Main Info
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.
The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints.
The drive to the trailhead takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
ROUTE | 1-2 PEOPLE | 3-5 PEOPLE | 6-8 PEOPLE | 9+PEOPLE |
7 DAYS RONGAI | $ 1750 | $ 1750 | $ 1700 | $ 1680 |
Itinerary
Day 1 Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
- Elevation: 1800 m to 2600 m
- 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 2 Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
- Elevation: 2600 m to 3424 m
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 3424 m to 3600 m
- 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 3 Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 3600 m to 4330 m
- 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 4 Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation : 4330 - 4363 m
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1 hour
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation : 4363 m - 4330 m
- Distance: 2 km/1 mile
- Hiking Time: 1 hour
- 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 5 Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation : 4330 m to 4720 m
- 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 6 Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation : 4720 m to 5895 m
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation : 5895 m to 3920 m
- Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
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.
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 7 Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation : 3920 to 1820
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.