The Rongai Route is renowned for being one of the easiest paths on Kilimanjaro, boasting a high success rate for climbers. Starting on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border, it is one of the least traveled routes, offering a sense of solitude and tranquility. This route allows climbers to experience the mountain from various viewpoints, as the descent is made via the Marangu Route on the south side.
The drive to the trailhead takes approximately three hours from Moshi, passing through numerous villages and coffee plantations. For those coming from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the route is also accessible, though it will take about two hours, including the border crossing. To facilitate this, we will need copies of your passports ahead of time.
Yes ! This tour is designed for anyone, you can book this tours as solo traveler, couple & also Tanzania Giants Tours offers this tour to small & large groups who are willing to travel together. Do not hesitate to contact us and our specialist will be ready to help you plan your holiday to Africa.
After breakfast at the hotel in Moshi or Arusha, the journey begins with a drive to the charming wooden village of Nale Moru. Once you reach Kilimanjaro National Park, Nalemoru Gate, you will complete your registration while the guides and other crew members handle their own preparations. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will start the hike on a wide path that meanders through lush fields of maize and potatoes before entering a serene pine forest. As you progress, the trail climbs steadily but gently, surrounded by beautiful forest teeming with wildlife. Eventually, the forest begins to thin out, leading you to the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone, where you’ll be rewarded with expansive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2,000m/6,560ft to 2,650m/8,700ft
Distance: 6km/3.7miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, you will begin your trek toward Second Cave. The trail gradually ascends through the moorland zone, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
This route provides opportunities to spot wildlife, including various birds and perhaps some smaller mammals. Upon reaching Second Cave, you will be greeted by breathtaking vistas of Kibo Peak and the majestic landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
At Second Cave, you will enjoy a hot lunch, followed by a hot dinner in the evening. Afterward, a briefing will prepare you for the next day’s trek.
Elevation: 2,650m/8,700ft to 3,450m/11,319ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, start your hike through the open moorlands. The trail becomes easier as you cross ridges with a few gentle ups and downs, offering beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
You will reach Kikelelwa Camp in the afternoon and have lunch there while enjoying the beautiful vegetation and scenery around the camp.
Dinner will be served in the early evening, followed by a briefing for the next day’s hike.
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation: 3500m (9300 ft) to 3,690 m (11,311 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, continue your hike through the alpine desert. The trail gets steeper as you ascend, offering breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak.
You will arrive at Turn Hut Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll enjoy a hot lunch and some rest. Later, you can take a short acclimatization hike.
Dinner will be served in the early evening, followed by a briefing for the next day’s plan
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation: 3690 m (9300 ft) to 4,300 m (14,108 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
After an early breakfast, start your hike towards Kibo Hut. The trail continues through the alpine desert, with a steady ascent as you approach the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The terrain becomes more barren, with fewer signs of vegetation as you get closer to the summit zone.
You will reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you’ll have lunch and rest in preparation for the summit attempt. The remainder of the day will be spent relaxing and conserving energy for the demanding ascent to the summit.
Dinner will be served early in the evening, followed by a detailed briefing on the upcoming climb to Uhuru Peak.
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation: (14108 ft) to 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
You’ll rise early, around midnight, to begin your summit attempt to Uhuru Peak. After a quick breakfast and packing your essentials, you’ll start your ascent. The trek begins with a steep climb through rocky terrain, where the air becomes thinner and the temperature drops.
As you climb, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point at the crater rim, about 5,681 meters (18,640 feet). From here, it’s only a 90-minute hike to Uhuru Peak, where breathtaking views await you, including stunning glaciers and volcanic rock formations.
After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a meal and some rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. The descent is easier on your legs but still requires attention as you navigate the rocky trail.
Upon reaching Horombo Hut, take time to relax, hydrate, and reflect on your incredible journey.
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m (15,420ft to 19,341ft to 12,205ft)
Distance: 6 km to summit and 10 km to Horombo (3.7 miles to summit and 6.2 miles to Horombo)
Hiking Time: 12-16 hours
Habitat: Arctic zone and alpine desert
After breakfast, You’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate. The trek takes you through lush rainforest and moorland, offering a final chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Kilimanjaro.
As you descend, you’ll appreciate the vibrant flora surrounding the trail. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork. Your guides will present your summit certificate, celebrating your achievement.
Once all formalities are done, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey.
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,830m (12,205ft to 6,040ft)
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
$2,130 / Person
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