One of the easiest Kilimanjaro routes with a high summit success rate β a quiet
northern trail with spectacular views from many angles.
6 Days on MountainLeast TraveledMax Altitude 5,895mFull Board Meals
Tour Overview
Max Altitude5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
TransportTo & From the Mountain
MealsFull Board
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes, and the success rate is very high.
The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border
and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the
south side of the mountain, so climbers will be able to see the mountain from many viewpoints.
The drive to the trailhead takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi and goes through many villages
and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. The Rongai
Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya (allow two hours including
border crossing β we will need copies of passports ahead of time).
Route Map
Itinerary / Tour Schedule
1 Arrive in Moshi
Welcome to Moshi β the quaint, laid-back town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
2 Free in Moshi β Overnight in Hotel
Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide and have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore, take part in an informal group tour around town, visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.
3 Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Leave from your hotel after breakfast and drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track climbs gently through forest that shelters a variety of wildlife until the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
4 Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our camp is shortly before reaching the saddle that connects Mawenzi to Kibo β in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios.
5 Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area for acclimatization.
6 Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp
Cross the lunar desert of the βSaddleβ 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 before a very early night.
7 Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
A long, hard day! Leaving at 1:00 am for the summit on steep scree up to Gilmanβs Point at 5,685 m. Here you will rest and enjoy sunrise views at the crater rim before ascending to Uhuru Peak around 8 a.m. β the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5,895 m. From the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for lunch and on to Horombo Hut for overnight. Trekking poles are recommended. Congratulations β you made it to the Roof of Africa!
8 Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Our last hike is a descent through lush rainforest to the trailhead at Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to your hotel for a welcome hot shower.
9 Departure
For those returning home, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight. For those going on a safari or Zanzibar, you will be picked up at your hotel on the next day for your trip.
