888 445-2912
888 445-2912
Inquire
Change Location
United Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route

Duration
9 days
Price from
$4,297 pp.
Location
Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania
People climbing Kilimanjaro Tanzania Canva Pro

Trip Highlights

  • Reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro
  • Camp on the mountainside for a truly wild experience
  • The Rongai Route offers a slightly gentler hiking experience

What's Included

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Expert hiking guides
  • All transfers and park fees

The Quiet Northern Approach

The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s best-kept secret. Approaching the mountain from the north, near the Kenyan border, it’s the only trail that starts on this remote side of the mountain.

With far fewer climbers than the southern and western routes, Rongai is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path Kilimanjaro adventure, without compromising on the challenge or the rewards.

Ottilie, our Tanzania specialist, says:

“Rongai is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded way up Kilimanjaro. It’s also a good choice for those climbing in the rainy season, since the northern slopes stay drier. The scenery is more subtle than the southern routes, but there’s a real sense of wilderness, especially in the first few days. It’s gentle, steady, and underrated – a great route for first-timers.”

This route is especially well-suited for climbs during the wet season, as the northern slopes receive significantly less rainfall than the southern side, often offering clearer skies and drier conditions. It's also one of the best trails for spotting wildlife, with the chance of seeing colobus monkeys and other forest dwellers early in the trek.

The ascent begins at the remote Rongai Gate and winds gently upward through pine forest and open moorland, offering wide-ranging views and a real sense of wilderness. Over several days, you'll gradually gain altitude, passing through remote alpine landscapes before merging with the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut for the final summit push.

While the scenery on Rongai is less varied than routes like Lemosho or Machame, the trail’s solitude and sense of space more than make up for it. It’s a great option for first-time trekkers, families, or anyone who values a steadier pace and a more peaceful trekking experience.

From Kibo Hut, the summit attempt begins under the stars. You’ll climb up to Gillman’s Point and continue around the crater rim to the summit at Uhuru Peak, where you'll be rewarded with a dramatic sunrise. Descent is via the Marangu Route, ending at Mweka Gate.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your adventure begins

Approaching Kilimanjaro on foot Tanzania

At the airport you will be greeted by one of our representatives who will proceed to drive you to Moshi and the Protea Aishi Hotel. Here you can spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight, enjoy a swim in the pool and get a good nights sleep before you head off on your climb the following day.

Day 2 Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Mt Kili greeenery Kilimanjaro climb Tanzania

After an early breakfast you will be taken to Marangu Gate in Kilimanjaro National Park to collect permits and then on to Rongai Gate where your trek starts. The path winds through farmland and then climbs gently through the a pine forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey. You will reach the first campsite by late afternoon at the edge of the moorland zone at about 9'300ft (2600 meters)

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 3 Climb to Kikelewa Cave

Day 4 Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5 Mawenzi Ridge

Day 6 Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Day 7 Summit Day

Day 8 Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Day 9 Time to fly home

Ottilie
Speak to an expert
Ottilie

Start planning your Kilimanjaro adventure with our Tanzania specialist.

Make an enquiry
or call 888 445-2912
APTA logo png
black wanderwell bird top

Duration

9 days

Location

Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania

Price from

$4,297 pp.

Price Includes

  • All guides and porters for the hike
  • Safety briefings
  • Accommodation and meals as listed
  • All park fees and excursions as specified

Price Excludes

  • Single supplements
  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Any meals, activities, or excursions not specified as included

Price is based on two people sharing and excluding international flights.

Accommodations and meals are as follows:

  • 2 nights at Aishi Lodge, Moshi - breakfast included.
  • 1 day room at Aishi Lodge, Moshi - lunch included.
  • 6 nights trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro using the Rongai Route up and Marangu Route down, staying in tents along the way, all meals included.
Trips in Kilimanjaro Climbs

Kilimanjaro Climbs Trip Inspiration

Type

All

Price

—

Sort by

Featured

Speak to a Tanzania expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
or
Our Tanzania Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Otti profile pic

Ottilie

When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.

Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your travel ideas, or call (888) 445-2912

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.