Rongai, being the only way to approach Kilimanjaro from the north, goes through the picturesque views of the rainforest and the second highest point of Tanzania – the Mawenzi volcano. Thanks to gradual elevation increase, you will be able to get a good altitude acclimatization and reach safely the highest point of Africa – Uhuru Peak, 5895 meters. Rongai Route has excellent success rates of 85%, 90% for 6 and 7 days climb. Rongai is great for those travelers who have already got high altitude experience and are willing to escape the crowds of other climbers since this route is quite far from the town. The Rongai Route is a perfect way to test your strength and get unforgettable impressions on the distance of 65 km (40 miles).
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Budget Lodging: Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide 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. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Second Cave Camp
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Third Cave Camp
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut Camp
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (about 1 hour).
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