- About Us
- Contact Us
5 Days Rongai Route
Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Itinerary
Cost Include
Cost Exclude
Overview
Overview
The Rongai Route is a special way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It takes five days to complete. This route starts on the northern side of the mountain. It is close to the Kenyan border. Because of this, it is less busy than other routes. This makes it perfect for climbers who want a quieter experience.
One of the biggest advantages of the Rongai Route is its peaceful atmosphere. Fewer climbers use this path, so you can enjoy a more private journey. The trail winds through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views. Along the way, you will see unique wildlife and plant life.
The route begins at the small town of Nale Moru. From there, you will enter Kilimanjaro National Park. The first day’s hike takes you through forested areas. You will see many birds and maybe even some monkeys. The air is fresh and cool. It is a gentle start to the climb.
As you go higher, the landscape changes. You will pass through heath and moorland zones. These areas have different plants and animals. The scenery becomes more dramatic with each step. The views of the Kenyan plains are breathtaking.
The Rongai Route offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. You might see elephants, buffaloes, and other animals on the lower slopes. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the variety of species found here. It is a great way to connect with nature.
Climbing the mountain on the northern side means the weather is often drier than on other routes. This can make the trek more comfortable. The trail is also less steep in some sections, which helps with acclimatization. This is important for avoiding altitude sickness.
Each day, you will hike to a new campsite. These campsites are well maintained and provide good facilities. You can rest and enjoy warm meals prepared by the support team. The guides and porters are experienced and friendly. They will help you every step of the way.
On the fourth day, you will reach the highest camp before the summit. From here, you prepare for the final push to Uhuru Peak. This last section is challenging but rewarding. You will climb through the alpine desert and reach the summit around sunrise. The view from the top is unforgettable.
After reaching the summit, you will descend back to the base. The descent follows the same route. It is easier and faster than the climb. You will have time to reflect on your achievement and enjoy the mountain’s beauty one last time.
The Rongai Route is ideal for those seeking a unique Kilimanjaro experience. It combines scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and a quieter trail. The five-day itinerary balances challenge with comfort. It allows climbers to enjoy the mountain at a steady pace.
This route is suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike. The slower ascent improves chances of reaching the summit safely. It also offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro compared to the more popular routes.
In summary, the Rongai Route is a fantastic choice for your Kilimanjaro climb. It starts near Kenya, passes through diverse landscapes, and offers wildlife encounters. The peaceful path and excellent views make it a memorable adventure. If you want a quieter, scenic climb with great wildlife, this is the route for you.
Itinerary
Day-By-Day Tour Plan
DAY 1: Rongai Start Point (1996m) – Simba Camp (2626m)
Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 2: Simba Camp (2626m) – Third Cave (3956m)
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 450m for lunch at Second Caves, a distance of 8km. After lunch we continue trekking. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Third Cave.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 3: Third Cave (3956m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area.
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 11 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 4: Kibo Hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included
DAY 5: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. Met and transfer to Arusha Town, overnight at Naura Apartment (Bed & Breakfast).
Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. (It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely).
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
Cost Include
Cost Included
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Cost Exclude
Cost Excluded
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Enquiry Now
Last Minute Deals
You may like
