Rongai Route – 7 Days “Northern Wilderness”
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Known for its quiet wilderness and gentle ascent, it offers trekkers a unique experience far from the busier southern routes. Its dry climate makes it a good option during the rainy season, and the scenery ranges from pine forests to open alpine desert, with sweeping views of Kenya. The descent follows the Marangu Route, giving climbers two different perspectives of the mountain.
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Moderate, with gradual slopes
Scenery: Remote wilderness, alpine desert, glacier views
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate → Simba Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 1,950 m → 2,650 m | 8 km / 3–4 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Montane forest → heathland
Temperature Ranges: 15–20°C daytime, 10°C night
Meals & Accommodation: Lunch & Dinner | Simba Camp (camping)
Activities & Highlights: Trek through pine forest, spot colobus monkeys, enjoy open views across the Kenyan plains.
Day 2: Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 2,650 m → 3,450 m | 9 km / 6–7 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Heathland with giant heathers
Temperature Ranges: 10–15°C daytime, 5°C night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Second Cave Camp
Activities & Highlights: Gentle climb through moorland, stunning vistas of Kibo Peak and the eastern crater rim.
Day 3: Second Cave Camp → Kikelewa Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 3,450 m → 3,600 m | 6 km / 4–5 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Moorland; lobelias and volcanic rock
Temperature Ranges: 5–12°C daytime, below 0°C at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Kikelewa Camp
Activities & Highlights: Hike deeper into the moorland valleys, enjoy striking views of Mawenzi Peak’s jagged ridges.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 3,600 m → 4,330 m | 6 km / 4–5 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Alpine desert; sparse vegetation
Temperature Ranges: 0–10°C daytime, below freezing at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Activities & Highlights: Steep climb towards Mawenzi, camp beside a small tarn lake beneath the dramatic Mawenzi spires.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Acclimatization
Daily Elevations & Distance: 4,330 m | Short hikes up to 4,600 m
Habitats & Vegetation: Alpine desert
Temperature Ranges: 0–8°C daytime, below freezing at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Activities & Highlights: Rest day with short acclimatization hikes, admire views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut
Daily Elevations & Distance: 4,330 m → 4,703 m | 9 km / 5–6 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Alpine desert, volcanic saddle
Temperature Ranges: -2 to 5°C daytime, well below 0°C at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Kibo Hut
Activities & Highlights: Cross the lunar-like Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, arrive at base camp to prepare for summit night.
Day 7: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
Daily Elevations & Distance: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m → 1,860 m | ~21 km / 12–14 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Arctic summit zone → rainforest at base
Temperature Ranges: -7°C to -20°C at summit
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast & Lunch | Transfer to hotel
Activities & Highlights: Midnight summit attempt via Gilman’s Point, reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, descend through Horombo to Marangu Gate, collect summit certificate.
✅ Inclusions (What’s Included)
All park fees, camping/hut fees, and government taxes
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
Rescue fees (as required by Kilimanjaro National Park)
Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi/Arusha)
All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Drinking water (treated and safe)
Accommodation before and after the climb (standard hotel, double occupancy)
Camping equipment (tents, chairs, tables, mattresses) – except personal sleeping bags
Oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter & first aid kit for emergencies
Hot water for washing daily
Transport to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
❌ Exclusions (What’s Not Included)
International flights & visas
Travel insurance & medical evacuation coverage
Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing, boots, etc.)
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (highly recommended)
Alcoholic & soft drinks at hotels and on the mountain
Extra nights in hotels due to early arrival, late departure, or early mountain exit
Personal expenses (laundry, phone, internet, souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities before/after the climb (safaris, cultural tours, Zanzibar extensions)
Rongai Route
