Kilimanjaro Ascent: The Rongai Route

The wildest and least-trafficked itinerary for an exclusive experience

Description of the Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the only one that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Less crowded, it offers a more intimate and wild experience, with better chances of spotting wildlife in the first days.

Its gradual slope and acclimatization profile make it one of the most accessible itineraries, with an excellent success rate. It's the perfect choice for those seeking tranquility and unique landscapes, away from the beaten path.

✔︎ Included

  • Guides, porters & cook
  • Nights in mountain huts
  • Meals & purified water on the mountain
  • All transportation and park fees
  • Hyperbaric chamber & oxygen

Excluded

  • International flights and visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal equipment (rental possible)
  • Hotels before/after the trek
  • Tips for the team
Starting from
$1804
per person (7-day trek)

This price is an estimate. All our treks are 100% tailor-made.

Personalize this trek
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1

Arrival in Arusha, Gateway to Safaris

Karibu! Welcome to Tanzania. Upon your first steps on the tarmac of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your private guide will give you a warm welcome. The journey begins with a comfortable transfer to your lodge, a first immersion into the lush landscapes of the Arusha region, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. Your evening will be dedicated to relaxation and a comprehensive briefing for the exceptional adventure that awaits you.

📏 Distance: 45 km
⏱️ Transfer: ~ 1h
🏔️ Altitude: 1400m

Accommodation Suggestions:

Lush landscape near Arusha
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2

Approach Hike to Simba Camp

The adventure begins! After a morning drive to Nale Moru village (1990m), you'll meet your complete team of porters and cooks. The trek starts gently on a small path that winds through cornfields and potato plantations before entering a lush pine forest. The walk is pleasant and offers a good chance of spotting the magnificent black and white Colobus monkeys. You will reach Simba Camp for your first magical night on the mountain.

📏 Distance: 8 km
⏱️ Time: 3-4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 1990m to 2625m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Simba Camp️
Trekkers in the Kilimanjaro rainforest
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3

Trek to Kikelewa Camp

The day begins with a gradual climb towards the "Second Cave" where you will take a break. The trail then leaves the main path to head east. You will progressively leave the moorland zone to enter a more rugged, semi-desert landscape, offering magnificent views of Kibo Peak as it gets closer. After a short descent, you will reach Kikelewa Camp, nestled in a sheltered and wind-protected valley.

📏 Distance: 6 km
⏱️ Time: 3-4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 2625m to 3630m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Kikelawa Camp️
Moorland landscape on the slopes of Kilimanjaro
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4

At the Foot of Mawenzi Peak

The day begins with a short but steep climb through increasingly lunar landscapes. The effort is rewarded with the spectacular arrival at Mawenzi Tarn camp (4310m), located at the foot of the jagged Mawenzi peaks, Kilimanjaro's second summit. You will have lunch at the camp and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing, a crucial step for the success of your ascent.

📏 Distance: 5 km
⏱️ Time: 3-4 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 3630m to 4310m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Mawenzi Camp️
Volcanic landscape near Mawenzi Tarn
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5

Crossing to Kibo Base Camp

Today, you will cross the "saddle," the spectacular alpine desert that connects the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The walk is moderate, but you'll feel the altitude, so you will proceed at a slow and steady pace. This lunar environment offers a feeling of total isolation. You will arrive at Kibo Hut, the base camp for the final ascent. Dinner is served early for a short night's rest before the big departure to the summit.

📏 Distance: 9 km
⏱️ Time: 4-5 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 4310m to 4720m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Kibo Camp️
High-altitude desert landscape on Kilimanjaro
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5

Trek to Kibo Base Camp

Today, you will cross the "saddle," the spectacular alpine desert that connects the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The walk is moderate, but you'll feel the altitude, so you will proceed at a slow and steady pace. This lunar environment offers a feeling of total isolation. You will arrive at Kibo Hut, the base camp for the final ascent. Dinner is served early for a short night's rest before the big departure to the summit.

📏 Distance: 9 km
⏱️ Time: 4-5 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 4310m to 4720m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Kibo Camp️
High-altitude desert landscape on Kilimanjaro
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6

The Summit (Uhuru Peak) and the Descent

This is the big day! The departure is in the middle of the night (around midnight), by the light of headlamps. The climb is slow, silent, and difficult, but the arrival at Gilman's Point (5685m) to witness the sunrise over the savanna is an unforgettable and emotional reward. You then walk along the crater rim to reach the ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak (5895m), the Roof of Africa. After the celebrations and photos, you will begin the long descent to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved night's rest.

📏 Distance: 21 km
⏱️ Time: 10-14 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 4720m to 5895m, then descending to 3720m

Accommodation:

  • Night in a tent 🏕 Horombo Camp️
Sunrise at the summit of Kilimanjaro
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7

Final Descent and Return to Moshi

The last stage of your trek is a pleasant descent through the moorland and then the lush rainforest to the Marangu Gate (1860m). This is the time to savor your final moments on the mountain, take souvenir photos, and say goodbye to your incredible team of guides and porters. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and a celebratory dinner to commemorate your achievement.

📏 Distance: 20 km
⏱️ Time: 5-7 hours
🏔️ Altitude: From 3720m to 1860m

Accommodation:

  • Night at a hotel in Moshi
Trekkers celebrating at Marangu Gate

Preparation: Key to Your Success

When to Go? (The Seasons Chart)

The best period for the ascent is during the dry seasons. Here is a complete overview:

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DRY SEASON
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What Essential Gear to Bring?

Good gear is crucial. We will provide you with a detailed list, but here are the essentials:

Technical Clothing

  • 3-layer system: thermal base layer, fleece, waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type).
  • Trekking pants and waterproof overpants.
  • Warm down jacket for the summit.
  • Beanie, warm gloves, neck gaiter.

Trekking Equipment

  • High-top, waterproof hiking boots that are already broken in.
  • Daypack (30-40L).
  • Telescopic trekking poles.
  • Headlamp with spare batteries.
  • Glacier sunglasses and 50+ SPF sunscreen.
What Physical Preparation is Needed?

No need to be a top athlete, but good physical condition is necessary. The ascent is a marathon, not a sprint. We recommend starting training at least 2 to 3 months before departure, focusing on:

  • Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming (2-3 times a week).
  • Hiking: Go on multi-hour hikes with elevation changes to get your body used to prolonged effort and to test your gear.
Entry Formalities (Passport & Visa)

Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date. It must also have at least two consecutive blank pages.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa) - The Recommended Way

A visa is mandatory. The simplest and safest method is to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online before your departure. The cost is **50 US dollars**. Use only the official government website: visa.immigration.go.tz

Health & Recommended Vaccinations

Your health is our priority. You must consult your doctor or an international vaccination center 4 to 6 weeks before your departure.

Yellow Fever: The yellow fever vaccine is not mandatory for travelers coming from Europe, unless you have transited for more than 12 hours in a country where the disease is endemic (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia...).

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Updates on universal vaccines (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio).
  • Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever (related to food and water).

Malaria

Malaria is present in Tanzania. An antimalarial treatment (prophylaxis) is strongly recommended. Also protect yourself from mosquito bites with appropriate repellents for tropical areas, long clothing in the evening, and a mosquito net (provided in all good accommodations).

What to Pack for a Safari?

We advise light clothing in neutral colors for the safari, and warm clothes for mornings and evenings. Don't forget a hat, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a pair of binoculars! A small personal first-aid kit is also recommended.

Our #1 Commitment: Your Safety

Adventure is exhilarating, but your safety remains our absolute priority at every stage of the ascent. We make no compromises on the measures implemented to ensure your well-being.

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Certified First Aid Guides

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Emergency Oxygen on Every Trek

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Satellite Communication & Tracking

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High-Energy Meals & Purified Water

Ready to Take on the Rongai Route Challenge?

Our team of experts is ready to answer all your questions and start creating your tailor-made ascent.

Receive a personalized quote

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