Tour Overview:

Starting from $2,399 USD, the Rongai Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest and least crowded paths, offering a high success rate for climbers. This scenic route begins on the northern side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border, and descends via the Marangu Route on the south side, giving climbers breathtaking views of the mountain from multiple perspectives.

The trek to the trailhead takes about 3 hours from Moshi, passing through traditional villages, lush coffee plantations, and a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. For those coming from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, the route is accessible with a 2-hour drive, including border crossing. Copies of passports are required ahead of time.

All Kilimanjaro treks on the Rongai Route are offered as private trips starting any day, with select dates available for group departures. For a complete adventure, climbers can combine the trek with a safari in Tanzania.

Tour Highlight:

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha city

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp (LD)

Day 3: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave (BLD)

Day 4: Hike Second Cave to Third Cave (BLD)

Day 5: Hike Third Cave to Kibo Hut (BLD)

Day 6: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut (BLD)

Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha city (B)

Day 8: Depart Arusha city (B)

Full Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha city

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Arusha city. A driver will meet you after immigration and customs; look for a sign that says "Superior Kilimanjaro and Safaris" or your name. The drive to Arusha city takes approximately 45 minutes without traffic.

Today, you will have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and an opportunity to collect any rental gear you may need. Extra luggage not required for the trek can be stored at your hotel. If possible, we recommend taking an extra rest day before your trek begins.

• Meals included: None

• Accommodation: Mvuli Lodge or Outpost lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 2: Drive to Rongai Gate – Hike to Simba Camp (BLD)

Drive to Nale Moru, a charming wooden village and trailhead (approx. 2 hours including a stop to register permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, begin your trek on a wide path through maize and potato fields before entering a pine forest. The path gradually climbs through lush forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Your first camp is located at the edge of the moorland zone, offering extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

• Elevation: 2,000m / 6,560ft → 2,650m / 8,700ft

• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Simba Camp

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave (BLD)

Begin a steady ascent to Second Cave Camp, enjoying spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the crater rim.

• Elevation: 2,650m / 8,700ft → 3,450m / 11,300ft

• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Moorland

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Second Cave Camp

Day 4: Second Cave to Third Cave (BLD)

Trek from Second Cave to Third Cave Camp across semi-desert terrain, gradually gaining altitude and acclimatizing to the thinner air.

• Elevation: 3,450m / 11,300ft → 3,880m / 12,700ft

• Distance: 9 km / 5 mi

• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

• Habitat: Semi-Desert

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Third Cave Camp

Day 5: Third Cave to Kibo Hut (BLD)

Continue your ascent to Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kibo Crater. Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final summit push.

• Elevation: 3,880m / 12,700ft → 4,750m / 15,600ft

• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Kibo Hut Camp

Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo Hut (BLD)

Start the final ascent very early (midnight to 2 am). Climb steep scree and snow to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (5,700m / 18,700ft), then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Capture stunning photos at the summit!

Descend back to Kibo Hut for lunch and then continue down to Horombo Hut. Summit day is challenging and cold; layers, headlamps, and a “pole pole” (slow and steady) approach are essential.

• Elevation: 4,700m / 15,500ft → 5,895m / 19,340ft → descend to 3,700m / 12,200ft

• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi up → 15 km / 9 mi down

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up → 4–5 hours down

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Horombo Hut Camp

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Trailhead – Drive to Arusha city (B)

Descend through moorland to Mandara Hut, continuing down through lush forest to the National Park gate at Marangu. Lower elevations may be wet or muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu to drive back to Moshi (approx. 1 hour). Take time to celebrate your achievement and tip your guides and porters.

• Elevation: 3,700m / 12,200ft → 1,700m / 5,500ft

• Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Forest

• Meals included: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Mvuli Lodge or Outpost Lodge

Day 8: Departure from Arusha city (B)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or continue on your Tanzania safari.

• Meals included: Breakfast

Included & Excluded

What’s Included

• Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook

• All meals and purified drinking water during the trek

• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Tents and camping gear

• Pre- and post-climb hotel accommodation

• Airport and trailhead transfers

• Emergency oxygen and first aid kit

What’s Not Included

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Tips (approx. $350–$400 per climber)

• Personal trekking equipment (available for rent)

• Extra hotel nights if needed

• Portable toilet (available on request)

• Bottled and alcoholic beverages

Price Range: