Easy & Moderate
Classic
The 9-Days Rongai Route Trek on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a unique and quieter ascent from the northern side of the mountain. This route provides stunning views of both Kilimanjaro and the Kenyan plains, with minimal traffic compared to other routes. The trek includes key acclimatization days and takes you through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert, culminating in a challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak. The 9-day itinerary ensures proper acclimatization with scenic campsites like Mawenzi Tarn and Kibo Huts, which are strategically located to enhance your summit success.
The trek starts at the Rongai Gate and progresses through several camps before reaching the summit. The descent follows the Marangu Route, taking you through lush cloud forests to the Marangu Gate. The entire trek is designed for a balanced pace, with proper rest and acclimatization, giving you the best chance of summiting Kilimanjaro. After your climb, you’ll have time to freshen up and celebrate your accomplishment before returning home.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Lake Chala Safari Lodge (Premium)
This morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registering, begin your hike through the forest where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. Enjoy lunch on the trail, before continuing to the first campsite.
On day two, you will hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland while enjoying the breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning trek is steep and may cause you to feel the effects of altitude. Take a break to explore the first cave before stopping for lunch near the second cave. The afternoon trek is more gentle, as you contour across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley. This leg of the journey takes approximately 6-8 hours.
Today’s itinerary includes a morning hike and afternoon rest to aid acclimatization. The trail is short but steep, offering excellent panoramic views and a true feeling of being in the wild. The campsite is situated beneath Mawenzi Peak and boasts breathtaking vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast today since you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for another night and won’t need to pack up. The morning will be dedicated to an acclimatization walk, which can either be a steep hike up the scree slopes towards Mawenzi Peak or a more gentle climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, where you can visit the site of a plane crash. After the walk, return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and a restful afternoon.
Crossing the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi provides breathtaking lunar-like vistas, however, it can be windy and exposed. The Kibo Huts Camp is situated right under the summit cone, providing magnificent views of the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi, while also offering a glimpse of the ascent that lies ahead. Following lunch and a comprehensive briefing for your summit attempt, take some time to rest and prepare yourself.
Commencing at midnight, embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest elevation in Africa, relying on the illumination of your flashlight for the subsequent six hours. The segment of the climb up to the crater rim is the most demanding section of the entire hike, featuring mainly steep switchbacks, and a rocky area called Jamaica Rocks, which requires scrambling to approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m). The journey from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb that is not excessively challenging in terms of hiking difficulty, but the altitude can make it feel arduous and protracted. After marking the summit with celebratory gestures, descend to Kibo Huts to have a meal before proceeding to Horombo Huts to camp for the night. The total time taken for trekking is roughly 14 hours, so it is recommended to prepare for a very strenuous day.
Complete your Kilimanjaro trek with a descent towards the Marangu Gate, taking a beautiful path through the cloud forest. The estimated duration of this hike is 5-6 hours. Upon reaching the gate, you will be greeted and taken to Moshi by transfer.
You’ll have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and prepare for your journey back home. Before departing you may consider extending your adventure with a Tanzania safari or a well-deserved relaxation in Zanzibar. Choose to add on this exciting option and make the most of your trip with us at Kilifaith Adventures.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took
Design every detail of your journey, from destinations and activities to accommodations, to create a uniquely yours travel experience.
Explore Kilifaith Adventures Gallery! Discover breathtaking safari moments, wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences captured in vivid photography. Get inspired and start planning your next extraordinary African adventure today!
