Overview
The Rongai route climbs Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. The slopes here are drier and more open than on the southern side, and far fewer groups use this trail, so it feels peaceful from the first day.
Five days is our fastest Rongai climb and works well if your time is short, although the 6-day and 7-day versions give more acclimatization. We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day and drive you to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, both included.
You come down on the Marangu route on the southern side, so you see two very different sides of the mountain in one trip. Contact us to book.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN RESORT
From the airport you are driven to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro itself. At 5:30 pm your guide gives the pre-climb briefing, checks your equipment and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort with dinner and breakfast included.
NALE MORU TO RONGAI ONE CAMP
The trek starts at the small village of Nale Moru (1,950 m), following a footpath through maize and potato fields into a pine forest. The trail then climbs gently but steadily through woodland where you may spot the black-and-white Kilimanjaro colobus monkey with its long white mantle and tail. As the trees thin out you reach Rongai One Camp (2,600 m) at the edge of the moorland, looking out over the plains of Kenya.
About 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
UP TO THIRD CAVE CAMP
A steady morning climb brings Kibo and the eastern ice fields into full view. After lunch you continue upwards to Third Cave Camp (3,900 m).
About 5-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
ACROSS THE SADDLE TO SCHOOL HUT
The climb carries on into the stark, lunar landscape of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. You should arrive at School Hut (4,750 m), at the foot of the Kibo crater wall, around midday. Rest for the remainder of the day and turn in early before the summit night.
About 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT
The steepest and hardest part of the climb begins by head torch at about 1 am. You move very slowly up switchbacks of loose scree to reach Gillman's Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim, where you rest and watch sunrise over Mawenzi. Climbers who still feel strong continue on a three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to School Hut is quick; after refreshments you keep going down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
About 11-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
HOROMBO TO MARANGU GATE
A steady walk down through moorland brings you to Mandara Hut (2,700 m) on the Marangu route, then on through green, lush forest on a good path to Marangu Gate (1,830 m).
About 5-6 hours on foot. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort with dinner and breakfast included, followed by your departure transfer.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.