Kilimanjaro via the more pristine Rongai route
In summary
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Sports
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Duration24 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationTanzania / Kilimanjaro
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions135.35 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
German
English
French
Swahili
Italian
In a few words
Explore the northern slopes of the roof of Africa via the only route starting near the Kenyan border. The Rongai route is the ideal alternative to the busy Marangu route, offering a wild and unspoiled immersion , far from the crowds of the main trails. It is also the preferred option for climbing during the rainy season, thanks to its more sheltered climate.
This moderately difficult high-altitude trek is perfectly suited to hikers with limited experience in the mountains. During this journey, ideally planned over 7 days , you will traverse landscapes of pristine alpine moors and deserts. Nature displays an authentic and virtually untouched character, guaranteeing a complete escape.
After enjoying the solitude of the vast northern landscapes, the route reaches Kibo Camp for the final summit attempt. The descent then follows another slope, completing a magnificent traverse of Kilimanjaro .
The highlights
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The wildest route, far from the crowds
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A 95% success rate on the Rongai route with acclimatization in 7 days
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Complete flexibility in your itinerary for climbing Kilimanjaro at your own pace
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai route in 7 days presents a moderate but steady challenge. Starting on the drier north face, this route offers a gentler slope and excellent acclimatization, guaranteeing an 85% success rate. The true test remains the night on the summit: a grueling and icy push of 1,000 meters of elevation gain through unstable scree and thin air. While it requires no technical climbing, it demands solid physical and mental endurance.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 548 m
- Average daily descent: 862 m
Management
German
English
French
Swahili
Italian
Coleman is one of our most experienced guides, with over 20 years of experience. Having grown up on the slopes of Kilimanjaro in the village of Marangu, he learned everything about climbing to the summit on his own. He started in 1995 as a porter, carrying equipment, setting up tents, and preparing gear for the demanding days on the mountain.
Our mountain guides are fully certified and qualified Wilderness First Responders .
Program
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Arrival
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) , our driver will meet you for your transfer to your accommodation located at the foot of the mountain.
At the end of the day, you will meet your guide for a full briefing and equipment check . If needed, all necessary equipment can be rented directly from our agency (additional fees apply). After these preparations, you will have some free time to relax before your first night at the hotel.
Day 1 -
From Nalemoru Gate (1,990 m) to Simba Camp (2,625 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 03h07 - 136km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1990 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we'll set off for the village of Nale Moru, the starting point of the Rongai Trail. The first leg of the trek crosses cultivated areas and pine forests. Along the way, you might be lucky enough to spot magnificent colobus monkeys or, if you're particularly fortunate, elephants or buffalo. Our first campsite will be Simba Camp, located on the edge of the moorland at 2,625 meters.
Day 2 -
Camp Simba – Camp Second Cave – Camp Kikelelwa Cave
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 765 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The morning hike is a steady climb to Second Cave Camp , located in the moorland area, which offers superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields at the crater rim. After lunch, we will continue our trek to Kikelelwa Camp.
Day 3 -
From Kikelelwa Cave camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 715 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we begin a short but steep hike up a grassy slope towards the Mawenzi Tarn Hut camp , offering breathtaking views of this wild area. The landscape will change dramatically, the moorland giving way to alpine desert. You will spend the night at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut camp , nestled at the foot of the jagged, rocky peaks of the Mawenzi.
Day 4 -
Camp Mawenzi Tarn Hut
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 73 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today is an acclimatization day. We spend a few hours hiking to the Mawenzi ridge before returning to our initial camp to rest. This spot offers a unique landscape with a truly inspiring view of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending some time exploring the surroundings, we descend back to camp.
Day 5 -
From Mawenzi Tarn Hut camp to Kibo camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 387 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave our campsite to cross the lunar-like desert of the Saddle, located between Mawenzi and Kibo. After a few hours of walking, we reach this spectacular spot, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretching out before us. Upon arrival at camp, the rest of the day will be spent resting to prepare for the final ascent after a very short night!
Day 6 -
From Kibo camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Horombo camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 14h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1192 m
- Negative elevation 2161 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today is "The Big Day"—the summit stage. Around midnight, you'll begin your final, long, and arduous ascent. Passing Hans Meyer's Cave at 5,220 m, the climb is slow but steady. At sunrise, you'll reach Gillman's Point (5,681 m) on the rim of Kilimanjaro's crater, where the first rays of sunlight will gently begin to warm the air. You'll soon forget the night's chill, and after another 1 to 2 hours of hiking, you'll finally reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Back at Kibo Hut, a hot meal will be waiting for you, followed by a 1 to 2-hour break before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut.
Day 7 -
From the Horombo camp to the Marangu gate
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h per day
- Distance 20 km
- Negative elevation 1877 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The final stage crosses the moorland and heathland to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits. Soon, you'll be back in the rainforest, and after a total of 6 hours of walking, you'll return to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (1,860 m). After bidding farewell to your mountain guides, a short transfer will take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can enjoy a relaxing hot shower and then celebrate your successful summit of Kilimanjaro.
Days 8 to 15 -
Departure from Tanzania
- Transportation Minibus - 11h15 - 49kmper day
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day is free for you to relax after the trek before your return flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you can explore the town of Moshi and buy some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Options for safaris, extensions to Zanzibar or other modules are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Days 16 to 24
Accommodation
Accommodation in 3* hotels with swimming pool.
The night is spent in our spacious 4-season mountain tents.
Access
International flights are at your own expense and must be booked by you. Our driver can meet you at the airport at your chosen time and take you to your accommodation (included in the package). At the end of your climb, we will provide your return transfer to the airport for your departure. You also have the option of extending your stay by adding a safari or a beach extension.
Go to the starting point
Transportation arrangements are completely flexible and will be organized around your flight schedules. Whether you arrive early in the morning, during the day, or late at night, our team will coordinate your transfers to and from the airport to perfectly suit your arrival and departure times, ensuring smooth, comfortable, and stress-free transportation throughout your journey.
Price details
The price includes
- Private transport: Return transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your accommodation in Moshi.
- Accommodation: 2 nights in a hotel in Moshi (one night before and one night after the trek).
- Transfers to the mountain: Round-trip transportation between your hotel and the gates of the national park.
- Park fees: National park entrance fees and camping fees.
- Safety and rescue: Rescue costs of the "Team Kilimanjaro Rescue".
- Taxes: 18% VAT on tour services and government taxes included.
- Camping equipment: Mountain tents and sleeping mats.
- Mountain team: Accompanied by professional guides, a cook and experienced porters.
- Catering: 3 hot meals daily throughout the ascent.
- Hydration: Sufficient treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
- Hygiene: Hot water provided for daily washing.
- Ethics: Fair wages guaranteed for the entire mountain team.
- Medical safety: Emergency first aid kit.
The price does not include
- Private toilets: It is possible to rent a camping toilet with its dedicated tent for $80 for the entire trek.
- International flights: Air transport to and from Tanzania remains at your own expense.
- Laundry: Service available at the hotel in Moshi.
- Personal equipment: Personal toiletries and hiking clothing.
- Tips should be made according to the recommendations below:
- Main guide: $20/day
- Assistant guide: $15/day
- Cook: $12/day
- Porter: $8/day
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Sleeping mats : To ensure your thermal insulation and comfort during nights in a tent.
- Mountain tents : Robust, high-quality tents specifically designed to withstand winds and extreme high-altitude conditions.
- Chairs : Folding camping chairs for your rest and mealtimes.
- Tables ( Tables ): Mess tables set up in the communal tent for convivial meals.
- Cutlery and tableware : Complete service (plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery) maintained with rigorous hygiene.
Equipment to bring
Technical clothing
- 1 – Waterproof and breathable jacket with hood
- 1 – Winter jacket (synthetic or down)
- 1 – Trekking jacket (fleece or soft-shell)
- 2 – Short-sleeved T-shirts (lightweight, breathable and quick-drying)
- 1 – Long-sleeved T-shirt (lightweight, breathable and quick-drying)
- 1 – Waterproof and breathable trousers
- 1 – Rain poncho
- 1 – Hiking pants
- 1 – Fleece trousers ( optional: for protection against the cold )
- 3 – Underwear ( breathable fabric recommended )
- 1 – Sports bra ( for women )
- 1 – Short ( optional )
Head protection
- 1 – Wide-brimmed hat or cap ( for sun protection )
- 1 – Winter hat
- 1 – Balaclava or ski mask ( optional, recommended: effective against wind, cold and dust )
Hand protection
- 1 – Pair of thin inner gloves
- 1 – Pair of warm winter gloves ( waterproof recommended )
Shoes and socks
- 1 – Pair of hiking boots (warm, waterproof and already broken in)
- 4 – Pairs of socks (wool or synthetic)
- 1 – Pair of sports shoes ( optional: to be worn at camp )
- 1 – Pair of waterproof gaiters ( optional )
Accessories
- 1 – Pair of sunglasses or ski goggles
- 2 – Water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 – Water bladder (2 liters)
- 1 – Lightweight, quick-drying towel ( optional )
- 1 – Bottle or container for urinating ( optional: to avoid leaving the tent at night )
- 3 – Waterproof bags ( optional: reusable plastic bags of various sizes to keep equipment dry and separate )
- 1 – Waterproof backpack cover ( optional: ideally integrated into your daypack )
Additional equipment
- 1 – Headlamp with spare batteries
- 1 – Sailor bag / Carrying bag (capacity of 90 to 120 L) for porters ( maximum weight: 15 kg )
- 1 – Daypack (capacity of 30 to 36 L) for your personal belongings ( maximum weight: 10 kg )
- 1 – Warm sleeping bag (4 seasons)
- 1 – Sleeping bag liner / Duvet cover ( optional: if you are sensitive to the cold )
- 1 – Inflatable camping pillow ( optional )
- 1 – Pair of telescopic trekking poles ( highly recommended )
Other articles
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50, highly recommended )
- Lip balm ( highly recommended )
- Light, high-calorie and energy snacks ( highly recommended )
- Moist wipes ( recommended )
- Insect repellent containing DEET ( optional )
- Electrolytes in powder or tablet form ( optional )
- Camera with spare batteries ( optional )
- Toiletry bag ( optional )
- Prescription medications ( optional )
- Personal first aid kit ( optional )
- Hand sanitizer ( optional )
- Toilet paper ( optional )
Papers and documents
- Travel booking receipt
- Passport
- Visa ( available upon arrival at the airport for most visitors )
- Vaccination record
- Travel insurance ( valid for the altitude of Kilimanjaro )
Clothing to bring
Technical Clothing
- Rain jacket: Waterproof and breathable with hood.
- Winter jacket: Down or synthetic (high mountain down jacket type).
- Hiking jacket: Fleece or "soft-shell" type.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts: Lightweight, breathable (moisture-wicking) and quick-drying.
- Long-sleeved T-shirt: Lightweight and breathable.
- Rain pants: Waterproof and breathable.
- Rain poncho.
- Hiking pants.
- Fleece pants: (Optional: for increased protection against the cold).
- Underwear: Breathable technical fabrics are highly recommended.
- Sports bra: (For women).
- Short: (Optional).
Head and Hand Protection
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap: For sun protection.
- Winter hat: Warm and covers the ears.
- Balaclava (Balaclava): (Optional but recommended against wind, cold and dust).
- Undergloves: Thin gloves (liners).
- Winter gloves: Very warm and ideally waterproof.
Shoes and Socks
- Hiking boots: Warm, waterproof and already worn (broken in).
- Pairs of socks: Wool (merino type) or synthetic.
- Lightweight shoes: Sneakers for the evening camp (optional).
- Gaiters: Waterproof (optional).
Accessories and Hydration
- Sunglasses or ski goggles.
- Water bottles: 1 liter capacity each.
- Water bladder (Camelbak type): 2 litre capacity.
- Towel: Lightweight and quick-drying (optional).
- "Pee" bottle: To avoid leaving the tent at night (optional).
- Waterproof bags: (Or reusable plastic bags of different sizes to keep your belongings dry).
- Backpack cover: Waterproof (often integrated into the backpack).
Additional Equipment
- Headlamp: With spare batteries.
- Duffel bag: Capacity of 90-120L, for carriers ( Maximum 15 kg ).
- Daypack: Capacity of 30-36L, for your personal belongings ( 10 kg maximum ).
- Sleeping bag: Very warm, "4 season" type (comfort -10°C/-15°C).
- Sleeping bag liner (Sleeping bag liner): (Optional: for extra warmth).
- Camp pillow: Inflatable (optional).
- Walking sticks: Telescopic ( highly recommended ).
Personal Care Products and Miscellaneous Items
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 or 50 (highly recommended).
- Lip balm: (Highly recommended).
- Snacks: Light, high in calories and energy (highly recommended).
- Refreshing wipes: (Recommended).
- Insect repellent: Contains DEET (optional).
The Elizabeth team
Specializing in East Africa for over 10 years, this tour operator relies on three branches dedicated to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The team offers unparalleled local expertise to design authentic journeys to the heart of the region.
The team stands out for the diversity of adventures it offers: from iconic safaris in the Serengeti or the Masai Mara to challenging expeditions on Kilimanjaro and the Rwenzori Mountains. They also organize memorable treks to encounter gorillas, as well as relaxing stays on the beaches of Zanzibar and the Kenyan coast. Between wild savannah and crystal-clear shores, each itinerary is led by passionate experts to guarantee a fully immersive experience.
