Rongai Route
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Distance: 79 km (49 mi)
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Elevation gain: 1,950m to 5,895m (6,398 ft to 19,341 ft)
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Duration: 6 or 7 days
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Acclimatization: Good
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Terrain: Varied, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and artic
Overview of the Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
The Rongai Route is a distinctive and highly appealing option for those who want a quieter and more scenic climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts from the northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border in the small settlement of Nalemoru. It is the only route that begins on this less crowded side of Kilimanjaro, offering trekkers an exclusive and intimate trekking experience.
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Key Highlights of the Rongai Route
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1. Less Crowded and Secluded: The Rongai Route is less crowded and more secluded compared to the busier southern trails. It attracts only about 10% of Kilimanjaro climbers, making it perfect for those who seek a more private and peaceful journey. This route provides a rare opportunity to experience the mountain without the crowds, offering a more immersive and serene adventure.
2. Scenic Beauty and Wildlife: The Rongai Route is known for its breathtaking landscapes, covering various climatic zones. It starts from the arid northern slopes with stunning views of the Mawenzi and Kibo volcanic cones and descends through lush tropical forests via the Marangu Route. Climbers can see unique flora, such as the Kilimanjaro Giant Groundsels, and may also encounter wildlife like buffalo, elephants, and antelope, adding an exciting element of wilderness to the climb.
3. Excellent Weather and Clear Views: The Rongai Route offers excellent weather and clear views due to its location on the drier northern side of the mountain. It receives less rainfall than the southern routes, particularly during the wet months of March, April, May, and November. This makes the climb more comfortable and less muddy. The reduced cloud cover provides consistently clear and stunning mountain views and surrounding landscapes.
4. Gradual Climb and Versatility: The Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro is known for its gradual ascent, making it one of the easier routes. It has a relatively gentle gradient and less vertical gain than other trails, making it a great choice for climbers who prefer a steady pace. Although it presents some acclimatization challenges due to its flatter profile, extending the trek to seven days allows for better acclimatization and increases summit success rates to over 80%.
5. A Complete Traverse of Kilimanjaro: The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that allows hikers to completely traverse the mountain. It starts from the arid northern side and descends via the lush, greener Marangu Route on the southwestern side. This full traverse offers a broader experience of the mountain's diverse ecosystems and enhances the overall adventure.
The Rongai Route is ideal for climbers looking for a less crowded, scenic, and unique ascent of Kilimanjaro. Its varied landscapes, abundant wildlife, and excellent weather conditions make it an outstanding choice for those seeking an exceptional climbing experience.
Rongai Route FAQ for Kilimanjaro Climbing
1. What makes the Rongai Route unique compared to other Kilimanjaro routes?
The Rongai Route is the only route that starts from the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border. It offers a more secluded and quieter trekking experience compared to other routes. It is less crowded, providing an exclusive and intimate journey. During the descent, the route also traverses diverse landscapes, from arid northern slopes to lush southern forests, making it a complete and scenic traverse of the mountain.
2. How difficult is the Rongai Route, and who is it suitable for?
The Rongai Route is moderately challenging and suitable for climbers with an average level of fitness. Its gradual ascent makes it easier compared to routes like Machame or Lemosho. However, the flatter terrain can pose acclimatization challenges. Opting for the 7-day route is recommended for better acclimatization and higher success rates.
3. What is the summit success rate for the Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route typically has a summit success rate of about 87% for the 7-day itinerary. Choosing the 7-day trek considerably improves acclimatization and enhances the chance of reaching Uhuru Peak. Success rates may differ depending on the tour operators, but extending the trek or including a rest day can improve the likelihood of a successful summit.
4. When is the best time to climb the Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route, located on the drier northern side of Kilimanjaro, can be climbed year-round and is especially beneficial during the rainy seasons (March to May and November). During these times, other routes may be muddier and more challenging. For the best weather and views, the optimal time to climb is between July and September, when conditions are most stable.
5. How long is the Rongai Route, and how many days does it take?
The Rongai Route is about 79 km (49 miles) long and is usually completed in 6 or 7 days, with the 7-day option being the most recommended for better acclimatization and overall success. Including arrival and departure days, the total expedition can take around 9 to 10 days.
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6. How does the Rongai Route compare to other Kilimanjaro routes like Machame or Marangu?
Compared to the Machame Route, the Rongai is quieter, with fewer trekkers and less rain, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a drier climb. Unlike the Marangu Route, which offers hut accommodations, Rongai is a camping route, offering a more authentic wilderness experience. While both routes have similar success rates, Rongai's lower traffic and scenic variety make it a standout choice.
7. What are the camps like on the Rongai Route?
The camps along the Rongai Route are basic but come with necessary facilities such as toilets and ranger huts. Because they are less busy, these camps provide a quieter and more private camping experience compared to those on busier routes. The Rongai Route does not have hut accommodations; it is exclusively a camping route.
8. Is the Rongai Route suitable during the rainy season?
Yes, the Rongai Route is highly recommended for climbing during the rainy season because it is located on the northern, drier side of the mountain. This route receives much less rain than the southern routes, making it a great option when other trails may be wet and muddy.
9. What wildlife can be seen on the Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route provides unique opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly in the lower sections of the trail. Hikers may encounter wildlife such as buffalo, elephants, antelope, and various bird species, adding an adventurous and untamed aspect to the ascent.
10. Why choose the 7-day itinerary over the 6-day for the Rongai Route?
The 7-day itinerary comes highly recommended as it allows for better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate. The additional day provides climbers with more time to adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and enhancing the overall experience on the mountain.
​Seven Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Your adventure begins with a drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate to acquire permits before heading to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The trail winds through fields of corn and potatoes, then ascends gently through the rainforest, where you might spot black and white colobus monkeys. You'll spend your first night at Simba Camp.
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Elevation: 1,950 m to 2,835 m / 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
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Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
The day starts with a steady incline as you head towards Second Cave. From there, the trail continues through the moorland, veering off the main path to follow a smaller trail that takes you toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The day's trek concludes at Kikelewa Cave.
Simba Camp to Second Cave
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Elevation: 2,835 m to 3,445 m / 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
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Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
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Elevation: 3,445 m to 3,600 m / 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
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Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Today's hike is short but steep. It takes you up a grassy slope with stunning views of the wilderness. As you exit the heath zone, you enter the Alpine Desert zone, where the landscape changes dramatically. You'll camp at Mawenzi Tarn beneath Mawenzi's towering spires.
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Elevation: 3,600 m to 4,315 m / 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
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Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn (Acclimatization Day)
This acclimatization day includes a short hike to Mawenzi Ridge, providing breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After exploring the area, you'll return to Mawenzi Tarn to rest and prepare for the next day.​
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
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Elevation: 4,315 m to 4,389 m / 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
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Distance: 2 km / 1 mi
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Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
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Elevation: 4,389 m to 4,315 m / 14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
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Distance: 2 km / 1 mi
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Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
You will continue to climb gradually, crossing the vast and barren lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. The Kibo Hut camp sits at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Here, you will rest and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit push.
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Elevation: 4,315 m to 4,703 m / 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
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Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
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Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Around midnight, you will start the final and most challenging ascent to the summit. You will climb in the cold and dark, taking short breaks as needed. Upon reaching Gilman's Point (5,681 m / 18,600 ft), you will be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you will reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
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Elevation: 4,703 m to 5,895 m / 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
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Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
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Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
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Habitat: Arctic
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Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
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Elevation: 5,895 m to 3,720 m / 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
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Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
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Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
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Habitat: Heath
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On your final day, you will descend through the tropical rainforest to Marangu Gate. When you arrive, you will receive your summit certificate and be picked up to drive back to your hotel in Arusha.
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Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,843 m / 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
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Distance: 20 km / 12 mi
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Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
​Six Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Your adventure begins with a drive to Rongai Gate, where you will be registered in Kilimanjaro National Park’s log. The trek kicks off with a hike through the rainforest, where occasional clearings offer breathtaking views of the cultivated fields below. After about four hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Simba Camp, where you'll spend the night.
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Elevation: 1,950 m to 2,830 m / 6,398 ft to 9,285 ft
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Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
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Hiking Time: 4 hours
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Habitat: Forest
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Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning brings a steady ascent to Second Cave Camp, located in the moorland zone. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim.
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Elevation: 2,830 m to 3,450 m / 9,285 ft to 11,319 ft
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Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
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Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelelwa Cave
Today’s trek takes you through alpine desert terrain as you make your way to Kikelelwa Cave. The remarkable landscape and unique scenery make this part of the journey truly special. The hike lasts around four hours.
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Elevation: 3,450 m to 3,600 m / 11,319 ft to 11,811 ft
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Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
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Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
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Day 4: Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek toward Mawenzi Tarn Hut, a journey that takes approximately four hours. At the camp, you’ll notice an increase in foot traffic as your route merges with the Marangu route. Tonight, you’ll camp near the permanent huts used by Marangu trekkers.
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Elevation: 3,600 m to 4,315 m / 11,811 ft to 14,157 ft
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Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
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Hiking Time: 4 hours
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Habitat: Moorland and alpine desert
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Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
Today’s hike takes you across the Saddle, a desolate stretch of land connecting the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. This five- to six-hour trek is a gradual ascent through alpine desert terrain, leading you to Kibo Hut for the night.
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Elevation: 4,315 m to 4,703 m / 14,157 ft to 15,427 ft
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Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
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Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
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Habitat: Alpine desert
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Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
You'll wake up at midnight for the summit push. The first part of the journey takes you along a rocky, moonlit path to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement at the Roof of Africa, you’ll begin the long descent to Horombo Hut for the night.
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Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
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Elevation: 4,703 m to 5,895 m / 15,427 ft to 19,341 ft
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Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
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Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
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Habitat: Arctic
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Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
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Elevation: 5,895 m to 3,720 m / 19,341 ft to 12,204 ft
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Distance: 12 km / 7 mi
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Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
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Habitat: Arctic, alpine desert, and moorland
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Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On your final day, you’ll descend through the moorland and rainforest zones to reach Marangu Gate, where your incredible journey concludes. After completing your descent, you'll sign out of the park and say your farewells to Kilimanjaro.
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Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,843 m / 12,204 ft to 6,046 ft
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Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
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Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
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Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
