The Rongai route is a less popular Kilimanjaro trail that has many unique advantages. Beginning on the northern slope of the mountain in a coniferous forest, it traverses a variety of climatic zones. The descent follows the Marangu route on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s why the Rongai route stands as a top choice for climbing Kilimanjaro in 2024:
Firstly, it’s much less crowded than the busy southern routes. You will see ten times fewer trekkers on Rongai! Secondly, the route is amazingly scenic, offering great views on Mawenzi and Kibo – two of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, the surrounding Tanzanian landscapes, and unique flora like Kilimanjaro Giant Groundsels and tropical forests on the descent. While the northern slopes are drier and have less dense vegetation, there is plenty to see on your way up. Imagine awakening near the majestic peak of Mawenzi, its rocks bathed in the soft hues of sunrise, and spotting rare Bearded Vultures dance and glide, setting their course towards the distant horizon of Kenya. The Rongai route offers trekkers a more secluded and intimate experience for those seeking a quieter trekking adventure on Kilimanjaro.
Day 0: ARRIVAL – DRIVE TO MOSHI
Welcome to Tanzania: Meet and greet at arrival point by our transferring driver who will escort you to the waiting vehicle for loading your luggage then drive you to the Hotel in Moshi town. After checking in the hotel you will get a briefing about your next day’s trek then your mountain guide will check your gears. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing at the pool or exploring the town of Moshi.
ACCOMMODATION
Sellinero Hotel
Day 1: RONGAI GATE (1950M) TO SIMBA CAMP (2600M).
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Nale Moru gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your waiting lounge registering with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail, you will have a lunch break and you will reach the First Caves Camp in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chefs who move very fast up the mountain will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served followed by overnight.
The Rongai Route 7 Day Treks stars here.
ACCOMMODATION
Simba Camp
Day 2: SIMBA CAMP (2600M) TO SECOND CAVES (3450M)
Late Breakfast, enjoy the morning at Simba camp proceed with the hiking very slowly acclimatize your body until you reach Second cave (3450M ) for hot lunch. Afternoon relaxes at the second cave with dinner and overnight.
ACCOMMODATION
Second Caves Camp
Day 3: SECOND CAVES (3450M) TO KIKELEWA CAMP (3600M)
After breakfast then continues up towards Kibo, reaching Kikelewa Cave at about 3600 meters. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the caves, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).
ACCOMMODATION
Kikelewa Caves Camp
Day 4: KIKELEWA CAVE (3600) TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4330M)
On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.
Keep on Rongai Route 7 Day Treks.
ACCOMMODATION
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5: MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4330M) – KIBO HUT (4700M)
After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
ACCOMMODATION
Kibo Huts
Day 6: SUMMIT ATTEMPT (FROM KIBO HUT (4700M) TO UHURU PEAK (5895M)) THEN DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT (3720M)
Your guide will wake you up around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitudes. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.
At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
Summit attempt Rongai Route 7 Day Treks
ACCOMMODATION
Horombo Huts
Day 7: HOROMBO HUT (3720M) TO MARANGU GATE (1980M), DRIVE TO MOSHI
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
End of Rongai Route 7 Day Treks.
ACCOMMODATION
Sellinero Hotel
The Pricing for 7 day Lemosho Route is $2,080
