Trekking Overview
As the sole route to Kilimanjaro from the East, the Rongai Route gives climbers the chance to almost completely traverse the mountain from East to south. The route gives climbers plenty of time to adjust to the elevation over the first few days as they approach the summit through the untamed forest to the north.
Excellent views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields are provided by the northern approach early in the journey, generating interest in the ascent to come. At Kibo Hut, the Rongai Route merges with the Marangu Route, taking the same route through Gilman’s Point to the Peak and then returning through Marangu Gate to descend.
This path is the best during the rainy season because the Eastern side of Kilimanjaro receives substantially less wetness than the southern side. Especially during the summer rains, climbers have a better opportunity of experiencing clear, picturesque vistas throughout the route (March to Early May).
- Type of Tour: Private tour
- Level of the Tour: Basic Level
- Nature of the Tour: Active Tour
- Destinations Visited: Mount Kilimanjaro
Trip Itinerary
Itinerary Details - Day-by-day
Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
On Day 1, you will begin your Kilimanjaro adventure at the Rongai Gate. After registration and a short briefing, the trek starts through lush rainforests, where you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife like monkeys and birds. The trail gradually ascends towards Rongai Cave, your first campsite. After settling in, enjoy a well-deserved dinner and relax under the stars as you prepare for the days ahead. The gradual climb on this first day allows for acclimatization, setting the stage for the journey to the summit.
Distance: 8km Duration: 3-4 Hours
Elevation: 1,950m/6,398ft to 2,600m/8,530ft
Accommodation: Rongai Cave
Rongai Cave to Second Cave
On Day 2, you will continue your ascent through the scenic moorland zone. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, with dramatic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro. After a steady climb, you’ll reach the Second Cave, where you’ll camp for the night. This day allows for further acclimatization, as you adjust to the increasing altitude. Enjoy a restful evening surrounded by the unique highland terrain, and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Distance: 6km Duration: 4-5 Hours
Elevation: 2600m/8530ft to 3450m/11,319Ft
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Cave
On Day 3, you’ll continue your ascent from Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave, situated in the moorland zone. The trail offers breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscape, with some
sections providing a challenging but rewarding climb. The day’s hike takes about 4-5 hours, providing ample time for acclimatization. Once at Kikelewa Cave, you’ll camp for the night, enjoying a peaceful rest and preparing for the next day’s journey. This gradual ascent helps your body adjust to the higher altitude as you get closer to the summit.
Distance: 6km Duration: 4-5 Hours
Elevation: 3450m/11,319ft to 3600m/11,811ft
Accommodation: Kikelewa Cave Camp
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
On Day 4, you’ll hike from Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn, a short but steep 4-5 hour trek. As you climb into the alpine desert zone, enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding landscape. Arriving at Mawenzi Tarn at 4,330m (14,200ft), you’ll camp and further acclimatize before the summit.
Distance: 5km Duration: 4-5 Hours
Elevation: 3600m/11,811t to 4330m/14,200ft
Accommodation: Mawezi Tarn Camp
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
On Day 5, you’ll trek from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut, covering a distance of 6 kilometers in about 5-6 hours. This section takes you through a rocky, barren landscape as you ascend into higher altitudes, approaching the base of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. The terrain becomes more desolate, and you’ll begin to feel the effects of the altitude. Once at Kibo Hut, you’ll rest and prepare for the summit climb later that night.
Distance: 6km Duration: 6-6 Hours
Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4,703m/15,430ft
Accommodation: Kibo Huts
Kibo Huts to Summit to Horombo Huts
Day 6 is the summit day on your Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu Route, an exciting and challenging day. You will begin your ascent from Kibo Hut around midnight or early morning to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb starts with a steep and rocky trail, passing through challenging scree slopes and snow-covered paths. After hours of determination and perseverance, you’ll reach the iconic Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment like no other. After spending a brief moment at the summit for photos and celebrations, you’ll begin your descent back down to Horombo Hut. The descent is steep, and you’ll stop for a well-deserved break at Kibo Hut before continuing down to Horombo. By late afternoon or evening, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut to rest and recover, completing one of the most rewarding days of your adventure. Temperatures will have dropped significantly, but the joy of reaching the summit will keep you energized as you reflect on your incredible achievement.
Distance: 19km Duration: 11-15 Hours
Elevation: 4,703m/15,430ft to 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,720m/12,205ft
Accommodation: Horombo Huts
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony to appreciate your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We begin our descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for a well-deserved lunch. Don’t forget to tip your guides, cooks, and porters before leaving them today. We continue down to the Marangu Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. At the gate, a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha, just a 45-minute drive away. Enjoy a relaxing hot shower, a delicious dinner, and celebrate your incredible achievement!
Distance: 18km Duration: 6-7 Hours
Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft
Includes
- 1- Arrival and 1- departure airport transfer
- Dedicated Mountain crew (professional English-speaking guide, potters and chef)
- Park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fee
- All Meals as per itinerary
- All camping equipment
- Government taxes and 18% VAT (Value Added Tax)
- 3 litres of treated water per person per day during trekking.
- 2 nights in Arusha before and after trekking.
- 2-way transfer from/to the mountain gate
Excludes
- Any changes which attract extra charges
- Travel Insurance
- Personal mountain equipment
- Mobile toilet
- Visa ($100 for USA citizens and $50 for other nationalities)
- Tip for the mountain crew
- Things of a personal nature
- Laundry service
- Sleeping bag
- Oxygen tank
- Drinks in the accommodations
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