The Rongai route is the only route that starts from the north eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro which is close to the Kenyan border, due to its remote location the Rongai route has much lower traffic compared to the other Mount Kilimanjaro routes. This route retains a sense of un spoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective while climbing Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai route is flatter than other Mount Kilimanjaro routes and generally considered as one of the easiest however it does not offer the advantage of trekking high and sleeping low due to its topography.
The Rongai route is normally trekked in 6 days but can be trekked in seven to eight days which is highly recommended for acclimatization.
The summit night from Kibo hut follows the same path as for the trekkers on the Marangu route through Gilman`s point to Uhuru peak.
The Rongai route ascends on the northern side and descends on the south eastern side of the mountain via the Marangu route. The scenery is not as varied compared to the western routes but the remoteness is what make some pick this route.
Mega Adventures recommends the trail for those who have less experience climbing or are unprepared, those looking for a more remote hike , less traffic and are willing to pay a little extra for the distant transfer from Moshi.
The main difference between the 6 & 7 days Rongai route is the acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn hut
Day 1 | From – To | Distance | Elevation | Hiking time | Habitat |
1 | Rongai Gate (Nale Moru Gate) – Simba Camp | 7 kms | 1996 -2626m | 3-4hrs | Rainforest |
2 | Simba Camp – Kikelewa Cave
|
12 kms
|
2626 -3679m
|
6-7 hrs | Moorland |
3 | Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut | 4 kms | 3679- 4303m | 3 hrs | Moorland |
4 | Mawenzi Tarn Hut –Mawenzi Ridge
Mawenzi Ridge – Mawenzi Tarn Hut |
2 kms
2 kms |
4303 – 4389
4389 – 4303 |
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs |
Alpine desert |
5 | Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut | 9 kms | 4303 – 4730m | 5hrs | Alpine desert |
6 | Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT)
Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut |
5.5 kms
15 kms |
4730 -5895m
5985 – 3705m |
7-8hrs
6-7 hrs |
Alpine desert – Arctic
Arctic –Alpine Desert – Moorland |
7 | Horombo hut – Mandara Hut –
Marangu Gate – Pickup and Transfer to Hotel in Moshi |
20kms | 3705 – 1860m | 6 hrs | Moorland -Rainforest |
Day 1 | From – To | Distance | Elevation | Hiking time | Habitat |
1 | Rongai Gate (Nale Moru Gate) – Simba Camp | 7 kms | 1996 -2626m | 3-4hrs | Rainforest |
2 | Simba Camp – Kikelewa Cave
|
12 kms
|
2626 -3679m
|
6-7 hrs | Moorland |
3 | Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut | 4 kms | 3679- 4303m | 3 hrs | Moorland |
4 | Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut | 9 kms | 4303 – 4730m | 5hrs | Alpine desert |
5 | Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT)
Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut |
5.5 kms
15 kms |
4730 -5895m
5985 – 3705m |
7-8hrs
6-7 hrs |
Alpine desert – Arctic
Arctic –Alpine Desert – Moorland |
6 | Horombo hut – Mandara Hut –
Marangu Gate – Pickup and Transfer to Hotel in Moshi |
20kms | 3705 – 1860m | 6 hrs | Moorland -Rainforest |
NO. of PAX in one group | Above 6PAX | 4-6PAX | 2-3PAX | 1PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price/Person | $1,350 | $1,400 | $1,550 | $1,810 |
NO. of PAX in one group | Above 6PAX | 4-6PAX | 2-3PAX | 1PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price/Person | $1,500 | $1,585 | $1,760 | $2,100 |
(255) 715 820280
info@megaadventurestravel.com
P.O. Box 8005 Moshi
Mawenzi Rd, We Travel Hostel 1st Floor.
Opposite Kindoroko Hotel