Rongai Route lies in the rain shadow of Kilimanjaro. This route is the best route for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, as it sees substantially less rain than the other routes. As the descent is along the more heavily travelled Marangu route this trek offers you the chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro from both sides, and to experience nearly everything this unique and beautiful region has to offer.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be met by our representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Note:
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,625 m). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro's northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook dinner for you.
Change in Elevation: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m) — Simba Camp (2,625 m)
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) where you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest (barring cloudy weather). This trekking is more physically demanding than the previous one, so once you are in the camp, full rest is recommended.
Change in Elevation: Simba Camp (2,625 m) — Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m)
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of trekking to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude, followed by a hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening.
Trekking from Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp:
Change in Elevation: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) — Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m)
Hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) — Destination point en route to Mawenzi Volcano (4,510 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1-2 hours.
This day will be spent trekking towards School Hut Camp (4,715 m). The landscape will change significantly to give way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) — School Hut Camp (4,715 m)
Hiking distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
Night departure from School Hut Camp (4,715 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. For the entire length of the trekking each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720 m).
Note:
Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Change in Elevation: School Hut Camp (4,715 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Horombo Camp (3,720 m)
Hiking distance: 21 km
Hiking time: 12-14 hours.
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.
Change in Elevation: Horombo Camp (3,720 m) — Marangu Gate (1,860 m)
Hiking distance: 18 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
your hotel stay for an extra fee.
The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.
Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.
Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.
We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.
We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.
We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.
