Embark on the Rongai Route to Mount Kilimanjaro for an unspoilt wilderness adventure with close encounters with wildlife. Experience clear views and minimal rain on this flat but rewarding trek.
Embark on the Rongai Route to Mount Kilimanjaro for an unspoilt wilderness adventure with close encounters with wildlife. Experience clear views and minimal rain on this flat but rewarding trek.
Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
Mount Kilimanjaro - This morning, the journey begins with a drive to the village of Nale Moru, marking the start of the Rongai route. The initial trek takes you through farmland and pine forests, offering the possibility of spotting the beautiful Colobus monkeys, and with some luck, elephants or…
Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
Mount Kilimanjaro - This morning, the journey begins with a drive to the village of Nale Moru, marking the start of the Rongai route. The initial trek takes you through farmland and pine forests, offering the possibility of spotting the beautiful Colobus monkeys, and with some luck, elephants or buffalos along the way. The first campsite is Simba Camp, situated at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours
Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)
Mount Kilimanjaro - The morning trek involves a steady climb to the Second Cave Camp in the moorland zone, providing stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch at the cave camp, the journey continues with a steady ascent through moorland. The views of the Eastern ice fields on Kibo’s crater rim, the highest of the three volcanoes forming the mountain, are breathtaking. Departing from the main trail, the path leads across moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second volcano. The camp for the night is set in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m.
Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
Approx. time taken: 6 - 7 hours
Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)
Mount Kilimanjaro - The day begins with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, rewarded by a magnificent view of the Kenyan plains to the north. Vegetation is left behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, located directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. The afternoon offers an opportunity to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours
Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Mount Kilimanjaro - Departing from the campsite, the trek crosses the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. After a few hours of trekking, this spectacular location is reached, with Kilimanjaro’s summit in the background and the trail to the high camp ahead. Upon arrival at the camp, the rest of the day is dedicated to resting in preparation for the final ascent after an early night.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5 - 6 hours
Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Mount Kilimanjaro - Today marks “The Big Day” - the summit stage. The final ascent begins around midnight and is long and challenging. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb steadily progresses upwards. At sunrise, Gillman’s Point (5681m) on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim is reached, where the sun begins to warm the land. The cold of the night is soon forgotten, and after an additional 1 - 2 hours of hiking, Uhuru Peak at 5895m is reached. Upon returning to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits, followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Mount Kilimanjaro - The final stage traverses the heath and moor zone to Mandara Hut (2700m), where a warm lunch is ready. Soon, the trek passes through the tropical rainforest, and after a total of 6 hours of trekking, the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m) is reached. After bidding farewell to the mountain guides, a short transfer takes you back to the hotel in Moshi. There, a warm and relaxing shower awaits, along with the opportunity to celebrate the achievement of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours

- Private transportation to and from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals included: 3 daily meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Fair wages for the mountain crew, approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
- Private transportation to and from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals included: 3 daily meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Fair wages for the mountain crew, approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
- Flights
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)
- Flights
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)
Due to its secluded location, the route provides trekkers with a largely untouched wilderness experience, where they can observe large wildlife such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain receives considerably less moisture compared to the southern slopes, reducing the likelihood of encountering rain. This also…
Due to its secluded location, the route provides trekkers with a largely untouched wilderness experience, where they can observe large wildlife such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain receives considerably less moisture compared to the southern slopes, reducing the likelihood of encountering rain. This also increases the chances of enjoying clear, unobstructed views of the mountain. The Rongai Route is less steep than other Kilimanjaro routes; however, its layout does not offer trekkers many opportunities to climb high and sleep low. It can be completed in six, seven, or even eight days. The seven or eight-day Rongai routes are highly recommended, as they allow trekkers additional time to acclimatize.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.