The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route). The Rongai route use the scree summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and descend via the Marangu route. The main itinerary difference between the Rongai 6 day and 7 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Mwenzi Tarn.
You will be picked up by the staff of Travel Holidays Tours & Safari from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.
| Accommodation | Moshi Salsalinero Hotel |
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6.7km
Habitat: Forest (Montane)
We depart from Moshi town and drive 45mins. to Marangu park gate for registration. From there, we travel to Naro Moru, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai starting point (1996m). We begin our hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then we climb gently through a forest. The trail is not steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful countryside. The first night’s camp is at Simba Camp (2626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.
| Accommodation | Simba Hut |
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
Habitat: Moorlands
We hike from Simba camp to Kibo (3482m). We arrive for lunch at First Caves. The distance is 5.8km. After lunch, we continue trekking until we reach Kikelewa Camp at about 3679m. Here you will have an amazing view including a stream of water below the cave.
| Accommodation | Kikelewa Camp |
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
Hiking time: 3 hours •Distance: Approximately 3.7km •Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offer superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Here we spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
| Accommodation | Mawenzi Tarn Camp |
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo. We then cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
| Accommodation | Kibo Hut |
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak | 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuit, we begin our ascent. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillmans Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa!
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend taking photographs and enjoying the amazing scenery. Afterwards, we begin our 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hut, we gather all our remaining gears and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. Later in the evening, you will have your last dinner on the mountain and have a well-earned sleep.
| Accommodation | Kibo Hut |
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest
After breakfast, we continue our descent for around 6 hours passing the Mandara hut down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate, successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. Afterwards, we drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and celebration.
| Accommodation | Moshi Salsalinero Hotel |
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
What’s included?
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water on all days
- Camping Equipment
- Porterage
What’s not included?
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- Rescue Fee
- Climbing Gear
- Sleeping Bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Most guided climbs have experienced guides and porters trained in first aid. In case of emergencies, evacuation procedures are in place, including the use of helicopters if necessary.
The duration of the climb depends on the route chosen, but most treks take between five to nine days to reach the summit and descend.
Altitude sickness can affect climbers due to the rapid altitude gain. It’s essential to acclimatize properly and be aware of symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness.
No prior climbing experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of fitness and preparation is recommended for the trek.
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, waterproof gear, and high-energy snacks. Check out our packing list for a comprehensive reference.
Yes, permits are required for all climbers, and they must be arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator.
Accommodation on Kilimanjaro varies depending on the route but generally includes tents for camping and lodges along the trekking route.
While it’s technically possible, climbing Kilimanjaro without a guide is strongly discouraged due to safety reasons and the complexity of the terrain.
The overall success rate for reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is around 65-70%, with factors such as route choice, fitness level, and altitude acclimatization affecting individual success.
There are no strict age restrictions, but climbers must be in good health and sufficiently fit to undertake the trek.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is considered challenging, primarily due to the altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. However, with proper preparation and guidance, it is achievable for many trekkers.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is considered challenging, primarily due to the altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. However, with proper preparation and guidance, it is achievable for many trekkers.
While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to show appreciation for the hard work of guides and porters. A suggested amount is around $20 USD per day, per person, but tipping amounts may vary based on the level of service and satisfaction.
