Rongai Route – 6 Days
Rongai Route

Rongai Route – 6 Days

The quiet northern approach from the Kenya border. A genuine wilderness experience with fewer climbers and excellent wildlife spotting on the drier slopes.

6 Days Duration
5,895m Summit
$2,300 From / person
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Tour Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Nalemoru Gate to Rongai Camp

Transfer from Moshi to Nalemoru Gate (2,000m) near Kenya border. Begin trek through pristine rainforest on the drier northern slope. Listen for birds and colobus monkeys. Arrive at Rongai Camp (2,600m) for lunch. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance8km
Hiking Time5-6 hours
Elevation+600m
Start2,000m
End2,600m
ZoneRainforest
AccommodationTents at Rongai Camp
MealsLunch, Dinner
HighlightsPristine rainforest, colobus monkeys, Kenya border views
Day 2

Rongai Camp to Second Cave Camp

Exit rainforest into heath and moorland. Stunning views of Kibo and Kenya plains. Giant lobelias and groundsels. Arrive at Second Cave Camp (3,450m) for lunch. Afternoon acclimatization walk. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance8km
Hiking Time5-6 hours
Elevation+850m
Start2,600m
End3,450m
ZoneHeath and Moorland
AccommodationTents at Second Cave Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsGiant lobelias, Kenya plains views, Kibo views
Day 3

Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Easy walk through moorland. Panoramic views of Kenya plains and Kibo. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) for lunch. Afternoon acclimatization hike. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance7km
Hiking Time4-5 hours
Elevation+150m
Start3,450m
End3,600m
ZoneMoorland
AccommodationTents at Kikelewa Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsKenya plains, panoramic views
Day 4

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Climb through alpine desert zone. Stunning views of Mawenzi Peak. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) for lunch. Afternoon acclimatization hike to Mawenzi Tarn. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance6km
Hiking Time5-6 hours
Elevation+730m
Start3,600m
End4,330m
ZoneAlpine Desert
AccommodationTents at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsMawenzi Peak, alpine desert, tarn lake
Day 5

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Trek across saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Alpine desert terrain. Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m) for lunch. Rest and prepare for summit. Early dinner at 5pm. Sleep by 7pm.

Distance8km
Hiking Time5-6 hours
Elevation+370m
Start4,330m
End4,700m
ZoneAlpine Desert
AccommodationTents at Kibo Hut
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsSaddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
Day 6

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

SUMMIT DAY! Wake at 11:30pm. Begin climbing at midnight. Steep zigzag ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Watch sunrise at the top of Africa. Quick descent to Mweka Camp. Celebration lunch.

Distance20km
Hiking Time12-15 hours
Elevation+1,195m / Loss: -2,795m
Start4,700m
End3,100m
ZoneArctic Summit to Moorland
AccommodationTents at Mweka Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsUhuru Peak 5,895m, sunrise, glaciers

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide
  • Experienced porters (carrying equipment and luggage)
  • Cook for meal preparation
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and taxes
  • All hut fees (Marangu) or camping fees (other routes)
  • All meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Drinking water (3+ liters per person per day)
  • Transfer from Moshi hotel to gate and back
  • Summit certificate (Green for Uhuru, Red for other peaks)
  • Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
  • Dining tent with chairs and tables
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinders
  • Portable toilets (on request)
  • Staff salaries, wages, and allowances
  • Airport transfer (arrival/departure)
  • Welcome dinner and farewell dinner
  • Trip briefing the evening before climb
  • Excess luggage storage at hotel
  • All government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, rain gear)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended $250-300 total)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Hot showers (available at some camps for extra fee)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Laundry services
  • Medical expenses and evacuation (covered by insurance)
  • Mountain bike hire
  • Extra activities not in itinerary

Group Size & Price

1 Person $2,990
2 People $2,300 pp
3+ People $2,070 pp

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