The Rongai Route is a unique and scenic trail approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. Known for its peaceful and remote paths, it offers trekkers an unforgettable experience through untouched wilderness and diverse landscapes. This route is ideal for climbers looking for a quieter alternative to the busier southern routes like Machame or Marangu.
The trek spans 6-7 days and has a steady and gradual ascent, making it moderately challenging and suitable for trekkers with basic fitness levels. Along the journey, you’ll hike through lush forests, cross alpine meadows, and experience the barren beauty of the high-altitude desert. Summit night is a thrilling and rewarding challenge, leading to the breathtaking Uhuru Peak. The Rongai Route perfectly balances adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit:
- January to March: Cooler weather with clearer skies and fewer trekkers.
- June to October: Dry season with stable weather conditions and fantastic summit views.
Activities:
- Trekking through diverse landscapes, from forests to alpine zones.
- Wildlife spotting, including colobus monkeys and antelopes.
- Camping at remote and quiet sites surrounded by wilderness.
- Conquering the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at Uhuru Peak.
- Photography of stunning sunrise views and dramatic landscapes.
Why Visit:
- Less Crowded Trails: Ideal for those seeking solitude and peaceful trekking.
- Unique Northern Perspective: Offers views and experiences not found on the southern routes.
- Wildlife Opportunities: Encounter unique flora and fauna in the forested areas.
- Gradual Ascent: A steady climb that helps trekkers ease into high-altitude conditions.
- Authentic Adventure: Experience the raw beauty of Kilimanjaro with rustic campsites and minimal distractions.
Details
Day 1: Nale Muru – Simba Camp
The adventure beings with the drive through villages and coffee plantations to the remarkable wooden village of Nale Moru. On the northeast side of the mountain where you meet the porters. The first part of the trail leads through moist rainforest, which quickly becomes lighter on the dry north side. Soon you will reach the heather zone. Overnight in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp) in the tent at about 9,300 ft altitude. Simba Camp is located close to First Cave, with a magnificent view out over the plains of Kenya.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~9,300′
Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave
Today’s stage begins in the morning with a steady climb up to Second Cave. The route takes in a long stretch of heath, distinguished by heather, wild flowers, and stony paths. As you walk, you can enjoy the view of Kibo and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch, you will leave the main trail and continue along a narrower path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. You will finally reach ‘Second Cave’, which is located in a sheltered valley close to Kikelewa Caves and surrounded by giant Senecio plants.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~11,300′
Day 3: Second Cave – Third Cave
This day has been set aside for acclimatization, to improve your chances of reaching the summit, and reduce the risk of your suffering the effects of altitude sickness. Spend the morning relaxing and simply enjoying the surroundings. Around lunchtime, it is time to leave the camp and make your way across the heath, following a narrow path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and Third Cave.
Hiking: 3-4 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~11,811′
Day 4: Third Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Today’s stage takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut. Following a short but steep climb up grassy mountainside, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view as your reward. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands, littered with large and small volcanic boulders that testify to a previous period of volcanic activity. After a couple more hours on the trail, you will reach the site of your overnight accommodation, which enjoys a spectacular location, nestling in a valley between the towering spires of Mawenzi.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~14,160′
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts
You will now find yourself walking through the almost lunar landscape that is known as ‘The Saddle’ and links Mawenzi and Kibo. On arrival at Kibo Huts, located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall, it is time to ready your equipment and warm clothes for the next day’s trek to the peak. Make sure to store your drinking water in a Thermos to prevent it from freezing solid. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing and go to bed early to ensure your ‘human batteries’ are fully charged for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge.
Hiking: 6-8 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~15,430′
Day 6: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
You will be woken up around midnight, and there is just time for a light meal before you set off into the night. Most people find the tricky terrain, where the trail is littered with loose stones, to be the most challenging part of the ascent. The objective is to reach Gilman’s Point at dawn, so you can make it to Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo – shortly after sunrise. You will stop briefly at Gilman’s Point to enjoy the magnificent view before continuing along the rim of the crater to Uhuru. The last stretch of the climb features an even incline.
Depending on the season, you may encounter snow on the last part of the route to Uhuru Peak, which is your final goal: the top of Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. Once you reach the peak at an altitude of 5,895 masl, you can give yourself a pat on the back, enjoy the magnificent view, and have your picture taken in front of the Uhuru Peak sign as a lasting souvenir of your achievement.
It is the time to start the descent to Kibo Huts, which you will find passes remarkably quickly. At Kibo Huts, you will stop to enjoy a well-deserved lunch before continuing to Horombo Huts, where a much-needed night’s sleep awaits.
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~12,205′
Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha
We make the final descent through the rain forest to Marangu Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude:  ~1,843′
