Ours. S. View to Mawenzi Peak from moorland, Kilimanjaro

Rongai Route

Name: Rongai Route
Brand: Follow Alice
SKU: 1657166077
Price: 2890 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Trips/Climb Kilimanjaro

9 days

The Rongai is a quiet route that ascends the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. It offers beautiful views and the chance to spot large game in Kenya's Amboseli National Park. It also brings you close to pretty Mawenzi Peak. There are no very steep sections on this route, which for some is a drawcard. You descend the southern slope of the mountain, which lets you appreciate the views on that side too.

Detailed Itinerary

Map of the 7-day Rongai route on Kilimanjaro

Day 1: Arrival day

The adventure begins! We fetch you from Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to Lindrin Lodge in Moshi, where you can clean up and relax after what's probably been a long journey. In the evening your lead guide briefs you on what's to come and answers any questions you have. It's then time for a good long sleep, as tomorrow is an early start.

KILI06FEB climb FA group photo Kilimanjaro

Day 2: Start the climb!

It's an early start today, as firstly you must drive from Moshi, which is south of Kilimanjaro, to Rongai Gate (1,950 m or 6,398 ft) on the mountain's northern side. Once everyone is registered and all the equipment has been unpacked, the climb begins! You walk through rainforest to reach Simba Camp, which is 2,830 m (9,285 ft) above sea level. Today's hike takes about four hours. It's a pretty and relatively easy first day to ease you into things.

Day 3: Hike through moorland

You climb up above the forest today, which means you start to get some fabulously expansive views. Keep your eyes open for large game like elephants and giraffes on the plains below! You hike for around three to four hours to reach Second Cave at 3,450 m (11,300 ft) above sea level. The moorland vegetation around you is very pretty and unusual, and many find this to be their favourite section of the trail.

Ours. S. View from the Lemosho trail, flowers, vegetation, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Day 4: Climb to Kikelelwa Cave

Today is another climb of around three to four hours to reach Kikelelwa Cave, which is 3,600 m (11,811 ft) above sea level. You see more beautiful moorland, and there are often great views of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks to either side of you. You're in the heart of the climb now, and can expect to feel some effects of the high altitude. But as you're taking things at a good pace, your body should adapt well.

Ours. S. Porters in moorland zone on Rongai with Mawenzi in background, Kilimanjaro

Day 5: Ascend to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

You climb for roughly four hours to reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut at 4,315 m (14,160 ft) above sea level. This means you gain over 700 metres in elevation today – a sizeable jump. You also enter the alpine desert zone, which is a stark environment where little grows. You have an amazing, up-close view of Mawenzi Peak towering above you from tonight's campsite.

Ours. S. Kilimanjaro campsite, sign and tents, at Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Day 6: Climb to base camp

It's a long hike of around five to six hours today to reach Kibo Hut at 4,750 m (15,600 ft) above sea level. You cross a relatively flat stretch known as 'the Saddle', which is the bridge between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The climb takes place in alpine desert.Keep your eyes open for eagles and other birds soaring above you. You need to stay focused on the goal today, as your body will be feeling the toll of the high altitude.

Ours. S. Porters passing through the saddle on Rongai Route, Kilimanjaro

Day 7: Summit day!

Today is the big day! Starting at midnight, you set out for the summit. It's time to dig deep, as the climb takes about eight hours, but your team is there to support you. You should reach Stella Point by sunrise for an amazing view. From there, it's takes only an hour to reach Uhuru Peak! At 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level, you're the highest people in Africa when you stand here! You then descend for another eight hours to reach Horombo Hut at 3,720 m (12,205 ft).

Kilimanjaro summit Uhuru FA flag group photo George K.

Day 8: Last day on the mountain

You climb down the final bit of the mountain today to reach Marangu Gate at 1,843 m (6,046 ft). It's a long hike of around five to seven hours, but it's pretty much all downhill. Before heading to the lodge, there's the fun tipping ceremony, and you receive climb certificates! It's then on to the lodge, where hot showers and cold drinks await!

Horombo Hut at dawn, Kilimanjaro campsite

Day 9: Departure day

Today you wake up with the knowledge that you accomplished something amazing! After breakfast at the lodge, we drive you to Kilimanjaro for your homeward flight, unless of course you're joining us for a safari, in which case the adventure continues!

Inclusions

Price Includes

Dedicated trip manager

In-depth preparation documents

Pre-climb Zoom consult

2 overnight stays at Lindrin Lodge in Moshi (incl. breakfasts and dinners)

In-depth pre-climb safety briefing at Lindrin Lodge

Transport to and from trailheads

Price Does Not Include

Tanzanian visa

Airfares

Airport transfers (US$40 per person per transfer)

Traveller's insurance

Tip for mountain crew

Single supplement ($200), if desired

Where you'll stay

Lindrin Lodge

Lindrin Lodge in the town of Moshi offers chalet accommodation in a pretty and well-maintained garden setting.

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7 Day - Rongai Route

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Gallery

Ours. S. Kilimanjaro moorland vegetation pink flowers lobelias

Ours. S. Kikelelwa Cave campsite on Rongai Route at night with Kilimanjaro-s Kibo Peak in background

Ours. S. Moorland chat or Pinarochroa sordida on rock on Kilimanjaro 4,000 m altitude

Ours. S. Mawenzi, the Saddle, porter, clouds, alpine desert, Kilimanjaro

Wildebeests grazing in Maasai Mara, Kenya, with setting sun

FAQs

Do I climb the Barranco Wall on the Rongai route?

No, the Rongai route doesn't take you up Barranco Wall. This makes it a great option for anyone anxious about heights.

Is the Rongai route an easy or hard route?

Firstly, there are no easy routes up Kilimanjaro, because the mountain is a beast! That said, some routes are shorter and steeper than others, and some don't allow for as much as acclimatisation. The Rongai is somewhere in the middle when it comes to difficulty.

What's the overall distance of the Rongai route?

The Rongai is 73 km (45 miles) in total.

What's the scenery like on the Rongai?

The Rongai route is often considered one of the less scenic Kilimanjaro routes because it's not quite as varied as some of the others. That said, we must point out that all of Kilimanjaro's routes offer incredible scenery!

It's also worth pointing out that because the Rongai takes you up the northern side of the mountain, which is a little less prone to rainfall, you're more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountaintop along the way! Further, you look north into Kenya's Amboseli National Park from the Rongai trail, and so you could well see herds of elephants and giraffes in the distance.

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