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Overview

The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness compared to other routes. The Rongai route uses the scree summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and descends via the Marangu route.

The main itinerary difference between the Rongai 6 and 7 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Mwenzi Tarn.

Best time to visit: Dec–Mid–March / Mid–June–October

📅 Duration
7 days

Day by Day Itinerary
Climb Rongai Route

You will be picked up by the staff of Pori Adventures and Safaris from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.

Inclusion: Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Moshi Salsalinero Hotel

Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6.7km
Habitat: Forest (Montane)

We depart from Moshi town and drive 45mins to Marangu park gate for registration. Then we drive a further 2.5 hours to the Rongai starting point. The hike begins from Nale Moru village, gently climbing through maize fields, pine forest, and into beautiful countryside. Overnight at Simba Camp.

Inclusion: Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Simba Hut

Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
Habitat: Moorlands

Trek to Kibo for lunch at First Caves, then continue to Kikelewa Camp. You will enjoy great views and a stream near the cave.

Inclusion: Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 3.7km
Habitat: Moorlands

Steep but short climb up grassy slopes. Reach Mawenzi Tarn beneath towering Mawenzi spires. Afternoon spent acclimatizing and exploring.

Inclusion: Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

Ascend to Kibo Hut via the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Day spent resting for the midnight summit attempt.

Inclusion: Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Hiking time: 7–8 hrs to summit, 6–8 hrs to Horombo
Distance: 5.4km ascent, 15km descent
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Start at 23:20. Hike via Hans Meyer Cave to Gilman’s Point, then Uhuru Peak. Return to Kibo for a rest, then descend to Horombo. Very tough day; expect around 14 hours of hiking.

Inclusion: Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest

Descend past Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate (Green for Gilman’s Point, Gold for Uhuru). Return to Moshi for hot shower and celebration.

Inclusion: Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Moshi Salsalinero Hotel

Tour Inquiry

Styled Tour Form

Traveler’s Details

✅ Tour Inclusions

  • All national park entrance fees

  • All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)

  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide

  • Services of porters (for treks where applicable)

  • All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle (unless stated as optional)

  • Government taxes and levies, including any officially imposed increases in park fees

❌ Tour Exclusions

  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 per person per day)

  • Climbing gear and personal equipment

  • Sleeping bag (can be rented upon request)

  • Roundtrip airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)

  • International flights (to/from your home country)

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone use, etc.)

  • Visa fees and travel insurance

  • Emergency evacuation and medical repatriation coverage

FAQ Accordion

Frequently Asked Questions

The best times are January–March and June–October when the weather is more stable and dry.
It typically takes 5–9 days, depending on the route and pace of acclimatization.
Altitude sickness is a real risk. Climb slowly, stay hydrated, and choose longer routes for better acclimatization.
No technical climbing experience is needed, but good fitness and preparation are essential.
Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, hiking boots, sleeping bag, headlamp, sunscreen, and personal medicine.
Yes, permits are required and are typically arranged by your tour operator or guide company.
Accommodation includes mountain tents (on most routes) or huts (on the Marangu Route).
No. Tanzanian law requires climbers to be accompanied by licensed guides and support crew.
Success rates vary by route and duration—from 50% (5-day treks) to 90% (8–9 day treks).
The minimum age is 10 years, but fitness and stamina are more important than age.
It’s a strenuous trek with long days at high altitude, but no technical climbing is required.
Guides are trained in mountain rescue and carry oxygen and radios. Evacuations are arranged quickly if needed.
Tips are customary: about $20/day for guides, $10–15/day for assistant guides and cooks, $6–10/day for porters.