tailor made experiences

8 Days Rongai Route

Views Plus Remote Trails – The Rongai Trail!

The only route ascending the northern slope of Kilimanjaro, Rangi offers a great combination of quitter trails and also possesses amazing views. It is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and is one of the least trodden of the seven routes that lead to the summit. This trail also includes an additional day for acclimatization, meaning you’ll get to follow the ‘climb high, sleep low approach.

Lodge accommodation

Camps

Accommodation Style
Lodge accommodation

On Request

price per person
Lodge accommodation

1-6

Climbers

Highlights

8 Days | Rongai Route

Offers the Clearest Views of Kili!

Enjoy unobstructed views of Kilimanjaro along the trail and from the summit.

Great Chance of Seeing Animals

Delight in spotting several primates in the rainforest region via this trail.

One of the Easiest Climbs

Due to its gentle incline, a climb is relatively simpler compared to other trails.


Accommodation

7 Camps Over 7 Nights/8 Days

Springland

Springland Hotel

1 night full-board
Day
1
First Cave

First Cave Camp

1 night full-board
Day
2
Three Cave

Three Cave Camp (Kikelewa Caves)

1 night full-board
Day
3
Mawenzi

Mawenzi Camp

1 night full-board
Day
4
Kibo

Kibo Camp

1 night full-board
Day
5
Horombo

Horombo Camp

1 night full-board
Day
6
Moshi

Hotel in Moshi

1 night full-board
Day
7

Tour Itinerary

7 Nights/8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing

You are met at the Airport or in Arusha City, drive to Moshi.

Overnight: Sprinland Hotel - HB

Hiking time: 5h

Distance: Approximately 8 kms

Habitat: Forest (Montane)

Register at the Marangu park gate, after which you transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night's camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave

Overnight: First Cave

Hiking time: 6 - 7h

Habitat: Moorlands

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some.

Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).

Hiking time: 3 - 4h

Habitat: Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area

Overnight: Mawenzi Camp

Hiking time: 4 - 5h

Habitat: Alpine desert

Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.

 Overnight at Kibo Camp

Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo

Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Distance: Approximately 6 kms ascent, 21 kms descent

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route.

Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Overnight: Horombo Camp.

Hiking time: 6h

Distance: Approximately 27 kms

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. View more Mt Kilimanjaro tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight or to Arusha to start your safari.


include

  • Two nights’ Accommodation at the Spring lands Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb)
  • Return transportation from Arusha / Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain.
  • Qualified guides with mountain crew
  • National Park fees
  • Tents and sleeping mattresses.
  • Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils.
  • Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles
  • Rescue Fees
  • Pulse oximeters.
  • First aid kit
  • Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
  • Boiled water on the mountain
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Guides, porters, waiters, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain.
  • Emergency oxygen

Excluded

  • Single rooms supplement at Springlands Hotel (except on the 1-person rate)
  • Airport transfers
  • Guides, Porters, Cook &amp, Waiters tips.
  • Meals and drinks not specified.
  • Gear for your climb.
  • Items of personal nature
  • Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included.
  • Visas

We share the Heart of Tanzania with every Guest and bring its warmth to you – the adventurer!

Firoz Simba
Founder, Simba Safaris

In our hearts beats a deep love for Tanzania, a place we hold in the highest regard. Our mission is to share the warmth and friendly spirit of the Tanzanian communities with every guest who goes on this incredible journey. To achieve this, we've assembled a team of expert hosts, guides, and excursion managers who share our passion for this country. It's our dream and privilege to open its entrances to people from around the world. We eagerly anticipate the day we welcome you to Tanzania, to share the special gift that is this extraordinary land.

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