Exclusive Northern Entry to Mount Kilimanjaro's SummitThe Rongai Route is unique as the only Kilimanjaro trail approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. This route offers one of the most secluded and wild paths on the mountain. Its northern position means less rainfall, ensuring clearer views of the summit.
Typically, the climb takes 6-7 days, but our 7-day itinerary, "Above the African Plains," is recommended for better acclimatization. The Rongai Route's remoteness makes it one of the least crowded trails on Kilimanjaro, providing climbers with a peaceful, solitary experience.
For those seeking a crowd-free Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience and a journey through pristine natural beauty, including the Rongai Route in your climbing package is an excellent choice.
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Above the African Plains – A Day-by-Day TravelogueUpon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Lake Chala Safari Lodge (Premium)
Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,400ft) to Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft)
Elevation Gain:675m/2,210ftThis morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registering, begin your Mt Kilimanjaro Climb through the forest where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. Enjoy lunch on the trail, before continuing to the first campsite.
Overnight Simba CampSimba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)Elevation Gain:975m/3,190ftDay two takes you through Kilimanjaro's moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the Kilimanjaro Altitude.
Explore the first cave before resting over lunch close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler, contouring across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley. Trekking time is approximately 6-8 hours.
Overnight Kikelewa CampKikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft)Elevation Gain: 730m/2,400ftToday you will hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon, to help you acclimatize.
The trail is relatively short but steep, and you are rewarded with superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness.
The campsite lies below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo, allowing you to truly appreciate the impressive Kilimanjaro Height.
This spot is ideal for taking in the grandeur of Kilimanjaro’s majestic peaks.
Overnight Mawenzi TarnAcclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn CampElevation Gain:650m/2,130ftToday you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night and do not need to pack! The morning will be spent on an acclimatization walk on Mt Kilimanjaro.
Depending upon how you are feeling this can be a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, visiting the eerie site of a plane crash.
Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and an afternoon of rest.
Overnight Mawenzi TarnMawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts Camp (4,700m/15,410ft)Elevation Gain: 370m/1,210ftThe saddle crossing between Kibo and Mawenzi feels lunar and offers spectacular views, but is exposed and can be windy.
Kibo Huts Camp sits directly below the summit cone, looking down over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead.
After lunch and a full summit briefing, rest in preparation for your Kilimanjaro Summit attempt.
Overnight Kibo Huts CampKibo Huts (4,700m/15,410ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)Elevation Gain: 1,195 m/3,930ftElevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ftAround midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight.
The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m).
The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring.
After summit celebrations descend to Kibo Huts to eat, before continuing down to Horombo Huts to camp.
Total trekking time is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.
Overnight Horombo HutsHorombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,840m/6,040ft) to MoshiElevation Gain:1,880m/6,160ftFinish your trek with a descent to the Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the cloud forest.
This Climbing Kilimanjaro trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred to Moshi.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!
Experience the tranquillity one of Kilimanjaro's most secluded pathOne of the primary benefits of the Rongai Route is its lower crowd levels compared to other popular Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes.
This means climbers can enjoy a quieter and more serene trekking experience, with fewer fellow trekkers on the trail.
Some of the other major advantages of picking this route for Mount Kilimanjaro Tours include:
Expect diverse scenery when choosing the Rongai Route Itinerary – from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and barren lunar landscapes.
This gentler gradient allows for easier acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude-related illnesses, making it an ideal choice for climbers looking for a more comfortable climb.
The Rongai Route 7 Days follows the principle of ‘climb high, sleep low,’ with strategic elevation gains and descents to aid acclimatization.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route offers a different perspective of the mountain compared to other Mt Kilimanjaro Routes that start from the south. This unique vantage point provides climbers with new and exciting views.
For the best experience, choose our Best Kilimanjaro Guides to lead your journey on this remarkable route.
The following is a representation of the camps that are located along the Rongai Route and their locations (at different Mt Kilimanjaro Elevation):
| CAMP NAME | ELEVATION (in metres) | ELEVATION (in Feet) |
|
Simba Camp |
2,615 |
8,579 |
|
Kikelelwa Camp |
3,600 |
11,811 |
|
Mawenzi Tarn |
4,330 |
14,206 |
|
Kibo Hut |
4,703 |
15,430 |
Visit these diverse Kilimanjaro Campsites along the Rongai Route, each offering unique elevations and breathtaking views from Simba Camp to Kibo Hut. Perfect for acclimatizing and experiencing Kilimanjaro's beauty.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is a challenging prospect and it’s essential to note that no route is easy. Although, in comparison with other routes, the Rongai Route is considered to be one of the easier options.
The reason for this is because of the gentle incline throughout the trek which allows climbers to maintain a steady pace and conserve energy during their ascension.
In contrast to this, the Rongai Route features fewer opportunities for climbers to climb high during the day and then descend to lower altitudes for the night.
Nevertheless, with the right preparation, training, and mindset, anyone can tackle the challenge of a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Rongai Route.
The Rongai Route is known as one of the least frequented routes of the Kilimanjaro Best Routes. It offers climbers a quieter and more relaxed ascent compared to some of the more popular routes. This is mainly because the Rongai Route is the only route to approach the summit from the northern side of the mountain, attracting fewer climbers than routes starting from the southern side.
The Rongai Route offers climbers picturesque views of the northern slopes and the Kenyan plains, making it a prime choice for those seeking breathtaking Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.
African Scenic Safaris offers the Rongai Route as a seven-day group or private climb, providing climbers with our comprehensive Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.
The Kilimanjaro Climb Cost for the Rongai Route starts at $2,220 per person (based on 2 people sharing a tent) and includes seven days on the mountain, as well as one day pre trek and one day post trek hotel accommodation.
The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is all year round as this route receives less rainfall during the rainy season.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route comes highly recommended by us at African Scenic Safaris for all those seeking a quiet trail.
Another feature to consider is that the 7-day Rongai Route Itinerary gives you an additional acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp. This will allow for gradual altitude adjustment and reduce the risk of Kilimanjaro Altitude sickness.
Embrace the scenic journey to Kilimanjaro's summit. Traverse Rongai and capture the peak's majesty.
Kilimanjaro welcomes everyone from beginners to experts, yet demands cautious respect. Our expert guides and premium gear safeguard a safe ascent, protecting against the risks of high-altitude sickness.
This comprehensive list contains a list of all items essential for Climbing Kilimanjaro.
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Answered by Simbo Natai
The Rongai Route typically takes 7 days to complete but can also be done in 6 days.
1The Kili Rongai Route has a moderate level of difficulty and is suitable for climbers with a good fitness level.
2At African Scenic Safaris we consider that a successful climb is making it up and back down Kilimanjaro safely, regardless of whether you reached the summit or not. In this regard, our success rate is 100%. Nonetheless, the Rongai Route Success Rate is moderate.
3Yes, the Rongai Route is very scenic, particularly at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut where you will be at the foot of Mawenzi peak.
4The average daily trekking distance of the 7 Days Rongai Route Itinerary is around 6 to 12 kilometres. Though, this depends upon the itinerary and the campsite locations.
5Rongai Route Kilimanjaro is generally less crowded compared to other popular Kilimanjaro Routes like the Machame and Lemosho. This results in a more serene and secluded experience.
6While prior trekking experience is advantageous, specific training is not mandatory for Climbing Kilimanjaro Rongai Route. However it is recommended that you engage in cardio and endurance training for the physical demands of the trek.
7The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is all year round as this route experiences less rainfall during the rainy season.
8The Rongai Route Itinerary typically has four camp stays including Simba Camp, Kikuletwa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, and Kibo Hut and Horombo Hut.
9Some attractions of the Rongai Route Kilimanjaro include the unique perspective of Kilimanjaro’s northern side, opportunities to spot primates in the rainforest section, and diverse landscapes ranging from rainforest to alpine desert, etc.
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African Scenic Safaris holds a perfect 5.0/5 rating across 54 reviews on Safari Bookings, reflecting unmatched customer satisfaction.
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We spent an incredible 10 days and 9 nights exploring the stunning landscapes of Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – it was truly a dream come true for us, and a trip we will never, ever forget!
African Scenic Safaris was recommended to us by someone who has gone with them twice over the past several years. We recently returned from a 9-day safari and five days in Zanzibar. From start to finish, our experience with them was great.
My friend and I had an absolutely AMAZING experience with African Scenic! From the fantastic coordination provided by our agent Nembris to the amazing guides on our 7-day Machame trek on Kili Godwin and Gadiel (Double G 😁)
GlobeTrotting745722 LSummit at: 8 May 2023
LucasSummit at: 28 September 2022
EmzussSummit at: 15 August 2022
Giovanna VSummit at:02 September 2023
The best experience ever! I have wanted to climb Kilimanjaro for the longest time, but I was always worried about maintaining safety, finding a company that supports the local community, and making it to the summit. This company covers it all! I felt safe at all times, the lead guide (Aloyce) was very experienced and talked us through each day and what to expect. He knew what to watch out for with altitude sickness and there were checks every night to see what symptoms we were having and what our oxygen saturation was at (we did not have any issues until summit day, and even then the symptoms were mild). He picked up on me having a little difficulty with the cold and moved up our summit night. I am so glad we had such an experienced guide because I am not sure if I would have made it to the top without his expertise! The rest of the crew were also amazing. This company is local and Tanzanian owned and they also make sure that the porters are treated well, receiving adequate pay for their work and getting food/sleep which cannot be said for every company out there. It was also very reasonably priced and the owner Simba was very quick with his responses to any questions we had. I had even forgotten something to bring to do during down times on the mountain and he let me borrow one of his personal books to read. Would definitely choose this company again! Climbing Kilimanjaro was definitely a difficult feat but is also very doable and not as scary as it seems, especially with the support of this great group of people at African Scenic Safaris!
I just returned from my Kilimanjaro climb that was booked with African Scenic Safaris.
It was an amazing and life changing experience!! All thanks to the wonderful people from African Scenic Safaris. I only received the most wonderful professional service from everybody involved. From my driver Noel to guide Francis and reservations agent Nembris the service was exceptional. A huge big thank you to everybody from African Scenic!!! You will see me again.
This review is for travel during April/May 2021. My experience with African Scenic Safaris was great from start to finish. Simbo was very easy to get in touch with via email and Whatsapp, and he was very prompt to respond to my many questions during the planning process. He helped me and my friend craft a personalized itinerary for a safari and summiting Kilimanjaro. We enjoyed spending some time with Tom for our short safari, and loved trekking with Joel and Alfred during our Kili trek (via Rongai route). Our entire team was incredibly helpful and fun the entire journey, and they were very easy going and happy to change up the itinerary when we realized we wanted to go faster. I also really appreciated getting to meet Simbo and Joel on our first day to finalize plans and answer other questions. Would recommend planning a trek with this company, and wouldn't hesitate to use their guiding services for any future trips to Tanzania. Asante!
We were a group of 3, did a couple of days of safari at Tarangire National Park and Kilimanjaro trekking via Lemosho route (8 days). Everything has been terrific and ran very smoothly! Nembris, at the office, has been great during the booking process. She replied to all our questions with patience and competence. A staff Member showed up at the hotel with our trekking head guide the day before departing for the trekking for the briefing and for checking all our equipment. Said, our head guide and Lion, the assistant guide: they have been professional, very friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond and I'm 100% sure that listening to their advice has been the main key to reaching the summit! No need to say that all the crew of porters have been excellent... African Scenic Safari has a strong attitude towards responsible travel and sustainability. Furthermore, they are partner with KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). We would definitely use them again!
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