Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

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Wherever you plan to start your adventure, Mighty Africa Xpeditions can arrange everything you need.We can develop personalized itineraries to explore the furthest.

HIKING HIGHLIGHT

Rongai route begins in the northern side of Kilimanjaro Mountain, 45km from Moshi town or 69km from Arusha. Rongai is stated to be one of the most beautiful routes that start from the Northern side, in comparison to others this is the easiest route and its popularity has been increasing tremendously over the years. The route hosts a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animal’s species which make it one of the best sought after route of the Northern side. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. But mostly the hikers prefer to take one day more, i.e., the 7 days to make the success rate higher. Rongai is scenically more beautiful than that of Marangu, and the difference is that when Marangu offers the hut facilities, the Rongai offers the tents to rest and make the overnight stay. At the end of each day you would find your tents pitched by the porters.

TOUR MAP & ELEVATION

FULL SAFARI ITINERARY

We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Day 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate (Nalemoru) to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nalemoru (about 4 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). Your expedition would be started only when; your porters get prepared. At the beginning, you would hike through wide path that wind through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest where you can encounter a considerable numbers of wild species. You would have your first camp at the end of the moorland zone where the forest gets thin. The exotic views of the Kenyan plains from here would enthrall you.

Elevation: 2000m to 2650m, Distance: 6km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest,

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

Elevation: 2650m to 3450m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Moorland

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Elevation: 3450m to 3600m, Distance: 9km, Walking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert,

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Hut

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m, Distance: 6km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Turn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Day 5: Mawenzi Turn hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 4330m to 4750m, Distance: 9km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4700m to 5895m & down to 3700m, Distance: 6km up & 15km down, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours’ up & 15km down, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (midnight about 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m). Continuing ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. Start descending and take a stop at Kibo for lunch before exploring the Horombo encampment.

The day of summit is the most difficult day of hiking as you have to start earlier to reach on the top to see the sun rise, so take the bare necessities like the headlamp/ flashlight, the warm clothes and the camera with you. Remember you have to trek in the night and reach on the top short after or before the sunrise to see the best of the Kilimanjaro beauty. Make sure, you may be tired, so it is always recommended to go slow to the summit.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, to Moshi

Elevation: 3700m to 1700m, Distance: 20km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut.From there you would have to descend through lush forest path to attend our destination: the National Park gate at Marangu. Remember the lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so descend slowly and don’t wear long dress: The Shorts and t-shirts will be very comfortable at the time. Kimanaa Safaris vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

INCLUDES

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi is or Arusha included
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Quality mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean purified drinking water
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
  • All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.

EXCLUDES

  • International or Local Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

MOUNTAIN FULL HIKING GUIDE

Embarking on a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro is a thrilling adventure, and proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful and safe ascent. Firstly, choose the right route that suits your fitness level and preferences. Acclimatization is crucial to combat altitude sickness, so opt for a route with a gradual ascent and built-in acclimatization days. Invest in high-quality gear, including warm clothing, a reliable sleeping bag, and sturdy hiking boots. Stay hydrated throughout the climb to help your body adjust to the altitude.

 
Hiking Routes
Kilimanjaro

Hiking Routes

Best Time to Climb
Kilimanjaro

Best Time to Climb

Healthy & Safety
Kilimanjaro

Healthy & Safety

Hiking Equipments
Kilimanjaro

Hiking Equipments

Daily Routine
Kilimanjaro

Daily Routine

MAKE YOUR DREAM TRIP COME TRUE WITH US

At Mighty Africa Xpeditions, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences, and our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

MOUNTAIN HIKING FAQ’S

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Airport transfers are not included in the price of this tour, however you can book for an arrival transfer in advance. Our representative will be at the airport to greet you. To arrange this please contact our customer service team once you have a confirmed booking.

How much weight of equipment will I carry?

You are expected to carry your own day pack, with only things which should be able to sustain you until you reach the next camp at the end of the day. You do not need to carry your personal backpack/ duffel pack - It will be carried by our porters.

What if I am slower than the other trekkers?

No worries about that - this is a common concern. It is much better for your body if you proceed slowly and guides will permanently remind you about this (“pole-pole” - which means “slowly slowly”). By walking slowly, your body will much better acclimatize to high altitude. There is plenty of time allocated each day for the treks, even for those who like to go very slowly.

What if I cannot make it to the top?

Some climbers may fall short of reaching the summit, but not at the expense of their overall experience. Even for those who never reached the top, the experience of the wonders of Kilimanjaro is very rewarding. If one or more members of the group decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted to the most convenient campsite or Hut. Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.

What is the accommodation like during trekking?

On the Marangu Route, there are simple basic Huts. The first 2 Huts sleep four people each and the last Hut is a dome-style with bunk beds. On all the other routes, you will sleep in 3 dome-style Tents, two people each. The Tents are modern and have an outer flysheet and large vestibules keep equipment from the elements. They are set up, broken down and carried- along with everything else- by our porters. There are public toilets set up at every campsite, but portable toilets are available upon request at the cost of $ 100 per group for the whole tour. Hot water is provided for each person every morning but No showers during trek There will be dining tents with chairs and tables where all meals will be served. Before any meal, we will provide soap and hot water for washing your hands.

What is the food like on the mountain?

For each trek on the Mount a dedicated cook will be part of the logistical team. They are professional chefs and have the ability to prepare different kinds of dishes. Please see a sample page for Dietary Menu.

What if I get sick up the mountain?

You shouldn't worry- You are in safe hands. Our guides are professionally trained to handle all sorts of distress and respond quickly and accordingly. They all have Wilderness First Aid Responder qualification and they will all time bring you to safety. They will directly call for an emergency evacuation if the situation worsens.

When and where does the tour start?

The tours are scheduled to start in Moshi, departing on Daily basis. However, circumstances like clients’ arrival time, activities to be done and client’s preference could affect the program. Our company is flexible for such arrangements and adjustments. Normally the program starts around 7:30 AM

When and where does the tour End?

The tours are scheduled to End in Moshi. You may also wish to be dropped outside Moshi at an extra cost depending on the place of drop off. However, our travel specialists will need to know your specific drop-off point prior to the hike to get aligned with the program

REQUEST TRAVEL PROPOSAL

MAKE YOUR DREAM TRIP COME TRUE WITH US

GREAT CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES

We have been receiving reviews from our served clients, and Mighty Africa Xpeditions is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied. 

Alaine D
Alaine D
2025-09-10
Verified
Fun Kilimanjaro Trekking & Safari We had an incredible experience on Kilimanjaro with guides Masai, Bonni and Musa of Mighty Africa Xpeditions.We joined a group of 4 other climbers and it was well planned and well taken care of from start to finish. Pick up at the airport was timely, the hotel in Moshi clean and comfortable.The Trek took us 6 days on the mountain to reach the summit and then we went on a 3 day safari to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara.I have to commend Walter for planning the whole adventure for it was flawless and also reasonably priced.
Mihkel P
Mihkel P
2025-09-03
Verified
Fantastic! We had a great time on the day trip to Materuni waterfalls and local villages where they grow coffee. The hike to the waterfalls through the forest and bushy trail was nice, relaxing as Walter took the time to share so much information about Tanzania, culture and so many things. His charm made time pass exta fast. We found about 14 other visitors at the waterfall and it was really nice. Later we went to a village where we visited a coffee farmer, which was in bloom, afterwards we went through the coffee drying and roasting process and managed to buy very good coffee.Was a day well spent!
Linar L
Linar L
2025-08-12
Verified
Top Notch Operator & A Wonderful Experience My family of six had a wonderful time on our Tanzania safari. We are grateful to the people at Mighty Africa Xpeditions and particularly the Director Walter who was exceptional as we created an itinerary that suited our needs and budget. The actual tour was seamlessly organized, with the game drives through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro with guide Mushi. The accommodations organized were top notch as they were not only comfortable, but there was great food, a relaxing atmosphere, and really nice places. We are so happy with the overall work done in getting us a great 4x4 off-roader, securing all the permits and tickets to the parks correctly, timely transfers, and attention to the smallest details regarding our trip. I highly recommend this local tour operator.
Jokubas
Jokubas
2025-02-02
Verified
Great trip I had a perfect solo trek. I joined a group with 3 other climbers and the experience was awesome. The trek turned out to be tougher than I expected and without the support of our crew I would not have made it to the summit. Jabali the lead guide was assisted by Mark and Philip and they were outstanding. You could tell that they have done this assignment numerous times as they knew what to do at every juncture. All the meals on the mountain were prepared by cook Steve and he did a splendid job despite the difficult mountain conditions. I go to learn a lot about Kilimanjaro from Mark who was always close to me. He also ensured that I was comfortable with the pace and closely monitored my health with checks in the morning and evening.Despite the difficult terrain I thoroughly enjoyed the trek because of the fresh mountain air, great views and great company of the crew and fellow climbers. I rate this trip so highly for the efforts that Walter and his team have put down to have high standards of equipment, food and hygiene. It was impressive and I highly recommend Mighty Africa Xpeditions for Kilimanjaro Trekking and Photographic Safaris.
Otto
Otto
2025-01-23
Verified
Unforgettable African holiday Of all the holidays we have taken as a couple, our recent trip to Tanzania is the most remarkable. The trip took us to Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, all fantastic places to find different wildlife species in abundance and in their natural habitat.Our guide Jack was incredible. He drove well and also knew the routes that led to places where we discovered wildlife. His patience and attention to us throughout the journey were remarkable.We booked a mix of lodges and camps, all of which were excellent accommodations.
Tatiana
Tatiana
2024-11-20
Verified
Incredible experience Our trip on Kilimanjaro with Mighty Africa Xpeditions was wonderful. We both owe a lot of gratitude to Juma and Calisto our guides. They gave us such an incredible experience, putting themselves out there in the cold snow and rough terrain to get us there. The journey was both challenging and rewarding, the body tired from the constant hiking over rough terrain and low oxygen levels. It was difficult for us to continue the trek despite eating well and if it wasn't for the amazing support from the crew, we wouldn't have reached the top.A big thank you to everyone involved in organizing and executing our trip.
Bert O
Bert O
2024-11-08
Verified
The safari of our lives I would like to say that everything about our recent trip to Tanzania with Mighty Africa Xpeditions was absolutely amazing. Walter organized a six-day safari that can only be described as the trip of a lifetime.The safari took us to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with star guide Malki. He was knowledgeable and very informative about the animals and habitats we visited. The accommodations were fantastic rest areas with great food and excellent service.
Gemma Sullivan
Gemma Sullivan
2024-10-20
Verified
Awesome Experience This was our second time in Tanzania and we had an incredible experience during the safari. Walter had done a superb organizing this trip with his thorough attention to detail that he included everything that we wanted on the schedule, and booked all the accommodations, communicated our dietary restrictions, transport in a great Landcruiser and above all, he assigned guide Bravin to us. Bravin gave us an amazing safari, he knew all the routes in the parks well and found wildlife with ease. He freely shared information about the flora and fauna we encountered on the safari as well as keeping us safe and comfortable during the entire trip.The overall experience was awesome!!
Fawzi Hassan
Fawzi Hassan
2024-10-09
Verified
Very Professional Team and Excellent Arrangements We are truly grateful for the excellently organized trek on the Lemosho route. We have absolutely no regrets for having chosen to go with this amazing team. I must confess that I was a bit scared of sending all that money to a company that I had not deal with before, however they proved to be trustworthy and delivered an amazing trip.The organization was top class, smooth and we had Walter as our trip designer. The actual trek was great, they had prepared and made all the necessary arrangements. We went with a very experienced and dedicated crew who took excellent care of us.The views and overall trekking experience is unlike any other. Refreshing but very challenging. We both made it to the summit and I have nothing but praise.I highly recommend Mighty Africa Xpeditions!
Aberico G
Aberico G
2024-08-20
Verified
The best vacation of my life The trip was great. We planned the entire trip with Walter, who helped us create our own private itinerary. We saw all the big 5 in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. These parks are absolutely wonderful and are full of wild animals. The lodges were very nice and excellent places to rest.This was the best vacation of my life.

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