The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern part side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Despite some claims that this route begins on the “Kenyan side” of Mount Kilimanjaro, the whole of Africa’s highest mountain is within the borders of Tanzania. The start of the Rongai route is closer to the Kenyan border than other routes, but the entire trek takes place exclusively in Tanzania.
Because of its remote location, the route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo.
The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain.
The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile, it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low.
It can be hiked on a six, seven, or even eight-day route. The seven or eight-day Rongai Routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Then descends via the Marangu trail.
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a member of our staff will be at holding a We wild Travel placard. You will then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for obtaining the permits required for the summit and then take a short road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. We’ll come across numerous corn and potato fields and climb gently through the forest areas which accommodate a variety of wildlife which also includes the black and white colobus monkeys.
The day will begin with a morning trek where we’ll steadily incline up to the Second Cave. Continuing on with the trek, we pass through the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi leaving the main trail behind. Kikelewa Camp will be our destination for the day where we’ll be spending our night.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
The hike today will be short and steep but along a grassy slope. It is surrounded by a vast wilderness area, and as we exit it, we enter the Alpine Desert zone and the landscape contrastingly alters. The campsites will be in the jagged areas of Mawenzi, Mawenzi Tarn to be precise. You’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.
You’ll be spending the entire day hiking at the Mawenzi Ridge which offers landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi. This extra day is meant for acclimatization. After exploring the area to the fullest, we’ll then head back to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare our camp.
Our camp, known as Kibo Hut, will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. Once at the hut, we relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day.
Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning views of the sunrise coming over Mawenzi Peak. Then we ascend all the way to the roof of Africa and the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. After celebrating your accomplishment at the peak, we descend down to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we’ll be having our last dinner in the mountain and we’ll then go to sleep.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
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. Youth Adventures vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions.
For trekkers not continuing with a safari, we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
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