Rongai Route Itinerary

Group rate starting at $2,150.00/Person

Rongai Route ascends Mt. Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the boarder of Tanzania and Kenya. This is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It is one of the most remote and untouched trails on the magnificent mountain. It offers hikers a lot of advantages which is why it appeals to many Kilimanjaro climbers. On this route, you will find much solitude.

Please make travel plans adding a day before the trek begins and a day after you leave the mountain. (Arrival day & Departure Day) 

Day 1

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport and after making your way through customs, you will meet your transfer team. From there you will travel to Moshi to check into the Chanya Lodge. where you will meet your Kilimanjaro Guide and have a brief run down of your adventure. You will also have an inspection of gear and equipment before retiring to your room for a good night's rest. 

Day 2 

Trekking Day 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp 

Elevation Gain: 6, 398ft to 9, 300ft Hiking Time: 4 hours 

After breakfast you will meet the rest of your Kilimanjaro Crew and embark on your journey to Kilimanjaro National Park. After registering at Marangu Gate, you will be transferred to the Rongai Route starting point at Nale Moru village through fields of potatoes and maize before you enter the rainforest region of Kilimanjaro. While in the rainforest you will have the opportunity to see various wildlife and flora and fauna. You will spend your first night at Simba Camp. 

Day 3

Trekking Day 2: Simba Camp to 2nd Cave Camp 

Elevation Gain: 9,300ft to 11,300ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (4 miles) 

After waking up and having breakfast in the mess tent, you will start your hike towards Kibo. For most of the day you will be hiking up slopes with a nice view of the twin peaks of Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi and Kibo. We will reach the second cave and spend some time relaxing at 2nd Cave Camp where you will spend your second night. 

Day 4

Trekking Day 3: 2nd Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp 

Elevation gain: 11,300ft to 11,811ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (4 miles) 

From the 2nd Cave our hike will turn southeast where you will begin to see Mawenzi Peak. You will hike through the vast moorland region, reaching Kikelewa Camp, which is located by a couple of caves on the Kikelewa River. You will spend the night camping at Kikelewa Camp. 

Day 5

Trekking Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut 

Elevation gain: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft Hiking Time: 4 hours (3 miles) 

Although this stage of your hike is relatively short in distance it is very steep in it's elevation gain. The Mawenzi Tarn Hut is located in a cirque right underneath the jagged peak of Mawenzi. In the afternoon you will have a choice to walk up the ridge with your guide for extra acclimatization. 

Day 6

Trekking Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut 

Elevation Gain: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft Hiking Time: 5-6 hours (5 miles) 

Your day will begin retracing some of your steps before heading west, crossing the ridge and hiking down the slope to the beautiful Saddle's northern edge. During your hike, you will see the most magnificent views to the east and west. Your final destination for the day will be Kibo Camp. We will arrive early to camp and you will be served a hot lunch. After lunch your guide will give you a brief to prepare you for summit day. You will then be given time to relax and make sure you have everything prepared for summit. You will have an early dinner and then be advised to get some good rest early, around 6:30-7 pm so that you can be rested when you are awaken around 11:30pm to start your summit. 

Day 7 

Trekking Day 6: Kibo Hut to Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut 

Elevation Gain: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent (4 miles ascent, 10 miles descent), 4-5 hours descent 

You will be awakened and offered a hot drink around 11:30pm, with a midnight departure. Your initial 6 hour climb begins in the dark with assistance from your guides & headlamps only, for light. This is where you will hike "pole pole" (Swahili for slowly, slowly). At Gilman's Point you will see what might be the most majestic sunrise ever, then we will continue on the Marangu route to the summit sign for 1-2 hours. 

Congratulations! You have reached Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro! You will be able to take pictures and enjoy this huge achievement before starting your descent towards Horombo Camp, first stopping back at Kibo Hut to enjoy a hot lunch and take a short break. After this long day, you will arrive at Horombo where you will enjoy a hot dinner and the last night on the mountain. 

Day 8

Trekking Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi 

Elevation 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft. Hiking Time: 5-7 hours (12 miles) 

You will be awaken by your Kilimanjaro Crew for the final morning on the mountain where you will be thanked and congratulated for your huge accomplishment! You will enjoy breakfast and then begin your final descent to Marangu Gate. There you will be greeted by your transfer team where you will load up your equipment and head back to your accommodations at the Chanya Lodge for a hot shower, celebration of your accomplishment, certificate ceremony and the memorable tipping ceremony, where you can show your appreciation to your Kilimanjaro Crew! Now you can enjoy a good night's rest after this huge accomplishment. 

Day 9 

Departure Day: Chanya Lodge (Moshi) to Kilimanjaro Airport 

You will transferred from the Chanya Lodge to the Kilimanjaro airport for your departure from Tanzania, unless you have chosen to extend your stay with us. We are grateful to have lead you on your Tanzanian adventure, and if this is your last day with us, we thank you for choosing Sunshine TZ Tours! 

If you have booked and extended stay for one of our safaris or a day trip, we will be there to assist you in the next steps for your extended stay.

Hakuna Matata!! 

  • Included in price:

    • Quality Sleeping Tents - Quality, waterproof, four-season, private mountain sleeping tents

    • Airport Transfer - Transportation on day of arrival from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel in Moshi and transfer back on day of departure.

    • Transfer to mountain - Transfer from hotel to starting point Marangu Gate on the day of starting climb and transfer back to hotel on day climb is completed.

    • Park Fees - All park entry fees, including sleeping hut fees and Kilimanjaro rescue fees.

    • Kilimanjaro Certificate - This is your official certificate for accomplishing reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

    • Hotel Charges - This includes two nights- Day of arrival and one day after the climb. It includes bed and breakfast.

    • All meals on Mountain - All meals while on Mt. Kilimanjaro for 6 climbing days and 5 nights. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    • Clean, purified water - Our guides make sure that you have clean, purified drinking water every day on the mountain to refill water bottles, water bladders, etc.

    • Emergency Oxygen First Aid/ Medical Kit

    • Oximeters - Our guides have oximeters to check our clients oxygen levels as we ascend to higher levels of altitude to ensure health and safety during your trek.

    • Crisis Management - Our guides are trained and certified in crisis management and safety procedures.

    • Kilimanjaro Crew Salary - This includes Guides, Porters, Cook & Helping Porters. For explanation of Kilimanjaro Crew, salary & tipping policy click here.

    Not Included:

    • Flights - International and local flights to get to Kilimanjaro

    • Government Tax - VAT (Value Added Tax 19%) added to final pricing at time of booking

    • International Transaction fee - 3% added to final pricing at time of booking

    • Visa

    • Extra Nights - Extra nights at the hotel or on the mountain. If trip is extended for any reason, you are responsible for those chargers.

    • Personal Mountain Gear - Gear for climbing the mountain, including sleeping bags, which can be rented once you arrive in Tanzania. Please let us know ahead of time if you plan to rent a sleeping bag or other gear.

    • Hotel Dinner & Lunch

    • Alcohol & Soft Drinks

    • Laundry & Telephones - Any laundry or telephone charges at hotel is not included.

    • Travel Insurance - Basic Travel insurance is MANDATORY for each individual, in case any medical or other emergencies may arise during your trip to Tanzania.

    • Tipping - Tipping for Kilimanjaro Crew/Team is not included and essential to our Kilimanjaro Crew. Tips are not given until end of trip. It is recommended that tips per guest are $350- $400 for entire trip. To Find Out More About Tipping Click HERE.

  • Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro involves going through five main climate zones, from the warm, humid rain forest and lower slopes, to the bitterly cold summit zone, with glaciers, ice and snow. You need to be prepared for all Kilimanjaro weather conditions: sunny, windy and rainy. There is a weight limit for your duffle bag, which will be carried by our porters, making planning and packing challenging for some. This is why we have put together a detailed recommended packing list to help you prepare. You can find it here.

  • Planning a Tanzanian adventure is an investment. You have questions and we have answers! Read through our FAQs here.

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