7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route

The “desert route” has its own very special charm

The Rongai route leads across the rarely used, rain-poor northeast flank of Kilimanjaro. The route starts near the Kenyan border, and offers great views of the Kenyan savannah and rugged Mawenzi. The trail leads first through fir forest and lighter rainforest, whilst at the Mawenzi Tarn Camp you will pass the only mountain lake on Kilimanjaro. The mountain massif is exceeded during this tour, and the descent is via the Marangu route. Due to the drier climate, the route is also suitable for ascents during the rainy season. The route is relatively easy, but some rock passages in the summit area require a certain degree of surefootedness.

We recommend the Rongai route as a 7 day tour. For very fit mountain hikers, the 6 day tour is also suitable. The second day of the 6 day tour walks directly from the Simba Camp to the Kikelewa Camp, as the
intermediate stage over the Second Cave Camp is omitted.

Highlights:

  • Exceeding the Kilimanjaro
  • Ascent via the Rongai route, descent via the Marangu route
  • Very varied route from the dry north to the lush south
  • Great views in the savannah and on the Mawenzi, on the route is the only mountain lake at
    Kilimanjaro
  • Total distance about 70 km

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Words from Our Clients

Serenity experience Excellent service provided, staff were prompt, friendly and knowledgeable. Food provided was good. I’d recommend their service anytime!
Fahreen B
Fahreen B
2023-11-24
Extraordinary flexible and friendly We climbed Kilimanjaro thanks to Kizambi tours and it was a wonderful experience. The team was very nice, flexible and there for our needs and wishes. For example we decided to go up one day earlyer than planned and it was no problem even though decided quite spontaneously! We had quite a few changes like this in our plans and it was never a problem, the team adapted very well ("hakuna Matata"). So, the communication was very good and not complicated. When we had questions we could always ask our "manager" and he responded us very quickly. I felt safe and in good hands though we also had enough freedom to explore and do things by ourselves. Thanks for these beautiful holidays!
Julia S
Julia S
2023-11-22
Four Parks in Six days We visited four National Parks and could see the Big Five thanks the professional skills of our guides. Very satisfactory tour!
Stefano P
Stefano P
2023-11-09
Priceless memories once in a life time trip Exellent guys as in the office and the full time guide who did guide us in all the tours we did who were made to what we all wanted to visit. Exellent ,fair price and quality. Maturni homes was a beathifull stay in accomodation, very friendly big family who looked after us... Hashim, our full time guide, was there for us once we get up in the morning untill bedtime...they did a lot of efford to change and add things in tours what we wanted to do and see in the 4 days we were there. All there drivers are also helpfull and friendly. A+++++, absolutely recommended Thank you guys....
Ronald R
Ronald R
2023-10-23
Waterfall & Hot Spring! First class trip. Let's you visit both on the same day if time is tight. Emanuel & Julius were fantastic! 👍
Keith M
Keith M
2023-10-19
Great tour! Had an amazing day trip with Mercy and Charlie! Mercy led us on a great trek to the waterfall and then to the coffee bean farm where we got to take part in the local coffee making process! Then onto the fabulous hot springs! Food was great throughout the day! Would recommend this trip, especially Mercy and Charlie!
Tara
Tara
2023-10-12
Climbing the Kilimanjaro with a wonderful, reliable and fun crew! An amazing experience that I would recommend everyone! We highly recommend this organization for any excursion offered. With a high reliability and clear instructions we together checked our gear and did a briefing on how the 7 day trek would look like. After six intense but rewarding days, the team helped us achieve our long-time dream of climbing the Kilimanjaro. We were humbled by the kindness and professionalism of our 10-man crew. Our two guides made it their sole purpose to get us to the roof of Africa and summit with succes. Throughout this amazing experience we were surprised during every meal about the wonderful food that the team prepared for us. Good nutrition is key for such a challenging experience and we were grateful that this was really handled well. We would definitely make use of this organization again upon another visit of Tanzania.
Bente B
Bente B
2023-09-25
Best experience ever My partner and I stayed with Kisambi tour for a 6 days experience. Elisante organized everything for us, and even before the trip was always precise and fast in replying to our questions via messages. The tour included: the first day visiting Materuni waterfall and a coffee preparation experience accompanied by traditional songs and dances. The following day we went to hot spring and visiting a Masai Village. After this, we met out amazing guide Godlove and we started our 4 days safari. We visited Tarangire national park , Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater. It was without doubts, one of the best experiences of our lives. During the safari, we spent nights in campsites and we had a personal cook with us, Idd, who made the trip even better cooking traditional foods every day. We highly recommend travelling with Kisambi tour!
Elisa S
Elisa S
2023-09-16
Amazing Waterfall and Coffee Roasting Experience Great, moderate hike to the stunning Materuni Falls. Along the way, our guide Godwin told us so much about the history of the area, and the local flowers, fruit, and birds. He was so knowledgeable! After seeing the waterfall, which was incredible, we hiked back to a local Chogga village and had a delicious lunch of banana soup, rice, beans and spiced vegetables. Then, we learned all about coffee cultivation and roasting, and had the most delicious cup of coffee. So much fun and so educational. It was a highlight of our trip to Tanzania,
Susan K
Susan K
2023-09-14
Best company to visit Moshi! Great company to visit Tanzania and go around Arousha and Moshi. Elisante is very available, friendly and kind! First, we had a wonderful safari, with a very kind and prepared driver, Joseph, always on-time! The last day they even offered us a middle day trip, before going to the airport, with another fantastic, joyful driver, Julius! They are the best!
Katerina K
Katerina K
2023-09-09

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Tour Plan

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 at 2625m.

  • Distance covered: 8km / 5km
  • Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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 covered: 5km / 3.1mi
  • Approx. time taken: 3-4 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Leaving the pine forest behind, we 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 at 3630m.
  • Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi Approx.
  • time taken: 3-4 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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 covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 4-5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!

  • Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
  • Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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, 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. 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 covered: 22km / 13.7mi
  • Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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 covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
  • Approx. time taken: 8 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Prices/included services
Pricing for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 days (per person)
1 Person 2 Persons 3-4 Persons 5-6 Persons 7 Persons and more
2250 USD 1960 USD 1810 USD 1760 USD 1730 USD
    Included Services:
  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary | Professional, English-speaking guide | Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters) | Overnight stays in tents | Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.) | Meals according to the itinerary | Drinking water, tea & coffee | Oxygen tank and oximeters | All national park fees | Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
Not included services:
  • Alcohol and soft drinks | Sleeping bag | Flights | Visa fees | Tips | Personal spending money for souvenirs | Travel insurance | Airport Transfer | Pre and Post climb Hotel Accommodation

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