Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Highlights
- The only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, offering a peaceful and less crowded trek.
- Ideal for climbing during the rainy season, as the northern side receives less precipitation.
- Trek through untouched, wild landscapes before joining the Marangu route at Kibo Camp.
- A great choice for climbers with less experience, offering a challenging yet achievable climb.
- Typically completed in six days, with seven days recommended for better acclimatization.
- Pass through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts.
- End your journey by joining the Marangu route and descending down for a complete Kilimanjaro experience.
Itinerary
This morning we will drive from Hotel Arusha/Moshi 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 a 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
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo to 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch, we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 meters. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast, we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.
Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approxim 12 – 15 hours
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed, and celebrations!
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 29 km.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- Professional guides, cooks and porters
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- VAT fees and Charges
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Portable toilets and toilets tents
- Hot Water For Washing Purpose
- Pick up and drop off at the airport.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
The Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers
- Insurance fees
- Cost of Tanzania Visa.
- Bank charges
- Personal Expenses
FAQs
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons, from mid-June to October and December to February. These months offer clear skies and better weather conditions for the climb.
There are two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May, and the short rains in November. While weather can vary, the dry months of July, August, September, and part of October, January, and February are considered the high season. The transition months—December, March, and June—are less predictable. The wettest months, with heavy rains and poor visibility, are April, May, and November.
For those seeking clear skies and good visibility, climbing during the dry season is ideal. However, some climbers prefer summiting during a full moon for a bright, beautiful ascent under the moonlight, adding to the experience with enhanced visibility and stunning landscapes.
Our guides are highly experienced, with years of climbing Kilimanjaro to earn their KINAPA National Park license. They are Wilderness First Responders, trained to handle injuries or emergencies.
They are proficient in using medical equipment, including oxygen, pressure altitude chambers, and stretchers. In case of an emergency, they can quickly facilitate communication with the Jaribu base using our Thuraya satellite phone.
Guides are also trained to assess when an evacuation is necessary and know how to carry it out safely.
The most flexible way of adjusting to the ever-changing conditions as you trek higher is the layering of several thin articles of clothing which you can add or remove as the conditions dictate.
Choosing the right route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro depends on your preferences, experience, and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Marangu Route: Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it’s the only route with hut accommodation and is popular for its relatively easier ascent. It’s ideal for those with limited backpacking experience and for those seeking a shorter climb (5-6 days).
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Machame Route: This is one of the most popular routes, offering stunning scenery and a slightly more challenging climb. It’s suitable for climbers looking for a more immersive experience with varied landscapes (6-7 days).
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Rongai Route: For a more remote, less crowded experience, the Rongai route is ideal. It’s the only route approaching from the north and is great for avoiding heavy rainfall during the rainy season (6-7 days).
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Lemosho Route: This route is known for its beautiful scenery and a longer duration (7-8 days), which provides better acclimatization. It’s ideal for those looking for a less crowded experience with a slower ascent.
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Northern Circuit: The longest and newest route, offering incredible views and a true wilderness experience. It’s perfect for those seeking a more gradual ascent and an off-the-beaten-path experience (9 days).
The time needed (days, weeks, or months) to train for Kilimanjaro depends upon your level of fitness. But usually, it requires around a month to be prepared for your trek. It is advisable to do staircase training, cardiovascular exercises and upper body exercises. Eat right and do more of aerobic exercises before the trip. Also if possible you can climb a hill to practice for the trek. Overall it is not necessary to be perfectly fit for climbing the mountain. As apart from physical training, mental preparedness is more important for high success rate on the summit.
For experienced climbers, Mount Kilimanjaro will take around 5 to 6 days to reach the top, and is not that hard. Even for new climbers, our guides will help you climb the mountain with ease. But you need to give extra days for acclimatization for maximum success rate at the summit. For new climbers however, climbing Kilimanjaro becomes easier with our trained professionals and porters who help the climbers carry their essential equipment or gear up the summit.
We recommend you wearing multiple layers of clothing. It is the best way to keep your body in the desired temperature range no matter what the environment is. The temperatures you may encounter on Mount Kilimanjaro can be over 37 °C (degrees Celsius); 100 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) to well below zero.
At the Uhuru Point, temperatures can range between -7 °C to -29 °C (degrees Celsius); 20 °F to -20 °F (degrees Fahrenheit). Mount Kilimanjaro has extreme, variable, and impossible weather to predict. It is therefore advised to get many layers of clothing gear for the trek. Layering helps keep the body warm in extreme cold wave conditions on the summit. Migration Venture Africa provides these gears as a rental option as well.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are from January-March and June-October. Generally, January-March is colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit. It depends on the climbers whether they want to experience the snow-covered peaks of the summit or the more pleasant time period after June. The beauty of the mountain is at its best during the dry season of June-October. It is advisable to climb the mountain during this time.
A comfortable sleep is very important to get reenergized at next morning to continue the trek. Kilimanjaro gear is necessary for a cozy sleep. Essential gear like a K-way sleeping bag, foam mattress, and Kilimanjaro pillow can be carried on the trek. Migration Venture Africa also provides these gears on rent for which it is necessary to apply beforehand. You can speak to our staff personally regarding any queries about the Kilimanjaro gears.
