Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 7 Days Rongai Route
From $. 2,176 USD* / 24/7 service / 9 days
*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)
The Rongai Route is one of the most popular routes for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, particularly favored by those seeking a less crowded and more scenic approach to the summit. It’s often recommended for trekkers who prefer a quieter, more remote experience, as the route is less trafficked compared to the other main routes like Marangu or Machame. The Rongai route begins on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border, and offers unique views, with dense rainforests, alpine deserts, and the chance to see wildlife such as monkeys and birds.
The Rongai Route typically takes around 6 to 7 days to complete. The route starts from the northern side of Kilimanjaro and ascends through the lush rainforest, gradually transitioning into alpine meadows, before reaching the alpine desert and then the summit of Uhuru Peak. The terrain on this route is varied, and it’s famous for being one of the least crowded, offering a quieter, more personal Kilimanjaro experience.
Key features of the Rongai Route:
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Distance: Approximately 73 km (45 miles)
- Starting Point: Nalemoru Gate (northern side)
- Ending Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)
- Difficulty: Moderate, but with challenges due to altitude and weather
- Best Time to Go: June to October, December to March
- Scenic Highlights: Rainforest, heather and moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers at the summit
- Wildlife: Elephants, monkeys, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species (particularly on the lower slopes)
Day 1: Arrival At Kilimanjaro International Airport
After clearing customs and immigration, you will be greeted by your safari guide. Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha to check in and freshen up. We have suggested bellow a comfortable accommodations based on your budget from 3 stars, 4stars or 5stars.
If you arrive in morning time, you will have rest at your hotel and after lunch, take a compliment short tour of Arusha town. Visit the local market for an authentic experience, and if time permits, visit the Arusha Declaration Museum to learn about Tanzania’s history. Experience the local culture by interacting with the friendly locals.
Evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your accommodation or local restaurant to try local dishes like NyamaChoma(grilled meat) or/and Ugali(cornmeal).
Accommodations:
- 3 Stars: Planet Lodge Arusha
- 4 Stars: Arusha Hotel By Sheraton
- 5 Stars: Melia Arusha
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
- Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white Colobus monkey.
Day 3: Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
- Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
- Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation.
Accommodation
- 3 Stars: Planet Lodge Arusha
- 4 Stars: Arusha Hotel By Sheraton
- 5 Stars: Melia Arusha
Day 9: Departure:
Late morning breakfast, them you will have city tour and have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in local craft shops.
Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or proceed with safari tour or flight to Zanzibar.
| What Included on the Package | What Excluded on the Package |
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Kilimanjaro Mountain Packing List
Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings.
Clothing:
- 4-5 Pairs of underwear
- Top and bottom base layer – Icebreaker (Women) or SmartWool (Men)
- 3-4 Short sleeve and 1-2 long sleeve trekking shirts
- 1-2 Pairs of hiking trousers
- 1 Fleece jacket – Helly Hansen (Men) or The North Face (Women)
- 1 Insulated winter jacket – Arc’Teryx Atom (Men) or North Face Nuptse (Women)
- 1 Insulated trekking trousers
- 1 Hardshell jacket – North Face Resolve Resolve (Men) and North Face Venture 2 (Women)
- Lightweight raingear
Headgear:
- Sun hat, ideally with a neck cover
- Warm beanie or fleece headband
- Bandana or neck gaiter
- Headlamp – PETZL Tikka
- Sunglasses
Hands and Walking:
- Lightweight inner gloves – New Balance Lightweight Gloves
- Warm outer gloves/mitts – Gore-Tex Gloves (Men) or Black Diamond Mercury Mitts (Women)
- Adjustable trekking poles – Black Diamond Alpine
Footwear:
- Mid-weight hiking boots – Salomon Quest (Women) or KEEN Targhee (Men)
- Camp trainers (Men) / Trekking sandals (Women)
- 4-5 Pairs of trekking socks – SmartWool or Bridgedale
- 1 Pair of warm/thick trekking socks
- Bags and Daypack (click for details)
- 80-90L Waterproof duffle bag – North Face Base Camp
- 20-30L Daypack – Osprey Talon 22
- Daypack raincover
- Travel bag organisers (optional)
Sleeping Accessories:
- 4-Season sleeping bag – Marmot Trestles or Hyke & Byke Unisex
- Insulated sleeping mat
- Inflatable pillow (optional)
General Accessories:
- Large volume water bottle or hydration bladder – Platypus Hydration Bladder for backpack
- Water Purification Tablets
- Baby wipes
- Sweat-resistant suncream
- Blister plasters
- Insect repellant
- General medications (Paracetamol, Imodium)
- Pee bottle (optional)
Technology:
- Camera
- GoPro (optional)
- Solar Backpack Charger (optional)
- Spare batteries and camera memory card
- Kindle with backlight (optional)
Other Bits and Bobs
- Energy bars
- Energy drink supplement
- Ziplock bags for important possessions (passport, money, phone, etc.)
- Trekking towel
- Toiletries, including one roll of toilet paper
- Passport, visa, insurance, yellow fever card (if applicable)
- Small lock for your duffle bag.
Important Information’s to know:
- Children under 10 years are not allowed to Summit Kilimanjaro.
- The duration of transfers/walking are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions and customers fitness.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Preparation for the Climb
Physical Preparation
Getting in shape for the Kilimanjaro climb is crucial. Engage in a well-rounded fitness program, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and hiking practice. Aim for at least three to six months of preparation:
- Cardio Training: Engage in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. Gradually increase your duration and intensity.
- Strength Training: Focus on building strength in your legs, back, and core to ease the physical demands of the trek. Squats, lunges, and leg presses are beneficial.
- Hiking Practice: Go on regular hikes, both on flat and inclined terrains, to prepare your body for the conditions you will encounter on Kilimanjaro.
Mental Preparation
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Preparing mentally involves:
- Researching the Climb: Understand the route, what to expect in terms of altitude sickness, and the physical demands.
- Setting Realistic Goals: Know your limits and be prepared for the possibility of needing to descend if necessary.
- Practicing Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote mental resilience, such as meditation or yoga, to prepare for the mental aspect of high-altitude trekking.
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Spotted in Serengeti Safaris has been helping travelers from around the world to make their travel Matter as they journey with a sense of purpose, knowing their travel will help have a positive impact on the planet, people, and wildlife.
We are honored to have been awarded multiple Travelers’ Choice Awards for being among the best tour operators in Tanzania. These accolades demonstrate our commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for our guests and we are proud to be acknowledged as a leading tour company in the region. We look forward to taking you on one of our award-winning adventures.
