Rongai Route: 6 or 7 days
Rongai Route: A Remote and Less Crowded Path to Kilimanjaro’s Summit
The Rongai Route is the only trail on Mount Kilimanjaro that approaches the summit from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is one of the less-traveled routes, offering a quieter and more remote trekking experience compared to the busier southern approaches like Machame or Marangu. With its unique starting point and distinct landscapes, the Rongai Route has become an appealing option for climbers seeking solitude, a gradual ascent, and stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s wilderness.
Route Overview
The Rongai Route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete, covering approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles). It is considered one of the easier routes due to its gentle gradients and slower gain in altitude, making it a great option for less experienced trekkers or those worried about the physical demands of the climb. The route’s northern approach also offers a drier and more stable climate compared to the wetter southern and western slopes, making it a favorable choice during the rainy season (April to May and November).
Despite its reputation as a less physically challenging route, Rongai still requires good physical fitness and endurance due to the long hiking days and altitude gains. Trekkers will traverse various ecosystems, from the dry savannah-like terrain on the lower slopes to the rugged alpine desert and arctic zones near the summit.
Key Highlights of the Rongai Route
Quieter and More Remote: The Rongai Route is much less crowded than the popular southern routes like Machame or Marangu. Trekkers will enjoy a more tranquil and isolated experience, especially in the early days of the hike before the route merges with the Marangu Route near the summit. For those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the natural environment, Rongai is an excellent option.
Distinct Climate and Scenery: The Rongai Route begins in the drier northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, where the landscape is more arid and savannah-like compared to the lush rainforests on the southern side. As the trek ascends, the scenery changes dramatically, with trekkers passing through moorlands, rocky highlands, and eventually the stark, windswept slopes near the summit. The panoramic views across the Kenyan plains are particularly stunning, offering a unique perspective of the region.
Gentler Gradients and a Gradual Ascent: One of the primary advantages of the Rongai Route is its gradual ascent profile, which allows for a steady and manageable climb. The route is less steep than other options, making it suitable for climbers with less experience or those who prefer a less demanding trek. The gentle slopes and gradual gain in altitude also help reduce the risk of altitude sickness, although proper acclimatization is still essential.
High Success Rate: Thanks to the longer duration (with the option of adding an extra acclimatization day) and the slower pace of ascent, the Rongai Route offers a relatively high summit success rate. The additional time spent acclimatizing helps trekkers better adjust to the thinning air, increasing their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point.
Difficulty Level
The Rongai Route is considered one of the easier routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, primarily due to its gentle gradient and longer acclimatization opportunities. However, while it is less physically demanding than routes like Machame, trekkers still need to be in good shape to manage the long daily hikes and the effects of altitude. The final ascent to the summit is challenging for all climbers, as it involves a steep, strenuous push in thin air to reach Uhuru Peak.
The below itinerary describes the 7 day/6 night option to the summit. It is possible to shorten the itinerary by one day by skipping the night in the 3rd Cave. This means that you will not have an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp on that day.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Nale Muru – Simba Camp
You will be picked up at your hotel in Arusha after breakfast and be driven through villages and coffee plantations to the remarkable wooden village of Nale Moru. Here you will meet your mountain crew before embarking on the first leg of your journey.
The first part of the trail winds through the moist and mossy rainforest, but the environment quickly becomes dryer as you head towards the heath covered northern side in direction of your camp. Your first stop will be Simba Camp, located close to First Cave and offering beautiful views over the Kenyan plains.
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
- Camp Altitude: 2,671m
Day 2 : Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
Today, your hike will begin with a steady climb up to Second Cave. The route wanders along a stretch of heath, scattered with heather and wild flowers. As you walk, you will have a beautiful view of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch, you will travel along a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi before reaching Second Cave where you will stop for the night. The camp is located in a sheltered valley close to Kikelelwa Caves.
- Hiking: 3-4 hours
- Camp Altitude: 3,450m
Day 3 : Second Cave Camp – Third Cave Camp
The objective of this day is to allow for acclimatization, which will increase your chances of reaching the summit and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. You will be able to relax and enjoy your surrounding until lunchtime. After lunch, you will leave the camp and make your way across the heath, following a narrow path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave Camp.
- Hiking: 3-4 hours
- Camp Altitude: 3,800m
Day 4 : Third Cave Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut
You will begin your hike with a short but steep climb up the grassy mountainside; enjoying the panoramic views as you progress. The heathland will soon give way to rocky highlands, scattered with volcanic rocks of all sizes, testifying to Mount Kilimanjaro’s former volcanic activity. After a few hours, you will reach Third Cave Camp, which is nestled in a valley between the towering spikes of Mawenzi. A truly spectacular location!
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
- Camp Altitude: 4,315m
Day 5 : Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut
This morning, you will be trekking through the lunar landscape known as ‘The Saddle’, which is the connecting point between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. On arrival at Kibo Hut, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall, you will have time to get your equipment and warm clothing ready, and relax as much as possible as you will wake up in the middle of the night for summit day.
- Hiking: 6-8 hours
- Camp Altitude: 4,720m
Day 6 : Kibo Hut – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
You will be woken up at around 11pm and will be served a small meal before heading out into the darkness on the final leg of your ascension. Many hikers consider this terrain, scattered with loose rocks and often snow, to be the most difficult part of the climb. The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn. This is to make sure that you can make it to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kibo, shortly after sunrise. You will make a quick stop at Gilman’s Point to take in the astounding view, after which you will continue along the edge of the crater to Uhuru. This will be the last part of your ascent and will include a steady incline.
As you reach the summit at an altitude of 5,895 meters, you can congratulate yourself as you experience the breath taking views and take some pictures in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.
After a very brief rest, it will be time to head back down towards Kibo Hut where you will stop to relax and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. You will then continue your hike to Horombo Hut where you will stop for the night.
- Hiking: 4-5 hours
- Camp Altitude: 3,720m
Day 7 : Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha
Today, you will embark on your final descent through the rain forest to Marangu Gate. Here you will have lunch and say goodbye to your mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. You will be driven back to your hotel in Arusha for a much-needed hot shower and rest, followed by a celebratory dinner.
- Hiking: 5-7 hours
