Rongai Route 7 Days – Kilimanjaro Trekking
- Kilimanjaro NP
Overview
The Rongai Route is a tranquil, lesser-traveled path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, starting from Nale Muru near the Kenyan border and ending at Marangu Gate. This 7-day climb features a gradual ascent, ideal for acclimatization, and offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts. Trekkers will encounter a variety of wildlife, including colobus and blue monkeys, forest elephants, and a rich array of birdlife in the rainforest zone. As the trail ascends through the moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones, sightings of sunbirds, hyraxes, unique flora like Giant Groundsels and Lobelias, and hardy birds such as the Alpine Chat and White-necked Raven become highlights. The serene and scenic journey through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones, coupled with lower traffic and rich biodiversity, makes the Rongai Route a memorable and rewarding adventure.
Route Highligts
- Diverse Ecological Zones
- Panoramic Views and Scenic Beauty
- Comfortable Hut Accommodations
Itinerary
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.
Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate.
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP
- Distance: 7 km / 5 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
- Altitude Gained: 638m
Depart from Moshi and drive for 4-5 hours through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After permits are issued, begin your trek through beautiful wooded scenery and winding trails. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Simba Camp, near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offers spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP
- Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
- Altitude Gained: 852m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, continue along the moorland terrain on a consistently ascending path. You’ll enjoy terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as you approach the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELEWA CAMP
- Distance: 5.95 km / 3.7 mi
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
- Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12,057ft
- Altitude Gained: 188m
After breakfast and packing, continue the steady ascent across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hike brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 4: KIKELEWA CAMP- MAWENZI TARN
- Distance: 3.75 km / 2.3 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
- Elevation: 3675m/12,057ft to 4302m/14,114ft
- Altitude Gained: 627m
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area for acclimatization.
DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT
- Distance: 8.9 km / 5 mi
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
- Altitude Gained: 412m
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Huts at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on summit night.
DAY 6: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT – HOROMBO HUTS
- Distance Up: 4 km / 2.5 mi
- Duration Up: 5-7 hours
- Distance Down: 15.75 km / 9.8 mi
- Duration Down: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation Up: 4750m/15,580ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained: 1145m
- Descent to: 3721m/12,208ft
- Altitude Lost: 2174m
Start early, between midnight and 2 a.m., for the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest here. The remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak may involve snow. After celebrations and photos at the summit, begin your steep descent to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
- Altitude Lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Continue the descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you will be leaving them here. Return to Marangu Gate to receive your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Credit Card Transfer Fees
Not Included
- Flight
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendations
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Tips for porters and mountain crew? ($20 Guide, $15 Cook, $10 Porter)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
- No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
Supplements
- Off-season supplement = USD 105
Charged for solo trekkers looking to start a new departure in March, April, May, and November. Does not apply if you join an existing group. Does not apply if other trekkers also join your new group.
Private Trek
Solo Trekker
$ 2097 USD*
2 Persons
$ 1916 USD*
4 Persons
$ 1867 USD*
6 Persons
$ 1832 USD*
8 Persons
$ 1816 USD*
10+ Persons
$ 1804 USD*
Available Discounts
- Children between 5 years and 15 years old
Code: CHILDKILI10 – USD 690 per person - Expatriates/Residents living in Tanzania
Code: EXPATKILI10 – USD 245 per person - East African Citizens
Code: EACKILI10 – USD 880 per person
ADDONS
HOTELS
Enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure with our comfortable addon hotels. Perfect for pre and post-climbing accommodation, offering relaxation, modern amenities, and seamless transitions for an unforgettable journey.
GEAR
Enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure with our addon gear options. Ensure you’re fully equipped with high-quality trekking gear, including jackets, boots, poles, and more, for a safe and comfortable climb.
TRANSFERS
Make your Kilimanjaro adventure seamless with our addon transfer options. Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers to and from your hotel, ensuring comfort, safety, and convenience at the start and end of your journey
How it works
- Describe your dream adventure
- Expert will help curate your experience
- Confirm & start packing for the adventure
Let's plan your dream Safari!
Enquire now and Our Experts will get back to you within 24 hours
