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Moshi · Kilimanjaro Region · Tanzania
6-Day Rongai Route Trek in Mount Kilimanjaro
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From $2,490.23 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai’s ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu. It is one of Kilimanjaro’s easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Ascend Kilimanjaro from the quieter, scenic northern side
- Rongai offers a gradual, steady, and easier climb
- Fewer crowds compared to other popular Kilimanjaro routes
- Enjoy remote wilderness and peaceful natural surroundings
- Chance to spot wildlife in early trekking days
- Similar ascent profile to Marangu, with better solitude
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Drive to Rongai Gate for registration and to begin the climb. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be collected by your head guide and driven to Kilimanjaro National Park, Rongai Gate for registration and to begin the climb.
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Moshi
Local Flavor. From here you travel by vehicle onto the village of Nale Moru at around 1,950 meters.
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Moshi
Nature Walks. Today’s walk is around 3 to 4 hours, beginning on a small path that winds its way through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. You will gradually ascend through an attractive forest to the edge of the moorland zone.
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Moshi
Eco Tour. Extensive views over the Kenyan plains will be the highlight of today. (Note that it can be wet in the rainforest and it is recommended to carry your waterproofs with you should you need them.)
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Moshi
Dinner and overnight at Simba campsite (2,650m). Walking distance: 6.5 km/4 miles Walking time: 3-4 hours Altitude gain: 700 m/2300 ft
Day 2
Moshi
Sightseeing. Set off to the Kikelelwa Caves. After breakfast at camp, you set off to the Kikelelwa Caves. On this day you will walk around 5-6 hours from the campsite, with a steady ascent up to Second Cave at 3,450 meters. Here you are rewarded (weather permitting) with superb views of Kibo (the summit) and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
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Moshi
Tonight we have dinner and camp overnight near Kikelelwa caves at 3,800m. Walking distance: 9 km/5.6 miles. Walking time: 6-7 hours. Altitude gain: 950 m/3110 ft.
Day 3
Moshi
Hiking. Trek to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Today’s trek is shorter, being around 3- 4 hours but involves some steeper sections. Leaving camp at a short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by a real sense of wilderness and stunning all-round views. The vegetation zone is left behind.
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Moshi
Dinner and overnight at Mawenzi. Tarn Hut (4,330m). Walking distance: 6 km/3.7 miles Walking time: 3-4 hours Altitude gain: 730 m/2400 ft Afternoon acclimatization walk to about 4500 m/14760 ft
Day 4
Moshi
Sightseeing. Cross the lunar desert. On this day you will walk for 4 to 5 hours as we cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo (Kilimanjaro’s two highest peaks).
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Moshi
Early dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut (4,700M). Walking distance: 9 km/5.6 miles. Walking time: 4-5 hours. Altitude gain: 370 m/1215 ft.
Day 5
Moshi
Hiking at Mawenzi. Beginning the summit attempt. You will be woken early (around midnight) for a hot drink and snack before beginning the summit attempt. We will trek very slowly by torchlight to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s point at 5,685 meters. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi peak.
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Moshi
Nature Walks. We then continue to Uhuru (freedom) peak at 5,895 meters, the roof of Africa! We descend to Kibo hut, at 4700m to rest and have brunch before we continue down to camp at Horombo hut (3,720m). Walking distance: 5 km/3.1 miles ascent + 15 km/9.3 miles descent Walking time: 5-6 hrs + 1-2 hours up, 5-6 hours down (the overall walking time may vary from 10 – 16 hours) Altitude gain: 1000 m/ 3280 ft (Gilman’s Point) or 1195 m/3920 ft (Uhuru Peak) Descent: 2195 m/7200 ft
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Moshi
Overnight at Horombo Huts.
Day 6
Moshi
Hiking. Descend From Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate then A Drive to Moshi Town The final day is a descent of around 5 -7 hours to Marangu Park Gate (1,700m) where you will sign out of the mountain.
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Moshi
Nature Walks. The walk is through lush forest on good paths.
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You will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Walking distance: 20 km/12.5 miles Walking time: 5 hours Descent: 1840 m/6040 ft
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
All Fees and Taxes Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport Hotel the night before and the night after the climb, with breakfast included Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summit aid) and the Basic first aid kit Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook & their wages Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress) Hot water for a wash daily
Not Included
Flights & Visas Travel & Health Insurances Gratuities Personal hiking/trekking gear–you opt to rent the gears from equipment stores in Moshi Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet Personal medicine and water purifying tablets Meals & drinks not specified and snacks
What to Bring
Passport required
Restrictions
Not stroller accessible Not suitable for pets No public transportation nearby Infants must not sit on laps
Meeting & Pickup
Moshi Urban - Moshi Urban, Kilimanjaro Region.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 1 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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