Rongai route: 100% Best Rout to Climb Mt Kilimanjaro
The Rongai route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a seven-day camping itinerary, notable for its lower traffic and relative ease compared to the southern slopes for ascending Kilimanjaro. It draws around 10% of the mountain’s tourists. The path constitutes a comprehensive tour, uniquely encompassing both the parched northern side and the verdant southern side. It is also referred to as the Loitokok Route.
Commencing at the northern Kenyan flank of the mountain, its advantages include a more progressive and accessible route regarding topography, along with unobstructed views of the peak along the approach. There are increased opportunities to observe wildlife, including buffalo, elephants, and antelope. The seven-day itinerary incorporates a day of acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn, which is a significant enhancement, as the level terrain precludes the ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy, a beneficial method for acclimatization. The additional day significantly contributes to the summit success rate on this route, which exceeds 80%. A six-day route that omits an acclimatization day reduces the summit success rate to approximately 65% and significantly increases the likelihood of altitude sickness.
The road is more tranquil and level, and perhaps possesses worse scenic qualities compared to alternative routes on the southern side. Traversing the broad plain while continuously observing the top massif imparts a profound sense of the mountain’s immensity. The mountain obstructs rain clouds from the south, resulting in a drier environment and a markedly distinct experience for scenery and topography. The seclusion and spaciousness attract many, however the many environments found on the southern routes, such as Machame and Lemosho, are not experienced.
The ascent from the NNE through the forest to the heathland and the last camp at Kibo, where it intersects with the Marangu route, requires five days. Summit day occurs on the sixth day, ascending to Gilmans Point on the crater rim, proceeding to Uhuru Peak, and then descending to Horombo Hut. The seventh day entails a descent to Mweka Gate, located a mere half-hour drive from Moshi.
We utilize premium mountain tents, comfy mattresses, and full-time qualified guides, along with porters who transport bags and equipment, and chefs who prepare fresh meals daily. The ratio of guide to climber is 1:2. Information regarding Kilimanjaro preparation and safety may be found on our More Info pages, along with a detailed packing list for Kilimanjaro.
Recommended Itinerary
All hikers must arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A private transfer to your hotel will be arranged from JRO. On that night or the following morning, you will convene with your local Kandoo agent for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing.
Briefing day in Moshi Town, engage with the All Tanzania Safaris team, and allocate time for equipment rental or leisure at the hotel.
Altitude: 1830 meters
We set off early in the morning and go around Kilimanjaro to the northern side, where the Rongai Gate is located. The duration is approximately three hours, although it provides spectacular vistas. Upon registering at the gate for permits and organizing equipment for the porters, we proceed to traverse the jungle for four hours to arrive at Camp 1, situated at 2800 meters. We commence our journey from Nale Moru hamlet, across farmland and pine forest to arrive at the moorland’s edge, where Simba Camp offers stunning vistas of the Kenyan plains. This is an excellent day for observing wildlife.
- Elevation:
- 2800m
- Travel Time:
- 3 hours drive, 4 hours walking
Today, we will traverse the moorland of Kilimanjaro, embarking on a lengthy journey of almost six hours to Camp 2, situated near Kikelewa Cave at an elevation of 3600 meters. Consistent elevation to the Second Cave, offering exceptional vistas of the Kibo summit and the Eastern ice fields along the crater rim. Proceed across the moorland toward Mawenzi Peak. The camp is situated in a protected valley adjacent to towering Senecios.
- Elevation: 3600m
- Travel Time: 6 hours
We are still traversing open terrain, which can be steep at times, as we ascend to our campsite at Mawenzi Tarn (4330m).
A brief ascent offers magnificent vistas of the mountain, followed by a few hours’ trek to the tarn situated in a cirque just underneath Mawenzi. Brief hike followed by a period of recuperation in the afternoon. Establish camp for a duration of two nights.
- Elevation: 4330m
- Travel Time: 5 hours
Today serves as a day of rest and acclimatization at the tarn. You may either unwind at the campsite or embark on walks in the vicinity. comprising a trek around Mawenzi. This section of the mountain is exquisite, and the vistas are breathtaking.
Four hours of trekking on open terrain today, featuring spectacular vistas, culminating at the campsite near Kibo Hut at an elevation of 4,730 meters. The final camp is situated in Kibo campground, located beneath the massif, while traversing the elevated desert landscape between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. Repose in anticipation of peak day.
Night-time ascent on rock and scree, with intermittent snow, to the crater rim at Gilmans Point (5680m), requiring 5 hours, followed by an additional 2 hours to reach the summit of Uhuru (5985m). Frigid temperatures accompanied by wind chill. Descend to Horombo Hut at 3800m, located on the Marangu Route (total duration 12 hours).
We subsequently descend to Marangu Gate by a straightforward path that traverses the forest for four hours. We thereafter travel by road from Mweka to the hotel in Moshi, where a hot shower awaits, a journey that takes about thirty minutes.
Either start your safari or depart for home.
The Rongai route is regarded as one of the most accessible paths to ascend Kilimanjaro. The ascent is both slow and consistent. The Rongai Route lacks an optimal ‘walk high, sleep low’ profile, rendering it potentially more challenging than the Machame or Lemosho routes concerning acclimatization. We provide climbing expeditions of both 6 and 7 days, with the 7-day option advised for enhanced acclimatization. This ascension path does not include technical climbing; yet, the routes are arduous and demand a commendable level of physical fitness. Seeking training guidance or a regimen in anticipation of this journey? We recommend exploring Kate Sielmann and her coaching packages tailored to mountaineering and trekking training. Obtain additional information here.
Meals and Drinks
Maintaining proper nutrition during your ascent is essential, particularly when circumstances may diminish your appetite for food and hydration. Due to the prevalent loss of appetite among climbers at high altitudes, our head chef has crafted specialized menu plans that are enticing, nutritious, and rich in the energy required to reach the summit. Our meals inherently comprise fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Fresh meat will be available throughout the initial segment of the journey, and on the southern routes where practicable, we will replenish the party at Karanga Camp. Upon your return to Base Camp following the summit trek, a unique reward awaits: a “All Day English Breakfast.” Please inform our cook of your preferred method of preparing eggs. Prior to departing the mountain, you have the opportunity to taste several local Tanzanian dishes, including Njegere and Machalari.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast is typically substantial, with oatmeal, sausage, eggs, and toast with marmalade or jam. Additionally, a selection of hot beverages will be available, typically including tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Inform your advisor if you remain hungry or believe you can consume additional portions. Our chefs consistently endeavor to supply an excess of food to guarantee that all individuals receive a satisfactory dinner.
MEAL
Lunch is either prepared for you to carry in your rucksack or we will pause for a hot cooked meal, contingent upon your route. A standard packed lunch consists of a cooked egg, sandwiches, a serving of chicken, chips, a snack bar, fresh fruit, and a beverage.
AFTERNOON TEA
Good afternoon Tea is provided upon arrival at the campsite after the day’s trek. Alongside tea and other hot beverages, an abundance of peanuts, popcorn, biscuits, and nibbles is available to replenish the energy expended.
DINNER
Evening meals are substantially satiating. The meal typically commences with a robust soup, followed by a main dish that may include chicken curry, spaghetti bolognese, fresh vegetables, and an ample serving of rice, pasta, or potatoes, concluding with a delectable dessert such as pancakes or banana fritters accompanied by maple syrup or Nutella.
Accommodations
Your comprehensive day-by-day itinerary details the inclusions for hotel accommodations and lunch provisions. All accommodations before and after the climb are located in Moshi. If you go on a safari before your ascent, we will have arranged accommodation for you in Arusha upon your arrival to minimize your travel duration. If your hotel operates on a B&B basis, you can typically acquire snacks or meals on-site, payable in Tanzanian Shillings or frequently in US Dollars. Upon arrival at the hotel, take a time to acquaint yourself with the layout and the protocols for fire emergencies, particularly the escape routes and fire exits.
Kindly note that Tanzania remains a developing nation, and interruptions in both water and electricity supply occur frequently; so, we cannot assure the availability of hot showers at the hotel throughout your stay. The hotel will assist to the extent possible; but, these interruptions are beyond their control.
We utilize just the finest high-altitude mountain tents, the Mountain Hardwar Trango 3, to guarantee your warmth, dryness, and comfort during your Kilimanjaro ascent. Kindly note that they are specialized mountain tents, engineered to withstand extreme conditions; therefore, do not anticipate the ability to stand upright and move around within! The arid, dusty conditions on Kilimanjaro might disrupt the zippers, causing them to jam quickly. Our guides are equipped with WD-40; please request them aid instead than attempting to push the zipper.
Your meals will be served in a designated mess tent, allowing you to sit comfortably, engage in conversation with your teammates, and savor the nutritious food freshly cooked by our cook. Within, you will discover a table and a suitably comfortable armchair. With a complete 2 meters of headroom, even the highest climbers may extend and navigate without stooping. They are entirely waterproof and consistently endure the most severe weather conditions that Kilimanjaro presents. A toilet tent is equipped with toilet paper.
Transport
For every one of our transfers, we demand nothing less than the best in vehicle and driver quality. Despite our best efforts, we cannot always ensure that the vehicles we employ have rear seatbelts installed because it is not a legal requirement in Tanzania. If you have any concerns regarding the car or the level of service, please inform the driver or our local office right away. Keep in mind that police frequently pull over Cars in Tanzania to verify the driver’s identification; if you don’t speak the local language, this can be a terrifying experience. It has nothing to do with how well you or your driver are doing if your car is at a standstill.