gradual ascent and offers a quieter, less crowded trek compared to the popular southern routes. Additionally, Rongai provides a variety of landscapes, from rainforest and moorland to high-altitude desert, with fantastic views of Kenya on clear days.

What is the difficulty level of the Rongai Route?

The Rongai Route is considered moderately challenging. Its gradual ascent helps with acclimatization, though the last two days (summit night and descent) can be particularly strenuous. Trekking experience is helpful, but many people complete the route with some prior training and a good fitness level.

How is acclimatization managed on the Rongai Route?

This itinerary includes time for gradual altitude adjustment, which helps with acclimatization. Camps are situated at different elevations each day, allowing hikers to follow a “climb high, sleep low” approach. This helps the body adapt better, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

What are the best times of the year to hike the Rongai Route?

The best times to hike the Rongai Route are during Kilimanjaro’s dry seasons:

January to mid-March: Cooler, with clear skies and fewer climbers.
June to October: Warmer, with higher foot traffic but great weather. These periods generally have less rain, making the hike safer and more enjoyable.

How does the Rongai Route handle tipping?

Tipping is customary at the end of the trek and can be presented at the celebration after descending to Horombo Hut. Here’s a typical breakdown:

Lead guide: $15-20 per day
Assistant guides: $10-15 per day
Cook: $10 per day
Porters: $6-8 per day Tips can be pooled and handed to the team collectively.

How do I celebrate after the trek?

Once you reach Marangu Gate, your team will have a celebration, often with singing and dancing. Climbers who reach Gillman’s Point receive green certificates, and those reaching Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates to commemorate their achievement.

7-Day Rongai Route Trekking

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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