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Rongai Route 7 Days – Kilimanjaro Trekking

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

Itinerary

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
Kilimanjaro International Airport

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 this mark the end of Rongai Route 7 Days – Kilimanjaro Trek

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.

$ 2097

Starting from $ 2097 per Person Sharing

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*
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Included

Not Included

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

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HOTELS

LODGE
SINGLE ROOM
DOUBLE ROOM
TRIPLE ROOM
Lindrin Lodge
$ 55
$ 70
$ 105
Keys Hotel
$ 69
$ 94
$ 122
Park View Inn
$ 81
$ 91
$ 170
Kiliwonders Hotel
$ 140
$ 160

Kili Luxury Camp

$ 140
$ 160

Please note that if any hotel is booked out or is otherwise unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.

If you are booking a hotel directly, please do check with us before booking, to make sure we can meet you and pick you up from the hotel.

GEAR

GEAR
PRICE
Private Toilet
$ 150
Thicker sleeping mattress
$ 10 per Mattress
Thermarest
$ 15

Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2 inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt a 4 inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.

All Equipments Subject to Availability

TRANSFERS

ROUTE OPTIONS
PRICE
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi (one way)
$ 50
Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) (one way)
$ 50
Arusha to Moshi (one way)
$ 100
Moshi to Arusha (one way)
$ 100

Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2 inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt a 4 inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.

All Equipments Subject to Availability

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