7 Days Rongai Route

Starting from the northeastern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route rises above the Amboseli plains and approaches the summit of Kilimanjaro west of the Mawenzi peak, it is an unfrequented route and is also the easiest camping approach to Uhuru Peak, and the descent normally uses the Marangu Route.

​There are two variations to this route; you can choose to attempt the summit via Mawenzi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut. The former is longer and more popular. Prior acclimatization is recommended in order to attempt the latter successfully.

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by a Maua Adventures representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Meals
Meals not included. You have the option of having lunch and/or dinner at the hotel or a restaurant in town.

Accommodation
Accommodation is at the Lindrin Lodge or Panama Hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis. Alternative accommodation of the same standard will be provided if the primary accommodation option is unavailable.

*For those on a lower budget, you can request for alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package.

Nalemoru Gate (1990m / 6529ft) to Simba Camp (2625m / 8612ft)

This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone.

Distance
8km / 5mi

Duration
4 – 5 hours

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation
2-people per tent, Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Simba Camp (2625m / 8612ft) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m / 11417ft)

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Distance
5km / 3.1mi

Duration
3 – 4 hours

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation
2-people per tent, Accommodation is on sharing basis.

2nd Cave Camp (3480m / 11417ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m / 11909ft)

Leaving the pine forest behind us carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland, there are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves.

Distance
5km / 3.1mi

Duration
3 – 4 hours

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation
2-people per tent, Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Kikelewa Camp (3630m / 11909ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m / 14140ft)

This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Distance
8km / 5mi

Duration
4 – 5 hours

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation
2-people per tent, Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m / 14140ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

Distance
8km / 5mi

Duration
5 – 6 hours

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation
2-people per tent, Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19340ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

Today is “The Big Day� – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m (17126ft), the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m (19340ft). On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance
22km / 13.7mi

Duration
12 – 15 hours

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation
2-people per tent, Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Distance
20.8km / 12.9mi

Duration
7 – 8 hours

Meals
Breakfast & Lunch Included.

Accommodation
Accommodation is at the Lindrin Lodge or Panama Hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis. Alternative accommodation of the same standard will be provided if the primary accommodation option is unavailable

*For those on a lower budget, you can request for alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package.

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

*Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

Meals
Breakfast Included.