
Tanzania
Tanzania - Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route
Tanzania - Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Smoke
Tour type
Individual
Level
Very demanding
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Overview
The Rongai Route starts in the north near the Kenyan border and is one of the quieter routes up Kilimanjaro. Through forests, heathland and alpine desert, steady gradients lead to Mawenzi Tarn, the only lake on the mountain, and via School Hut to the summit.
The Rongai Route is often called the "Kenya Route," even though the starting point is in Tanzania. Besides encountering various animals (elephants, buffalo, monkeys, etc.), you can also admire the only lake on Kilimanjaro. For centuries, Kilimanjaro has impressed people from all over the world. It rises imposingly from the endless African savannah. At 5,895 meters, it is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. For many mountaineers, it is a dream peak, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rongai Route offers you an evening with a magnificent backdrop – the only lake on Kilimanjaro. During the first three days, you can admire the Kenyan highlands all the way to Amboseli National Park. The northwest face of Kibo is visible from almost the entire ascent route and offers many impressive photo opportunities. The Rongai Route has a lot to offer in terms of scenery. The only potential challenge is the relatively rapid ascent above 4,000 meters, as there is little time for acclimatization. Compared to the Marangu or Machame routes, the Rongai route is less frequented. The descent follows the Marangu route.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania (Moshi)
Hotel
You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi. After arrival, you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Arrival in Tanzania (Moshi)
Day 1
Hotel
You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel in Moshi. After arrival, you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2
Nalemoru Gate - Sekimba Camp (2.020 hm - 2.700 hm)
Camping
In the morning, the journey begins to Nalemoru, located on the border with Kenya. Here, your ascent via the Rongai Route starts. The trail initially leads past fields of maize and potatoes, later entering a pine forest. The path climbs gradually. The forest is home to various wild animals, and with a bit of luck, you might spot colobus monkeys in the trees. At the edge of a moorland, the forest thins out. After about four hours, you'll reach Sekimba Camp at 2,700 meters, where you'll spend your first night. From here, enjoy the sweeping views across the Kenyan plains.
Nalemoru Gate - Sekimba Camp (2.020 hm - 2.700 hm)
Day 2
Camping
In the morning, the journey begins to Nalemoru, located on the border with Kenya. Here, your ascent via the Rongai Route starts. The trail initially leads past fields of maize and potatoes, later entering a pine forest. The path climbs gradually. The forest is home to various wild animals, and with a bit of luck, you might spot colobus monkeys in the trees. At the edge of a moorland, the forest thins out. After about four hours, you'll reach Sekimba Camp at 2,700 meters, where you'll spend your first night. From here, enjoy the sweeping views across the Kenyan plains.
Day 3
Sekimba Camp - Kikelewa Camp (2,700 m - 3,650 m)
Camping
The mornings at Sekimba Camp are usually very clear, offering fantastic views of Kilimanjaro's ice fields, Mawenzi, and the vast plains to the north. The second stage of the trek leads steadily uphill to 3,450 meters to the so-called 2nd Cave. After lunch, you continue hiking towards Mawenzi. The trail continues uphill through a barren landscape until you reach Kikelewa Camp near the Kikelewa Caves.
Sekimba Camp - Kikelewa Camp (2,700 m - 3,650 m)
Day 3
Camping
The mornings at Sekimba Camp are usually very clear, offering fantastic views of Kilimanjaro's ice fields, Mawenzi, and the vast plains to the north. The second stage of the trek leads steadily uphill to 3,450 meters to the so-called 2nd Cave. After lunch, you continue hiking towards Mawenzi. The trail continues uphill through a barren landscape until you reach Kikelewa Camp near the Kikelewa Caves.
Day 4
Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Camp (3.650 hm - 4.330 hm)
Camping
Today your day begins with a short but steep climb, rewarded with a magnificent view. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, and later the trees and heather disappear completely. You reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled in a basin directly below a high rocky peak of Mawenzi, beside a small lake. The picturesque scenery more than compensates for the effort of the climb. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Use the time to explore the area around the camp, rest, and acclimatize.
Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn Camp (3.650 hm - 4.330 hm)
Day 4
Camping
Today your day begins with a short but steep climb, rewarded with a magnificent view. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, and later the trees and heather disappear completely. You reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled in a basin directly below a high rocky peak of Mawenzi, beside a small lake. The picturesque scenery more than compensates for the effort of the climb. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Use the time to explore the area around the camp, rest, and acclimatize.
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp - School-Hut (4.330 hm - 4.750 hm)
Camping
After breakfast, you'll cross the Kibo Saddle, which lies between the two volcanoes Mawenzi and Kibo. In good weather, you can enjoy views of Kilimanjaro's summit all day. Once you reach the flank of Kilimanjaro, there's another short, steep climb. Then you'll arrive at the School Hut, where you'll spend the night. In the afternoon, you can hike a little further uphill to acclimatize.
Mawenzi Tarn Camp - School-Hut (4.330 hm - 4.750 hm)
Day 5
Camping
After breakfast, you'll cross the Kibo Saddle, which lies between the two volcanoes Mawenzi and Kibo. In good weather, you can enjoy views of Kilimanjaro's summit all day. Once you reach the flank of Kilimanjaro, there's another short, steep climb. Then you'll arrive at the School Hut, where you'll spend the night. In the afternoon, you can hike a little further uphill to acclimatize.
Day 6
Summit day: School Hut (4,750 m) - Uhuru Peak (5,898 m) - Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Camping
Around midnight, your ascent to the summit begins, the most difficult and strenuous stage of the climb. The relatively short route to Gillman's Point stretches over hours, leading upwards along narrow switchbacks and scree. If all goes well, you'll reach the crater rim (Gillman's Point) at sunrise. With clear visibility, you can enjoy the view across the ice fields. After a short break, the final climb over rock and snow to Uhuru Peak at 5,898 m begins. Then you've done it – you've reached the summit! Savor this unforgettable moment! Afterwards comes the long descent to Horombo Hut, where you'll pitch your tents for your last night on Kilimanjaro.
Summit day: School Hut (4,750 m) - Uhuru Peak (5,898 m) - Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Day 6
Camping
Around midnight, your ascent to the summit begins, the most difficult and strenuous stage of the climb. The relatively short route to Gillman's Point stretches over hours, leading upwards along narrow switchbacks and scree. If all goes well, you'll reach the crater rim (Gillman's Point) at sunrise. With clear visibility, you can enjoy the view across the ice fields. After a short break, the final climb over rock and snow to Uhuru Peak at 5,898 m begins. Then you've done it – you've reached the summit! Savor this unforgettable moment! Afterwards comes the long descent to Horombo Hut, where you'll pitch your tents for your last night on Kilimanjaro.
Day 7
Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate (3.720 hm - 1.840 hm)
Hotel
A steady descent leads you through the high moor to the Mandara Hut. The final leg takes you through the forest back to the Marangu Gate. Here you bid farewell to your crew and Kilimanjaro. A transfer will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate (3.720 hm - 1.840 hm)
Day 7
Hotel
A steady descent leads you through the high moor to the Mandara Hut. The final leg takes you through the forest back to the Marangu Gate. Here you bid farewell to your crew and Kilimanjaro. A transfer will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Day 8
Farewell to Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, from where you can begin your journey home or extend your stay. We would be happy to assist you in planning a safari and/or a beach extension in Zanzibar.
Farewell to Tanzania
Day 8
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, from where you can begin your journey home or extend your stay. We would be happy to assist you in planning a safari and/or a beach extension in Zanzibar.
Differences to the other routes:
Overnight stays during the climb are in tents, providing an authentic and adventurous experience on Kilimanjaro. Along the route, you'll have frequent views of the impressive peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, making the trek particularly scenic. The trails are well-maintained and offer a pleasant hiking experience. A particularly useful feature is the availability of two different routes for the ascent and descent, allowing you to experience the mountain from different perspectives. The probability of rain on this route is lower compared to others, ensuring a dry and comfortable hike. However, keep in mind that altitude acclimatization is not optimal, which can lead to challenges on the higher sections. Additionally, the journey to the starting point of the trek is quite long, adding extra travel time.
Differences to the other routes:
Overnight stays during the climb are in tents, providing an authentic and adventurous experience on Kilimanjaro. Along the route, you'll have frequent views of the impressive peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, making the trek particularly scenic. The trails are well-maintained and offer a pleasant hiking experience. A particularly useful feature is the availability of two different routes for the ascent and descent, allowing you to experience the mountain from different perspectives. The probability of rain on this route is lower compared to others, ensuring a dry and comfortable hike. However, keep in mind that altitude acclimatization is not optimal, which can lead to challenges on the higher sections. Additionally, the journey to the starting point of the trek is quite long, adding extra travel time.
Zanzibar extension
Extend your Tanzanian adventure with a break on the Indian Ocean! White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the unique flair of the "Spice Island" offer the perfect contrast to your action-packed days on the mainland. Whether you simply want to soak up the sun, stroll through the winding alleys of Stone Town, or experience the exotic scents of the spice plantations – we'll create your personalized beach extension in Zanzibar, tailored to your exact wishes.
Zanzibar extension
Extend your Tanzanian adventure with a break on the Indian Ocean! White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the unique flair of the "Spice Island" offer the perfect contrast to your action-packed days on the mainland. Whether you simply want to soak up the sun, stroll through the winding alleys of Stone Town, or experience the exotic scents of the spice plantations – we'll create your personalized beach extension in Zanzibar, tailored to your exact wishes.
Price from
€2,547.00
Services
What's included
Full board during the trek, breakfast at the hotel
Transfers according to tender
English-speaking guide
Accommodation as per tender
Support team including cook and porters
All entrance fees
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Character of the trip
Fitness
Very demanding
Altitude
Very high
Culture / nature
Pure nature
The Rongai Route is considered one of the quieter and more scenic routes up Kilimanjaro. It starts near the Kenyan border in the north and leads through forests, heathland, and alpine deserts to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Due to its relatively consistent gradients and well-maintained paths, it is less technically demanding than other routes, but requires excellent physical condition, sure-footedness, and stamina.
Hiking times vary by stage, ranging from 5 to 7 hours per day, and up to 12 to 14 hours on summit day. Altitude changes of several hundred meters per day, along with the thin air at high altitude, present a significant challenge. Careful acclimatization is planned, but you should still be physically fit and have experience with multi-day hikes.
This route is ideal for mountain hikers who want to travel off the beaten track and are ready to face the challenge of Africa's highest mountain.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
You can choose your travel time freely.
Prices vary depending on group size and season.
Notes on the trip
Weather Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the best time to visit is during January, February, and early March. Visibility on the mountain is particularly good during this period. From late March to May, however, it is the rainy season in Tanzania, characterized by overcast skies and snowfall in the higher regions of Kilimanjaro. In June and July, hikers can expect mostly clear skies and cold nights, while August, September, and October are the warmest and most sought-after months. October, November, and December may see clouds and brief thunderstorms, and snow at higher elevations – a breathtaking setting that promises a white Christmas at the highest point in Africa.
