7 days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route

Join the guides at Orongai Africa Safaris and climb to the top of the stunning Kilimanjaro in Tanzania via the beautiful Rongai Route.

Group

+1 Days

All year

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Climb to the top of Africa's highest mountain.
Approach the Kilimanjaro summit from the north side.
Take a less crowded route to the top of Kilimanjaro.

Description

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!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transportation start and back

Price details

Price is on a shared tent basis. Price on a solo tent basis is $2,180.

Itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

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)

Day 2: Rongai Cave to to Second Cave

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)

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

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)

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

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)

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

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)

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

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)

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

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

No accommodation (End of tour)

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).

About the guide

Orongai

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

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!

Maxine

Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.

Valeriya

You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.

Joshua

We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.

Cami

Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.

4.8