Rongai Route
Duration
- 7 Days
- 6 Nights
Destinations
Rongai Gate | Rongai Cave | Second Cave | Kikelewa Cave | Uhuru Peak
About this Tour
The Rongai Route offers a scenic and gradual ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting from the northern side of the mountain. This less-crowded route provides stunning views and a diverse range of habitats, including rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and the Arctic summit.
Full Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport (JRO)
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by one of our representatives. Transfer to your booked hotel in Moshi, a charming town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Relax and enjoy a detailed pre-trek briefing from your guide. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Meals: D
Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
Depart Moshi, head to Marangu Gate for registration, and transfer to Rongai Gate. The trail ascends gently through farmland and rainforest, home to black and white colobus monkeys. Reach Rongai Cave for dinner and overnight camp.
Meals: B / L / D
Rongai Cave to Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Rongai Cave to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Heath
A steady morning hike brings you to Second Cave, then continue towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Arrive at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Meals: B / L / D
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail is steep but short, crossing into alpine desert. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath Mawenzi Peak’s jagged spires, and spend the afternoon resting.
Meals: B / L / D
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the barren “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain is challenging due to altitude, but the gradual climb leads to Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kibo Crater. Rest in preparation for summit night.
Meals: B / L / D
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft | Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 16 km | 10 miles | Habitat: Heath
Depart around midnight for the summit, pushing through the night to Gilman’s Point and then to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the sunrise and celebrating the achievement, descend to Horombo Hut for rest and your final night on the mountain.
Meals: B / L / D
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft | Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 20 km | 12 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
Descend through the heath and rainforest zones back to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate and celebrate the achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi.
Meals: B / L
What we have
The Best & Professional Guides
The Best Custom-Made Trekking Experience
Make Your Trekking a Lifetime Experience
Related this Tour
Included
- Guides and Crew
- Meals
- Transport from and to the hotel
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to/from airport upon arrival/departure
- Group Equipment
- Climbing Permits
Excluded
- International Flights
- Visa Fees and Entry Requirements
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Gear
- Gratuities and Tips
- Optional Activities
