7 Days/ 6 Nights
$ 2300.00
The Rongai route is the only Kilimanjaro path that approaches from the northern side, near the Kenya border. While it has been gaining traction over the years, it still remains relatively quiet compared to other trails. Its gradual incline makes it a great alternative to the busy Marangu route, and it is particularly suitable for trekkers seeking a more secluded experience or climbing during the rainy season, as the northern face receives less rainfall. The Rongai trail is considered moderately challenging and is an excellent choice, especially for climbers with limited backpacking experience.
Although the landscapes are less diverse than the western approaches, Rongai compensates with its untouched wilderness along nearly the entire stretch. The descent is done on the Marangu route.
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a transfer will take you to your overnight stay at Salinero B&B. There, your lead guide will conduct a briefing, check your gear, and assist you in renting any additional equipment if needed.
Elevation: 1997m / 6,552ft → 2635m / 8,645ft
Altitude Gain: 638m
Leaving Moshi, a 4–5 hour drive passes through lush coffee farms and the village of Nale Muru en route to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After arriving, we wait for permit processing while observing the lively preparations of other trekking teams. The trail winds through scenic woodlands, and your guide shares insights about the native plants, animals, and overall ecosystem along the way. Simba Camp is located close to the first cave on the edge of the moorland zone, offering sweeping views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2635m / 8,645ft → 3487m / 11,440ft
Altitude Gained: 852m
After a restful night and a nourishing breakfast, the trek continues across moorland, steadily ascending. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Kibo and catch your first glimpse of the ice fields along the Eastern Crater rim. The moorland’s low shrubs thin out as you approach the Second Cave, and temperatures start to drop.
Elevation: 3487m / 11,440ft → 3675m / 12,057ft
Altitude gained: 188m
After breakfast and packing, the hike continues with a steady climb through the Moorland, heading toward the rugged Mawenzi peaks. Though a relatively short day on the trail, it brings you closer to the eastern ice fields, whose striking beauty captures your attention along the way. Be mindful of your body and alert your guide to any signs of altitude sickness.
Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 3721m / 12,208ft → 1905m / 6,250ft
Total Descent: 1,816m
After breakfast and a warm farewell ceremony celebrating your crew and the journey, the descent begins. The trail includes a stop at Mandara Huts for lunch. Be sure to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you part ways. You continue down to Marangu Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. With the weather considerably warmer, the path is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended. From the gate, a vehicle will be ready to take you back to your hotel in Moshi — roughly a 45-minute drive.
Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park
Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel
All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
GPS-tracking service
Complete medical kits
Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience.
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Airline tickets
Visa fee
Personal gear rentals
Tips for the mountain crew
Mountaineering insurance
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the two trekking seasons: January to March and June to October. These periods offer favorable conditions for a safe and enjoyable climb.
The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is about 21%. Before planning your Mount Kilimanjaro Trip, it is crucial to explore the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro.
For high-altitude treks like Kilimanjaro, proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy levels and ensuring a successful climb. You will need nutritious foods to gain proper energy.
