The magical Mt Kilimanjaro | Peter Brooke

Summit the highest point Uhuru Peak on the volcano Kibo, 5,895 metres | Chris 73

Incredible landscape of Mt Kilimanjaro | Peter Brooke

The thrill of reaching Uhuru Peak | D Lajoie

Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route

A stunning route away from the crowds with an excellent summit success rate

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13 reviews

8 Days from

$3090 USD

Trip Code: KIR

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement Hotels Only

$130 USD

Single Supplement Tents Only

$190 USD

Single Supplement

$330 USD

Duration

8 Days

Activities

6 day trek

Accommodation

5 nights camping
2 nights hotel

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint

41kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(289kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route Trip highlights

Climb Kilimanjaro via a quiet, remote northern trail with fewer crowds and contrasting scenery
Commence through a forest trail and catch a glimpse of the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys
Camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m/14,206ft) and sleep beneath the towering spires of Mount Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s rugged second peak
Enjoy a steady ascent and better acclimatisation, this more gradual climb supports your chances of a safe and successful summit

Overview

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route offers an opportunity to approach the mountain from the remote northern slopes, near the Kenyan border, a side of the mountain fewer trekkers experience. This quieter trail retains a sense of wilderness and, unlike the busier southern routes.

The trek begins in a patchwork of farmland and forest, with the chance to spot black and white colobus monkeys in the trees. From here, the trail climbs gradually through open moorland, following a well graded track. The terrain is generally less steep than other routes, making it a suitable choice for trekkers seeking a steady climb and lower daily elevation gains.

One of the highlights of the Rongai approach is the Mawenzi Tarn camp, nestled beneath the rugged spires of Mount Mawenzi - Kilimanjaro’s dramatic second peak. The final summit push follows the same trail as the Marangu route, reaching Uhuru Peak from the east with spectacular sunrise views across the vast plains of East Africa.

Compared to other trails, Rongai’s drier conditions make it particularly appealing during the shoulder seasons. With fewer climbers, a well paced ascent and extra acclimatisation days built in, this route offers a more calm and considered path to the summit, prioritising your safety and success.

Itinerary

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If you choose to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) early today we recommend a private transfer to Marangu where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, which is beautifully located on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure. If you are already in Arusha or fly in the afternoon, there is a complimentary group transfer to Marangu, departing Moivaro Lodge between 14:00 - 15:00hrs. The transfer picks up from other selected hotels in and around Arusha and also from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at approx 15:00-15:30hrs before arriving at our hotel in Marangu. Please advise if you wish to use this service - it must be pre-booked. Exact pick up times cannot be guaranteed as it depends on the number of stops en route. Your patience is required with this. You will meet your guide in Marangu this evening for a trip briefing at approx 18:00hrs.

Meals: D

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Landrover to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1950m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and our first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Meals: B,L,D

The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves

Meals: B,L,D

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation.

Meals: B,L,D

We cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at (4700m) situated at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Meals: B,L,D

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1am. We walk very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5685m). We will rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895m); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4700m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3720m). Today's trekking involves from 11 to 15 hours walking which is made to feel more strenuous by the effects of altitude and extreme cold. This section of the trek is one of the steepest and most demanding and should not be taken lightly. It is a great idea to have your own head torch so that your hands are free for balance. Most people are surprised by the extreme cold and the best advice is to follow the clothing list and pack your warm clothes.

Meals: B,L,D

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m); we then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a steady path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m). Overnight at hotel in Marangu.

Meals: B,L,D

Arrangements will end after breakfast in Marangu. There is a free group transfer from Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu back to Arusha, departing 9.00am. The transfer drops off at Kilimanjaro International Airport, selected hotels in and around Arusha town and finally at Ilboru Safari Lodge. If you wish to depart later or spend additional nights in Marangu, a private transfer to Arusha can be arranged (extra cost applies).

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What’s included?

Included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
2 nights in 3 star hotel in Marangu on a twinshare basis
5 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
Group camping equipment including tent (sleeping bag and mat not included - can be hired locally)
Experienced local mountain guides, cook and camp crew
Park entrance fees valued at US$826
Emergency oxygen

Not included

International flights
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Arrival or departure airport transfers if not taking the complimentary transfer to/from the airport
Visa
Christmas and New Year supplement (please ask our staff for details of this small peak season surcharge)
Sleeping bags and mats
Kit bag/hiking pack/soft duffle bag to store your main luggage that is carried by porters
Aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips

Adventure Highlighted Video - Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route

Climbing Safely On Kilimanjaro - What To Look For