Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended to those with less backpacking experience. The trip includes a day-by-day trek from airport pickup and overnight in Arusha, then hiking from Rongai Gate through 1st Caves Camp, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Hut, summit attempt to Uhuru Peak, and descent to Horombo Hut and Marangu Gate. Transportation is by MiniVan, accommodation is Mountain Hut/camping, and the tour type is Eco-Tour, Hiking. Maximum altitude is 5,895 metres. Best season is Feb, Mar, Apr & May. Group size is 2-15. Minimum age is 10 and maximum age is 65.
Itinerary
Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation in Arusha.
You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and driven to Tulia Spa & Boutique Hotel in Arusha. After arrival, the guide briefs you on the hike, the day-by-day plan, and checks your gear. Meals at own expense and drinks are not included.
Hike from Rongai Gate to 1st Caves Camp.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from Panama Garden Resort and driven to Marangu Gate, where porters organize and pack belongings and you register with TANAPA. You then transfer to the Rongai trailhead and hike through cornfields and pine forest to 1st Caves Camp. Hiking time is about 5 hours, distance approximately 8 kilometers, and all meals are included with drinking water.
Continue ascending to Kikelewa Cave.
After a hot breakfast, hikers continue to Kikelewa Cave. The trail passes Second Cave, where lunch can be taken. Tents are prepared before arrival and the camp provides drinking and washing water. All meals are included with drinking water.
Short but steep hike to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Hikers take a short, steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp. In the moorlands, you may spot exotic plants such as giant lobelia and groundsel. The camp offers spectacular views, acclimatization time, hot dinner, and washing water. All meals are included with drinking water.
Half-day ascent to Kibo Hut in the Saddle.
After breakfast, hikers continue east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut, located in the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. There is no water at this camp, but mineral water and soft drinks can be bought at the office. An early dinner is served before summit night. All meals are included with drinking water.
Night ascent to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut.
The guide wakes hikers around 11:30 pm to begin the summit attempt from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, via Hans Meyer Cave and Gillman’s Point. After a short time at the summit, the descent begins back to Kibo Hut and then continues to Horombo Hut. All meals are included with drinking water.
Final descent, certificates, and transfer after the trek.
After breakfast, staff celebrate with dancing and singing. Hikers present tips to the mountain crew, then descend to Marangu Gate. The national park issues certificates of completion, with green for Gillman’s Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. Afterward, you return to Arusha/Moshi or the airport; next-day airport drop-off can also be arranged.
Useful Information
- visa fees are mentioned among personal items in exclusions, but no specific required documents are explicitly listed in the HTML
- Transportation: MiniVan. Accommodation: Mountain Hut. Maximum Altitude: 5,895 metres. Departure from: Arusha. Best season: Feb, Mar, Apr & May. Tour type: Eco-Tour, Hiking. Meals: All meals during the trek. Language: English, Spanish, French, Chinese. Fitness level: Easy to Moderate. Group Size: 2-15. Minimum Age: 10. Maximum Age: 65. Price shown: From $2,900 / Adult and From $2,700 / Child. Best Price Guaranteed. No Booking Fees. Professional Local Guide.