Rongai route
The only route that starts near the border with Kenya
This route provides a gradual slope and most of its campsites are fairly closer to each other compared to other routes. You’ll have a unique view of the mountain, the same view people from Kenyan side see. This is a preferred route during rainy season on Kilimanjaro as it receive less rain.
Highlights of Rongai route
Best views of Mawenzi
You may camp at Mawenzi tarn hut, the base of Mawenzi peak so expect great views.
Minimum trekking days
You can do it in 6 days. We recommend you do it in 7 days to allow your body to acclimatize well.
Descend via Marangu
You will descend through Marangu route so you will enjoy trails on both routes.
Relatively quite route
Because there are no many people who use this route. In addition the campsites are closer to each.
Why Trek with Kili Quests
Your success on climbing Kilimanjaro largely depend on your mental strength and physical stamina. Equally important is the crew that will take you there. That’s why you need to choose Kili Quests:
- We've experience of over 25 years
- Our guides are medically trained
- Attention to details and you have ability to customize your trek
What You Get
Your trek package includes the following:
- Wages of all mountain crew members
- Tents, foam mattress, tables and chairs
- All park fees, meals, rescue fee and bottled oxygen
- Oximeter, airport transfers and transport to and from Kilimanjaro gates.
- Pre and post climb accommodation (Two nights total)
THE ITINERARY
A NOTE ON THE FLEXIBILITY OF THIS ITINERARY
- Please note that our itineraries are flexible and we customize them according to your needs.
- Airport pick up and drop off are optional, meaning if you are already in Moshi or Arusha or you can arrange your own airport transfers, we can take them out of the price for this tour.
- Pre and post trek accommodations are optional.
From Moshi Town to Rongai Climbing Gate . The path winds through peasants fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey towards Rongai Cave.
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
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.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
This day the hike 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 sharp spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
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
This is an added day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi the popular peaks of Kilimanjaro mountain. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
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
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.
Marwenzi 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
Very early in the morning (around midnight), our guide will lead the 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.
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.
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
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
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we will be awarded our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
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
There will be the end of our treck.
Inquire Rongai route trek
Our Rongai treks start at $2200 per person. Inquire for a quote below.
