8 Days Rongai Route

The 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is a more gradual ascend and it is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened climbers. 

Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.

Rongai offers a true wilderness experience on the early stages of the climb and allows less acclimatisation opportunities than some of the other routes and the final summit attempt is also considered fairly hard going.

This extraordinary Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expedition promises an indelible adventure to the intrepid few who dare to venture towards the pinnacle of Africa.

Duration

8 days

Group Size

06 people

Tour Type

Trekking

Languages

English

  • Remote and Quiet
  • Known for its solitude, it is the least crowded route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a peaceful trekking experience.

  • Northern Approach
  • Begins on the northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, providing unique perspectives and different scenery compared to southern routes.

  • Wildlife Sightings
  • Higher chances of spotting wildlife such as elephants and antelope in the lower slopes.

  • Diverse Ecosystems
  • Trek through various ecological zones including lush rainforests, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zones.

  • Scenic Campsites
  • Overnight stays at picturesque campsites like Simba Camp and Kikelewa Camp.

Itinerary

We will send a driver to the airport to pick you up and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Orientation will take place at the hotel. Mbuga Wonderlust Adventures guides will emphasize all the important details regarding your trek and inspect your hiking gear. If you do not have, we do have equipment for hiring. Note that this route is a camping style, so we will provide all camping gear. We normally assign 4 porters per climber and 1 head guide and assistant depending on the group size.
Main Destination:Arusha (City)
Accommodation:Budget camping
Meals Included: Dinner
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6.5km Altitude Gain: 700m
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Marangu Gate (approximately 1,8km). After the necessary park registration is completed, we will proceed to the Nalemoru Gate (Just under 2km). There will be an opportunity to meet your crew and a comforting hot lunch will be served at the gate. We will go on a great journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your trek starts with a twisting path that intersects with a field of maize. We will enter the ember canopies of the dense forest and walk along the moist floor. The trees above the misty paths are home to the striking blue monkey, the contrasting black and white colobus and the adorable bush baby. The trek lasts three to four hours. We will spend the night at the Simba Camp (2650m). Comprehensive camping facilities are provided.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking Time: 6-7hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 950m
In the morning the journey towards Kibo will resume. At the second ancient cave, an appetizing hot lunch will be served. After lunch we will trek through a brief section of the barren dunes of the moorland and continue amid the heather vegetation zone which is studded with ethereal, enormous lobelias. There is a high possibility of viewing the breath- taking display of the Kibo Peak. There is also a chance that we may spot jackals and the odd buffalo – there is no need to panic as your guide accompanies you at all times. Once we reach the Kikelewa Caves camp, you can relax for the remaining hours of the day (3600m).
Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 6km Altitude Gain: 370m
After Breakfast will be served at the campsite. Our day begins on a short inclined pasture that leads to an area of wilderness. A low desert environment will replace the limited vegetation. We will arrive at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m) where a delectable hot lunch will be served. There is a possibility of small excursions for acclimatisation taking place but you are likely to spend the rest of the day lounging at the campsite.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking Time: 4-5hrs Distance: 9km Altitude Gain: 370m
Note that the trail progressively becomes steeper and stonier as we advance further away from the Mawenzi Tarn Hut. We will travel up a desolate site that leads to ‘The Saddle’ – an extensive lunar lava stone landscape that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo. The journey is complimented by the marvellous views of the towering upper regions of the Kilimanjaro. Our trek will come to an end when we reach the Kibo Huts (4703m) and a steaming hot meal will be served in the afternoon. You can relax for the remainder of the day. We recommend that you try to get to bed early so you are revitalized for the climb to the summit at midnight.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking Time: 6-8hrs ascent, 5-6hrs descent Distance: 5km ascent, 15km descent Altitude Gain: 1195m, Altitude Loss: 2195m
Our voyage to the summit begins at midnight and this is the longest, most laborious day of the whole trek. The trail consists of a long, sharp slope until we pass the Hans Meyer Cave. At this point, the path transforms into a twisting, single-file lane. To reach Gillman’s Point (5685m) you will use a brief path with a terrain that is laden with rocks, some climbing is necessary. This is the biggest difficulty of the ascension. Gilman’s point or the lips of Kilimanjaro indicate that Uhuru Peak (5895m) is merely a two-hour hike away. Once you progress to Uhuru and behold the spectacle of the first peach hued rays of light brushing against the ice laden fields of the Mawenzi Peaks – you will comprehend the magnitude of your victory. We won’t spend too much time at Uhuru as we have to start our descent to the Kibo Hut. We will take a short, desirable break. We will proceed to the Horombo Huts and at this point, you will beam with joy at the sight of your sleeping bag.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walking Time: 5-6hrs Distance: 20km Altitude Gain: 1195m Altitude Loss: 1900m
After breakfast, we will descend to the Marangu gate. On our journey, we will encounter the Mandara Hut and travel through the lush rainforest once again. When we get to the Marangu gate you will be awarded with a certificate to prove that you completed the 8 days Rongai Route. After the brief festivities with your porters conclude you will be transported back to the hotel – where a piping hot shower, soft mattress and fresh clothes await. You may even want to try one or two Kilimanjaro beers!
Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect your flight back home. If you’ve decided to go in a safari – well, that’s another adventure and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you!
Meals Breakfast
Note - If you would prefer to go for a safari, the Mbuga Wonderlust Adventures guide will pick you up from the hotel start your next adventure in Tanzania.

Included:

  • Transport fees to and from Kilimanjaro Airport and your accommodation in Arusha
  • 2 nights of stay at a hotel in Arusha
  • Transfer to and from the Kilimanjaro Gate
  • Mountain guides, cooks, and porters who are both professional and friendly
  • Hot meals served three times per day
  • Filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Set fair wages for the mountain crew which are approved by the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO), and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit

Excluded:

  • Lunch, dinner, and drink at your hotel both before and after your climb
  • International Flights
  • Visa Fees
  • Vaccination
  • Laundry
  • Gear for your climb
  • A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent. It can be rented at $70 for the entire trek
  • Items of personal nature

Itinerary Maps

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BEST Tanzania experience!

Just WOW! Its our first time in Tanzania and this experience blew our expectations. We were accompanied from our arrival in the airport and throughout our whole trip by our driver and guide

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One of the nicest experience in our lives! The welcoming, the lodges, the games were good, but having Danny as our driver/guide was superb.

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Best trip ever!

My Friend and I did an 8 days Tanzania trip that included a day hike to Mount Kilimanjaro, 2 days of game drive in the Serengeti Park, a day at the Ngorongoro Crater, a hot air ballon ride, and 3 days in Zanzibar.

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Best trip ever!

My Friend and I did an 8 days Tanzania trip that included a day hike to Mount Kilimanjaro, 2 days of game drive in the Serengeti Park, a day at the Ngorongoro Crater, a hot air ballon ride, and 3 days in Zanzibar.

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Sara Mohamed

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BEST Tanzania experience!

Just WOW! Its our first time in Tanzania and this experience blew our expectations. We were accompanied from our arrival in the airport and throughout our whole trip by our driver and guide

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Ana M

Jakatar

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Amazing experience

One of the nicest experience in our lives! The welcoming, the lodges, the games were good, but having Danny as our driver/guide was superb.

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Myra E

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Incredible trip with an incredible guide

Incredible trip with our incredible guide, Danny. Not the usual safari: we spent time living with the Maasai and explored 3 different parks seeing all the animals (except the leopard - this time!).

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Pearce

USA

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Best trip ever!

My Friend and I did an 8 days Tanzania trip that included a day hike to Mount Kilimanjaro, 2 days of game drive in the Serengeti Park, a day at the Ngorongoro Crater, a hot air ballon ride, and 3 days in Zanzibar.

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DeniciaQ

UK

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