RONGAI ROUTE

The Rongai route on mount Kilimanjaro is a seven-day camping route; it has the attraction of being a lower traffic and easier route compared to the southern slopes for climbing Kilimanjaro. It attracts about 10% of visitors to the mountain. The route is really a complete traverse, the only one to experience the arid northern side and the lush southern side. It’s also known as the loitokok route. Starting from the Kenyan side of the mountain in the north its advantages are a more gradual and easier route in terms of terrain, plus there are excellent clear views of the mountain all through the approach. There is also more opportunity to see wildlife such as buffalo, elephants,s and antelope.

Facts About Rongai Route

The Rongai route is one of the least crowded routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more peaceful climb.
The Rongai route begins in the north of the mountain and follows a gradual ascent through lush forests and open moorlands.
This route is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Kenyan plains.
The final ascent to the summit is steep and rocky, requiring a good level of fitness and determination.
The Rongai route has a success rate of approximately 80%, making it one of the more successful routes up the mountain.

Rongai Route - Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival

You will be met by one of our drivers at Kilimanjaro airport for an hour drive to Moshi or Arusha where you will spend a night before starting the hike the following day.

Day 2 - Moshi 800M - Rongai Camp 2800M

– 3hr drive, 4hrs walking

We depart early in the morning and drive around Kilimanjaro to the North side where the Rongai Gate is. It takes about 3hrs but offers some great views. After registering at the gate and sorting gear for the porters we then walk through the forest for 4hrs to reach Camp 1 at 2800m. This is a great day for seeing wildlife.

Day 3 - Rongai Camp 2800 - Kikelelwa Camp 3600M

– 6hrs walking

Today we move out on to the moorland of Kilimanjaro and have a longish day at 6hrs up to Camp 2 which is near Kikelewa Cave at 3600m.

Day 4 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4330M

– 5hrs walking

Today we are on open ground which at times can be steep as we make our way up to camp at the Mawenzi Tarn (4330m).

Day 5 - Acclimitization day

– Acclimitization day

Today is a rest and acclimatisation day at the tarn. You can relax at camp or go on some walks in area. This part of the mountain is beautiful and the views are stunning.

Day 6 - Mawenzi tarn - Kibo Hut 4730M

– 4hrs walking

4hrs open ground walking today with amazing views via the Saddle to reach camp near Kibo Hut at 4730m.

Day 7 - Kibo Hut to UHURU PEAK to Horombo Hut

-SUMMIT DAY12hrs walking

Night-time ascent on rock and scree, occasional snow, to the crater rim and the summit. Cold temperatures with windchill. We summit via Gilmans Point (5680m), which is 5 hrs up scree and a further 2 hrs to summit (5985m) and descend to Horombo Hut at 3800m (total 12 hrs).

Day 8- Mandara hut to Marangu gate

-Exit the mountain

We then descend to Marangu Gate, along an easy path back into and through the forest for 4 hours. We then transfer by road back to the hotel where a hot shower awaits.

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The climb cost for Rongai route includes:

Transfers:

Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
Transfer to the trailhead – entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
Pick up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;

Entry fees:

All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue, and fees all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).

Accommodation:

One night at 3* hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay – caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant, and swimming pool);
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Kilimanjaro Tents).

Please note:

All accommodation during Rongai route climb is on sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).

Meals:

Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
GPS-tracking service;
Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:

Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are holders of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 4+years of successful mountaineering experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).