Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Tours and Treks 2024/2025

The Rongai Route to Mount Kilimanjaro does not share the same level of popularity as other routes, but being a less favored trail does not make it any less interesting to embark while on your Tanzania trip. Situated on the northeastern slopes of Kilimanjaro, this is the route to take if you wish to get to the “Roof of Africa” in peace, communing with nature. Rongai Route is the sole trail that commences from the north side of the mountain and passes through several scenic sections, including the picturesque Mawenzi Tarn Hut Campsite. Less traffic on the route also provides a better chance of wildlife sightings.

Kilimanjaro Rongai route - 13 Trips with 8 Reviews

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Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route 8 Days

of 4 reviews
  • Trip customizable
  • Best price guaranteed
This local travel specialist organized the perfect Kilimanjaro Adventure in Tanzania. The four of us ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Camping, Hut, Tent, Hotel & Guest House
  • Transport 4WD Jeep
  • Age Range 5-99 yrs
  • Operated in English, Spanish, Tanzanian
days08 From US$ 2,077 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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7 Day Mount Kilimanjaro trekking through Rongai route

of 1 review
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
Fantastic guides, porters, team. Great value for what you pay. Without this fanatastic team my fat ...
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking
  • Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Hut
  • Transport Private Vehicle
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days09 From US$ 1,800 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Kilimanjaro Trekking - Rongai route

of 1 review
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
8 day trekking and hiking trip through Marangu, Rongai, Kikelewa Camp and 8 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Hotel, Lodge, Hut, Camping & Tent
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days08 From US$ 1,550 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking - Rongai Route

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
6 day trekking and hiking tour through Simba Camp, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Hut and 4 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent, Hotel & Hut
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days06 From US$ 1,700 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Kilimanjaro - Rongai route

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
8 day trekking and hiking trip through Arusha, Rongai, Kikelewa Cave and 5 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Hotel, Camping, Tent, Hut, Guest House & Sleeping Hut
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days08 From US$ 2,189 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Mount Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route: Nine Day Trip

of 1 review
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
Certainly, the best agency to take you on this great adventure on the top of Kilimanjaro! The guides ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing +1 more
  • Accommodation Camping, Hotel, Hut, Lodge & Tent
  • Age Range 12-69 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days09 From US$ 2,804 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 07
  • Apr 08
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Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking 7 Days Rongai Route

of 1 review
  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
We used local travel specialists and service was outstanding. We had good nutrition and a competent ...
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking
  • Accommodation Tent, Camping, Hut & Hotel
  • Age Range 10-80 yrs
  • Operated in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
days07 From US$ 2,599 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
7 day trekking and hiking tour through Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa Camp and 6 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Hotel, Tent, Camping & Hut
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days07 From US$ 1,984 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing 6-Day Rongai Route

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
6 day trekking and hiking trip through Simba Camp, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp and 6 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking
  • Accommodation Tent, Camping, Hut & Hotel
  • Age Range 10-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days06 From US$ 2,300 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Kilimanjaro - rongai route

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
8 day trekking and hiking trip through Moshi, Simba Camp, Kikelewa Camp and 5 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Hotel, Camping, Tent, Hut & Lodge
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days08 From US$ 1,980 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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8 Day Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek (Rongai Route)

  • Free cancellation
  • Best price guaranteed
8 day trekking and hiking trip through Moshi, Rongai, Kikelewa Camp and 5 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure
  • Accommodation Hut, Hotel, Camping & Sleeping Hut
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English
days08 From US$ 1,975 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Kilimanjaro - Rongai route, 7 days

  • Free cancellation
  • Best price guaranteed
7 day trekking and hiking trip through Simba Camp, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp and 4 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent & Hut
  • Transport 4WD Jeep
  • Age Range 5-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, Tanzanian
days07 From US$ 2,280 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 02
  • Apr 03
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Seven-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Rongai Route

  • Free cancellation
  • Trip customizable
7 day trekking and hiking tour through Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa Cave and 7 other destinations in Tanzania. Read More
  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Climbing
  • Accommodation Camping, Tent, Hotel & Hut
  • Age Range 7-79 yrs
  • Operated in English, French, German, Spanish
days07 From US$ 2,140 View Tour
Next Departures
  • Apr 06
  • Apr 07
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Kilimanjaro Rongai route Reviews

5 - Excellent
Based on 8 customer reviews
Incredible experience with Enosa.
5 - Excellent
  • Anonymous
“Fantastic guides, porters, team. Great value for what you pay. Without this fanatastic team my father and I would not have made it to Uhuru peak. Great communication and service by Noel and his staff. We also did a 3-day safari with a professional and very knowledgeable guide/driver. Tiloma lodge was beautiful and great quality service/food.”
Great Adventure on Kilimanjaro
5 - Excellent
  • Taylor Carmack
“If you are considering attempting Kilimanjaro, you are at the right place. Zara Tours did an amazing job of organizing our climb from start to finish. We came to Zara after searching the internet for a reliable operator and they have not disappointed. The trek worked out well from the great welcome when we arrived in Tanzania to the actual trek with an an amazing team of experienced guides, porters and chef. Their attention to detail is very impressive, nothing was left to chance. Despite the difficulty we had a fantastic time on the climb, the trail is very scenic with amazing views up to the summit. We had the best of everything; nice tents, great meals and even a portable toilet. I'm very impressed and recommend Zara Tours to other climbers.”
Excellent Adventure
5 - Excellent
  • Hasseldort
“This local travel specialist organized the perfect Kilimanjaro Adventure in Tanzania. The four of us had fun and enjoyed the hiking experience because Rongai is a beautiful route and the team of guides and porters was amazing. We were treated well by the crew, taking care of our needs (food, health and safety) and also encouraged us not to give up but push for the summit. We summitted successfully and owe it all to the excellent support from the agency.”

Rongai Route - Trail overview

The Rongai Route to Mount Kilimanjaro is a great option for first-time trekkers due to its gradual ascent and less demanding terrain. The trail is well-designed, with nicely spaced campsites to ensure a balanced daily trek duration.

While the favorable time to climb Kilimanjaro is the months of January through early March and June through October, the Rongai trail is highly recommended if you are trekking during the rainy seasons of April and May. Its starting point on the north side of the mountain creates a rain shadow effect, so the northern slopes receive comparatively less rainfall and remain drier during the wet season.

The Rongai Route is known for its remote and less-crowded nature, making it an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a more secluded and intimate connection with nature. The trail's location on the mountain's quieter side also increases the chances of witnessing rare species of plants and animals, including Giant Senecios (Dendrosenecio kilimanjari) and the elusive Klipspringer. This route also offers trekkers a chance to connect with local culture as it passes through areas where the Chagga and Maasai tribes reside.

The trek starts at the Rongai Gate on the northeastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro and leads trekkers through various landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, before culminating in the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain. The route merges with Marangu for the final push toward the summit.

The Rongai Route covers a total round-trip distance of 72 kilometers, which takes six to seven days to complete.

Trekking facts for the Rongai Route

 Climb difficulty:  Moderate to Difficult
 Trek duration:  6 to 8 days
 Max altitude:  5,895 meters
 Success rate:  80% (seven-day hike); 65% (six-day hike)
 Best season:  All year

Seven-day sample itinerary for the Rongai Route

The Rongai Route trek can be completed anywhere between six and eight days. We recommend planning a seven-day itinerary for a better climbing success rate of 80 percent.

Below is a seven-day sample itinerary for your reference.

  • Day 1: Trek to Simba Camp (3–4 hours)

    The journey begins with a scenic drive to the charming wooden village of Nale Moru, which takes about two hours, including a stop to obtain permits at Marangu. Once there, you'll sign in and prepare with the porters before commencing the hike. The trail starts as a wide path, meandering through picturesque fields of maize and potatoes before entering a serene pine forest.

    The path gradually climbs, offering gentle yet consistent progress through the captivating forest, home to a diverse array of wildlife. As you go higher, the forest begins to thin out, and soon you'll reach the first campsite, situated on the outskirts of the moorland zone. From this vantage point, you will be rewarded with expansive views overlooking the Kenyan plains, making it a truly captivating spot to rest and spend your first night at Simba Camp.

  • Day 2: Trek to Second Cave (3–4 hrs)

    Today you head from the Simba Camp to the Second Cave, which marks a steady 650 meters jump from the 2,000 meters Simba Camp elevation. On your way, be mesmerized by the views of eastern ice fields and Kibo Peak.

  • Day 3: Trek to Kikelewa Camp (2-3 hours)

    This day your hike continues through rainforests for a few more hours before the surrounding vegetation changes to grass and shrubs as the rainforest zone gives way to low alpine moorlands. You head east towards Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 meters), a sheltered valley known for abundant Giant Senecios. 

  • Day 4: Trek to Mawenzi Tarn (3–4 hours)

    Day four of your trek leads us to take a short but extremely steep climb up to Mawenzi Tarn. Located at a height of 4,300 meters, this hidden oasis offers stunning views of Mawenzi Peak.

  • Day 5: Trek to Kibo Camp (4-5 hours)

    Having spent most of last afternoon acclimatizing to your surroundings, you’re ready to proceed to the next part of your journey. Gradually head west through a saddle formed between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks all the way up to Kibo Hut. The route is rather inhospitable, but it offers magnificent views of Kibo.

  • Day 6: Trek to the Summit, back to Horombo Hut (17 hours)

    Once you enter the high alpine and glacial zones, you know that you are close to the summit. The trek commences at the stroke of midnight as you make your way to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 meters). After a short break, you traverse past winding paths and reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters). Another 200-meter ascent is all it takes to get to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.

  • Day 7: Back to Moshi (4–5 hours)

    Having witnessed nature at its magnificent best, you must now descend all the way back to Marangu Gate. Use trekking poles to assist you, and do not forget to collect your green or gold certificates. Green certificates are given to the trekkers who stopped at Gilman’s Point, and gold ones to those who made it all the way up to Uhuru Peak.

Note: The durations mentioned are approximate and can vary depending on individual pacing and weather conditions.

For inspiration on things to do in Tanzania besides climbing Kilimanjaro, check out our Tanzania guide. You can also contact our local tour specialists to plan a customized trip to Tanzania.

Tours in Kilimanjaro Rongai Route - Questions and Answers

  • How hard is the Rongai Route?

    The Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is considered to be of moderate difficulty. However, it is less challenging than some of the steeper and more strenuous southern routes like the Machame Route or the Umbwe Route. The Rongai Route has a gradual and gentle ascent, which allows for better acclimatization and increases the chances of a successful summit.

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