Join the guides at Orongai Africa Safaris and climb to the top of the stunning Kilimanjaro in Tanzania via the beautiful Rongai Route.
TRIP TYPE
Group
DURATION
+1 Days
OFFER PERIOD
All year
FITNESS LEVEL
Fit
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PAYMENT METHODS
Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!
Would you like to discover an alternative route to the top of Kilimanjaro? Then join this amazing Rongai Route Kili ascent and enjoy an unforgettable 7-day adventure in Tanzania.
The Rongai Route, near the Kenyan border, is a great alternative route to reach the top of the stunning Kilimanjaro, which stands tall as the highest mountain in Africa at an altitude of 5,895 m (19,341 ft) . This route approaches the summit from the less forested north face and is a great alternative for those that prefer to climb a less crowded route to the top of Kili. This route is also less steep and less rainy than other routes up this famous mountain.
Keep in mind that you will need a good fitness level to climb Kilimanjaro. Prior mountaineering experience is also a plus. Of course, we will be there every step of the way to help and guide you to the top of the stunning Kilimanjaro!
So, are you ready to climb the highest mountain in Africa? Then book your place now and join us on this 7-day Rongai Route ascent!
Or, if you prefer, we also offer the option of climbing Kilimanjaro via some of the other popular routes to the top!
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
Price is on a shared tent basis. Price on a solo tent basis is $2,180.
Secure your spot with just 25% payment
48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation
Budget camping
In or near Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & Drinks
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meals & Drinks
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals & Drinks
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals & Drinks
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals & Drinks
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meals & Drinks
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation
Meals & Drinks
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
You’ll be dropped off at the airport (or hotel).
Tour Operator
Welcome to Orongai African Safaris, our company, located right in the heart of Arusha, has a team of experienced, professional and dedicated guides. The whole team and entire staff at Orongai African Safaris is made up of natives who know Africa, Tanzania in particular by their fingertips. They have taken naturalist courses and are excellent game spotters. In addition they speak excellent English and some of them speak a couple of foreign languages.
All our 4×4 safari vehicles are custom-made for the rugged terrain of African roads in order to withstand the harsh terrain while offering game-viewing comfort. In addition they are fitted with HF radio communications and all passengers are guaranteed comfortable window seats.
Languages
German | French | English | Chinese
Kumari
5.00
I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!
Niklas
5.00
I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.
Greg
5.00
I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.
Colin
5.00
Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!
Lesley
4.00
Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.
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