Less crowded due to its remote location, the Rongai Route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience, where sightings of large wildlife like antelope, elephant, and buffalo are possible. With less moisture on this side of the mountain, encounters with rain are less likely, providing clearer views of the peak. Although flatter, it lacks the climb high, sleep low option, so it’s advisable to allocate more days for acclimatization.
The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro, being the only route to approach from the north, with descent via the Marangu Route. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep, following the same path as the Marangu route to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred for overnight accommodation at a Hotel, 4 stars B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check, and equipment rental arrangements.
Departing from Moshi, a 4-5 hour drive takes you through coffee plantations and the Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Enjoy wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Simba Camp sits near the first cave on the moorland zone edge, offering views of the plains of Kenya.
After a restful night and breakfast, continue through moorland terrain, enjoying views of Kibo and the Eastern crater rim’s ice fields. Temperatures begin to drop as you approach Second Cave.
Continue your ascent across the Moorland towards Kikelewa Camp, with jagged peaks of Mawenzi looming closer. This shorter hiking day allows for appreciation of the surrounding beauty while ensuring acclimatization. Keep a keen eye on your well-being and communicate any signs of altitude sickness to your guide.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.
Take on the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek, commencing with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascend towards the summit, navigating between glaciers and heavy scree to reach Stella Point. Experience the breathtaking sunrise and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. After celebrating this remarkable achievement, begin the descent to Mweka Camp, passing through Barafu for lunch. As you descend, take in the awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped summit. Enjoy a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp, reminiscing on the journey’s triumphs.
After breakfast and a farewell ceremony with your crew, descend to Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your team. Receive summit certificates at Marangu Park Gate. Weather gets warmer and terrain tougher, so use gaiters and trekking poles. Return to Moshi by vehicle for a relaxing evening.
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