Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the only route that starts from the north side of the mountain, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences fewer climbers. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a considered by some as the easiest route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu Route. Although Marangu Route has huts, those who are descending from the Rongai Route will spend overnights in tents.

Claris Tours and Travel offers Rongai as a six or seven-day climb. The six-day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.

The Prices includes:
The Prices excludes:

The Prices includes:

2 nights of hotel accommodation in Moshi (1 before & 1 after climb)
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport
Group transport to and from Moshi to the trailhead
Expert guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
Oxygen Cylinder(s) for emergency use
Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
Purified drinking water while on the mountain

The Prices excludes:

Airfare
Tanzanian tourist visa
Lunch or dinner at hotel
Beverages at hotel
Personal gear and equipment
Tips
Medical/Emergency Evacuation Insurance

6 Days Trekking + 2 nights hotel stay

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our friendly driver.
If you are stuck in queue exiting the immigration/baggage area do not fret. Our driver will still be waiting for you.
It will be approximately a 45-minute drive to Moshi. Unless your arrival is late at night, on this day you will
have a pre-climb briefing with your guide who will answer all your questions, and we will go through a thorough
equipment check. If you are lacking any items, all are available for rental locally in good quality and condition.

Day 2: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Day 3: Rongai Cave to to Second Cave

Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave Camp for the night.

Day 4: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo’s crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Day 8: Departure - Hotel/Lodge to The Airport

On this day, our driver will be available to take you to Kilimanjaro Aiport at any hour necessary for your flight. Breakfast at
the hotel this day is included as part of your climb package. Checkout time is 10 am. If you need to stay longer, let us know and
we will arrange for a day room if available.