7 Days Rongai trek
Trek Overview
The Rongai Route offers a unique northern approach to Kilimanjaro, ideal for trekkers looking for a quieter and more scenic climb. This 7-day itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes along the way. Perfect for those with a good level of fitness and a desire for adventure, this route promises an unforgettable journey to the summit.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your arrival time, you can either rest or join a pre-climb briefing and gear check with your mountain guide. This preparation is essential for a safe and successful trek.
tart your adventure with a drive to Nale Moru Gate (1,996m/6,548ft). After registration, enjoy a short transfer to a nearby village to experience local culture before beginning the trek. The journey starts through lush rainforests filled with colorful birds and unique plants. You’ll ascend gently to Simba Camp, where you’ll spend your first night amidst the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro.
Today’s trek takes you through changing landscapes as you leave the rainforest and enter a montane forest zone. The scenery opens up to a savannah-like environment with giant heathers and vast plains. The gradual ascent provides great acclimatization as you make your way to Second Cave Camp, where you’ll stay overnight, surrounded by scenic caves and unique flora.
The journey continues with a steeper ascent through semi-desert terrain. The landscape becomes more rugged, offering incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the valleys below. This section of the route is great for acclimatization, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. Reach Kikelewa Camp for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.
Today’s trek takes you through a volcanic landscape, leading to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. You’ll traverse rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, making the area look lunar-like. The hike provides a stunning view of the imposing Barranco Wall from a distance. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, nestled beside a beautiful glacial lake, where you’ll camp for the night.
Today focuses on acclimatization and preparation for the summit push. Start with a scenic hike to higher elevations, helping your body adjust to the thinning air. The afternoon is for relaxing and conserving energy. Later, make your way to Kibo Hut, the base camp for your summit attempt. This is where you’ll rest and mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.
Begin the summit push around midnight under a sky full of stars. With headlamps lighting your way, climb steadily towards the crater rim. Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise, you’ll stand on the roof of Africa. After celebrating your achievement, begin your descent to Horombo Hut, where you’ll rest after a long but rewarding day.
Your final day descends through diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows back to lush rainforests. Arriving at Marangu Gate, celebrate your incredible journey with your team and collect your summit certificate. This marks the end of your unforgettable Rongai Route adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro
Pricing
| # of People | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Days Rongai Trek | $3,400 | $2,760 | $2,570 | $2,450 | $2,360 | $2,270 | $2,130 |
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Kilimanjaro trekking certificate for successful summit
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional accommodation before and after the trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Why Rongai route?
Best time for Rongai route
Seasonal Advice:
The Rongai Route is best during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. The weather is stable, making the climb more enjoyable. This route is less crowded and has a gentle slope, which makes it a good option for beginners.best time to trek the Machame Route is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from December to February. These months offer the best weather conditions, with clearer skies and a lower chance of rain, making for a more enjoyable climb.
Accommodation in Rongai
Rongai offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences. You can choose from basic mountain huts with shared facilities to comfortable campsites with private tents. The overall atmosphere is more relaxed compared to other routes, making it a great choice for those seeking a peaceful ascent.
Rongai Expert Advice
The Rongai Route, approaching from the north, offers a unique and less crowded Kilimanjaro experience. It’s ideal for those seeking a more gradual ascent and drier conditions, as this side of the mountain sees less rainfall. While generally considered easier than other routes, don’t underestimate the final summit push. Opt for the 7-day itinerary over 6 days for better acclimatization. You’ll have a chance to see wildlife like colobus monkeys and even buffalo in the early stages. Be prepared for a variety of landscapes, from farmlands to alpine desert. The Rongai Route joins the Marangu Route for the final ascent, so expect more company on summit day. Remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated throughout the trek.
Popular Rongai FAQS
The Rongai Route offers a more gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization. It also provides the opportunity to visit the Mawenzi Tarn and experience the stunning Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
The Rongai Route is considered one of the easier routes on Kilimanjaro, suitable for beginners with a good level of fitness
The success rate for the Rongai Route is generally high, with most operators reporting success rates of over 90%
The Rongai Route is approximately 71 km (44 miles) long and typically takes 6-7 days to complete
The Rongai Route offers camping accommodations at designated campsites, with tents provided by the trekking company.
Yes, the Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro, making it a good choice for those seeking a more peaceful experience
The success rate for reaching the summit via the Machame Route is high, with about 85-90% of trekkers making it to the top. This is largely due to the route’s gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile.
Trivia About Rongai
Kristin Davis: The actress, best known for her role in “Sex and the City,” climbed Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route in 2009 to raise awareness for the drought crisis in East Africa.
Douglas Booth: The British actor known for his roles in “Noah” and “The Dirt” climbed Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route in 2012 as part of a charity campaign.
Alexander Skarsgård: The Swedish actor, famous for his role in “True Blood,” chose the Rongai Route in 2014 for a charity climb to raise awareness for veterans.
Ronan Keating: The Irish singer and former member of Boyzone climbed Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route in 2009 as part of a Comic Relief fundraising campaign.
Oldest Man to Summit via Rongai Route: In 2017, Dr. Fred Distelhorst, aged 88, became the oldest man to summit Kilimanjaro using the Rongai Route.
Fastest Ascent by a Disabled Climber: Spencer West, who lost his legs due to a genetic disorder, climbed Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route in 2012, completing the trek in 7 days.
Fastest Descent via Rongai Route: Karl Egloff, a Swiss-Ecuadorian speed climber, holds the record for the fastest descent via the Rongai Route, descending in just 1 hour and 37 minutes in 2014.
First Blind Person to Climb via Rongai Route: Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer, became the first blind person to summit Kilimanjaro using the Rongai Route in 2010, inspiring many with disabilities.
Marangu Route: The Rongai Route meets the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,419ft), which is the final base camp before the summit push. From Kibo Hut, climbers from both routes take the same trail up to Gilman’s Point and then onward to Uhuru Peak.
Northern Circuit Route: The Northern Circuit Route intersects with the Rongai Route at the Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft) on the northeastern side of Kilimanjaro. After this point, both routes may continue toward Kibo Hut for the summit attempt.
Lemosho Route: The Rongai Route and the Lemosho Route can intersect around the northern circuit of the mountain. After passing the Third Cave Camp, both routes may continue together toward Kibo Hut, where they meet the Marangu Route for the final summit push.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials
- Warm gear
- Waterproof gear
- Hiking attire
- Personal items
- Documents