Tour Overview
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes, and the success rate is very high. The route starts
on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled
routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers
will be able to see the mountain from many viewpoints.
The drive to the trailhead takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi and goes through many villages and
coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow for two
hours, including the border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival & Briefing
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel for briefing. Your guides will provide you with a detailed orientation and will examine your gear. If you arrive at midday or before, you will have time to explore Moshi, a chilled-out blend of African and Asian influences with a colorful market and a choice of coffee houses and bars. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Kaliwa Lodge (Premium
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation Gain: 2,600 meters / 8,530 feet
Leave from your hotel after breakfast drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Overnight: Simba Camp.
Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation Gain: 3,600 metres / 11,811 feet
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3450m/11,319 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second major peak rising to slightly less than 17,000 feet. Our second camp is shortly before reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and Uhuru peaks. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Camp
Elevation Gain: 4,330 metres / 14,206 feet
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Overnight: Mawenzi Camp
Day 5: Mawenzi Camp to Kibo Camp
Elevation Gain: 4,750 metres / 15,600 feet
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Overnight: Kibo Camp
Day 6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descending to Horombo Hut
Elevation Gain: 5,895 meters / 15,300 feet
Elevation Loss: 3,720 meters / 12,204 feet
A long, hard day! Leaving at 1:00 am for the summit on steep and heavy scree up to Gilman’s Pt. at 5685m/18,466’. Here you will take a rest and enjoy the views at the crater rim and spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi before ascending up to Uhuru Peak. You will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 8 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, we have spectacular views of Africa in all directions.
From here you descend going straight down to Kibo Hut for lunch and then on to Horombo Hut for overnight. It is a long descent and trekking poles are recommended. Congratulations, you made it to the Roof of Africa!
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation Loss: 1,860 meters / 6,102 feet
Our last hike is a descent through the lovely lush rainforest to the trailhead at Marangu Gate. At the gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trip leaders will take you back to your hotel for a much welcome hot shower.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Day 8: Departure Day
Today you will be transferred back to Zanzibar International Airport in time for your flight.
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes
- Park Fees
- Camping Fees
- Rescue Fees
- Head Guide
- Assistants Guides
- Cook, & Porters Salaries
- All Food & Drinking Water
- Tents
- Emergency Oxygen
- Transport To / From Park Entry
- & 18% VAT Tax
- Accommodation in Moshi including breakfast pre- climb and complimentary celebration dinner from Mallya Tours and lunch post climb
- Two airport transfers
- Hiring of personal equipment including clothing , sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc.
- Tipping to your crew. (The standard recommendation is USD$22 per day to the head guide , $20 per day per assistant guide, 20 per day to the cook and 10$ per day per porter)
- Private Toilet upon request
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Spending money
- Any drinks and lunches in Moshi
