The Rongai route begins at the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border. We will be hiking through a true wilderness area towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak then cross a barren desert before climbing up Kibo’s eastern crater wall. The Rongai route is a more slow ascent and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened Kilimanjaro climbers.
During the climb you will have 5 nights of full-service camping, with a private toilet tent. There is a large communal tent, which is used for dining and at other times in the event of inclement weather. Limited single accommodation is also available and includes a single tent as well as the hotel nights.
We can arrange extra accommodation before or after the trip if needed.
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Hut, Camping, Tent
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilima
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Marangu, Rongai, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Hut, School Hut Campsite, Horombo Hut, Marangu Gate
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We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the lightly-used Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and has been almost unused for many years because the area was considered sensitive. Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek.
We have laid out the day-by-day itinerary under the "itinerary tab". If you have any questions to us, please contact us. We can assure you that this will be an experience of a lifetime.
Trek type: Small- Medium group size, Youth and Family, High altitudes. Summit Success Rates: Gilman’s Point (96%). Uhuru Peak (97%)
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Hut, Guest House, Sleeping Hut
We opted to do the 6 day marangu route with anapa travel - I have to say our guides, porters, cooks and server were outstanding. Very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna on the trail. We felt very comfortable and safe with this team and would hike with them again.
ClimbingTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Guest House, Hut, Sleeping Hut
Rongai is the only route that approaches from the north. Due to its remote starting location, which requires a little extra effort to get to, it is one of the least frequented trails on Kilimanjaro, which is perfect for those looking for a more ‘wilderness’ experience. Technically speaking, ‘Rongai’ is not its true name, but is the one that it is best known by. The trail used to start right on the Kenyan border at Rongai Village, but now begins in the small town of Loitokitok, which is the official name of the trail. Rongai is by no means an ‘easier’ route, but it takes a slower pace, usually over 7 days, and has more of a gradual ascent than other routes. The route follows a trail through farmland and then up to a smaller forest section before continuing in the shadow of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro's second highest volcano, where trekkers have the chance experience arguably the most picturesque camp on the mountain at Mawenzi Tarn. From here the route crosses 'The Saddle' through desert terrain up to Kibo camp, and from here joins the Marangu Route on its approach to the summit via Gillman’s and Stella point.
Great experience with this tour operator. Organization was all perfect. Our head guide Filbert and his entire team were fantastic, they clearly knew what they were doing and that experience shone through the entire trek. Very professional, helpful, knowledgeable and competent.
Despite being one of the newest routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route has quickly become one of the most popular routes for travelers visiting this African wonder. The lower number of trekkers, stunning scenery and higher success rate to reaching the very top makes it a traveler favorite, and most trekkers taking this route fall in love with it. What makes it even more unique is that unlike the more popular Machame Route, this route crosses the majestic Shira Plateau via a flat and easy hike .
The Lemosho route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located in the western base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads across the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail. With eight days (seven nights) on the mountain, your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very high, around 90%.
The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience. There are several variations to the 8-day Lemosho climb regarding starting and finishing points, altitude, distance and hiking time. However, ours is considered to be the ideal Lemosho route variation.
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Many people list Kilimanjaro as a lifelong dream adventure. Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route gives you the complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more spectacular scenery, this is a superb trip, and the best way to climb Kilimanjaro.
An 8 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain. It joins the Machame route above Shira camp on day 4 and then from Barafu camp ascends to the summit via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.
Highlights on this tour are: Afromontane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys, alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit.
For a detailed day-by-day itinerary we kindly refer to the 'Itinerary' tab.
We look forward to providing you with a fun, comfortable, memorable and ethical tour to the roof of Africa.
This route, with its steep passages and higher altitudes, offers you occasional views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge and Kibo summit as you make your way through lush rainforest, moorland and alpine desert.
The Machame Route, with its diverse landscape and fantastic views, offers a unique experience to test your will power, fitness finesse and mental strength. The route takes you through lush rainforest, where colobus monkeys roam, into heath and moorland, with its many ferns and ericas, until finally reaching the icy caps of the mountain top. Overnights on the Machame Route will be in tents. It is not difficulty to climb because you will be guided by our professional tour guide.
Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt.
Normally March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided.
November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible.
The best Months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February and also August and September.
July can be colder and November to December can be wet.
The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top
The most beautiful, but Technical, climbing skills required, is now often booked by many - a bit more expensive but worth it for frequent climbers. The climb involves crossing the breath rain forest and gives you an open view of the glacier when you reach the Shira Plateau situated in the middle of the moorlands.
Day 1 - Airport - Hotel in Arusha B/B
Day 2 - Transfers to Machame camp
Day 3 - Shira camp {3,800m}
Day 4 - Barranco camp {3950m}
Day 5 - Barafu camp {4,900m}
Day 6 - Summit {5,895m} - Mweka Camp
Day 7 - Mweka Camp - Arusha town hotel B/B
We provide all meals, head guide and assistant guide and porters and cook who will prepare all meals.
Machame, known as the "Whiskey" route, is a popular route to the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. It is considered a difficult route, better suited for more adventurous folks, and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. Machame approaches from the southwest and descends using Mweka, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau.
Of the seven main routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is one of the most popular paths. It is the route of choice for many people because it provides impressive views and a variety of habitats. About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers, mostly choose the Machame route.
Join us on a journey to the top of the roof of Africa, and we promise to present an adventure unlike any you've seen before.
It took us long hours of research and hundreds of emails exchanged before we have decide for your company so I would love to give you my opinion and recommendation. Hope this will help you out!
Firstly, why have we decided to go on Safari with your company.
Friendly and prompt communication with Steve, flexibility and willingness to meet our needs and kind of gut feeling ;)
Booking process was very easy and at the end we put a trust in Steve and sent 75% of the payment - we were travelling to Zanzibar before and we did not want to carry that much cash.
My 2 friends and I, we went for 9 days safari with following itinerary: Tanzania starting in Arusha - Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara with walk, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Empakai Crater, Kenya - Amboseli with walk. We had amazing guides, I could not wish for better company, we had a lot of fun and I learnt so much about animal, Masai culture and life of African people. In Tanzania our guide was Godlove Goodluck and in Kenya - Onesmus. We had also cook named Alifa - cooking is really his passion and food was tasty. Much better than in any African restaurant we had been :D
Everything was organized and yeah, sure, things did go sideway, as our car got broken, but what I appreciate is how the things were handled and what Steve did to make sure our trip is untouched (new car was sent, meantime rescue car camet to not lose any game drive etc). And to make it up Steve made us amazing surprise. We were flying out of Nairobi at 6 am so he arranged for us home stay at lovely Kenyan family. We had wonderful last night in Africa with his friends. We could not wish for more. Ah, one more great surprise from Steve! We had budget safari with basic accommodation to keep cost as lower as possible, and is like Steve would know us better, he booked for our last 2 nights amazing lodge with swimming pool and view on Kilimanjaro. After diving and 9 days in the car on bumpy roads this was like a dream!
I can honestly recommend Steve and his team for organization of your Safari. Steve - thank you so much for amazing experience and providing us great guides, this made all difference.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Resort, Lodge
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Lake Manyara National Pa
Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Nairobi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve
The Lemosho Route is perhaps the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, from the first day to the last. The trail begins north of Shira, also on the western side of the mountain. But unlike the Shira Route, where for the first day you walk on a wide 4 WD road, Lemosho is a narrow wilderness trail right from the beginning, passing through pristine and remote rainforest with good chances of seeing wildlife. It then crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.
Luckily, despite its growing popularity, especially for second time Kilimanjaro climbers, Lemosho sees a very low number of people and truly offers and incredible adventure on the highest peak in Africa, and the highest free standing mountain in the world.
Maasai Wanderings is looking very much forward to providing you with a climb of a lifetime. No previous mountaineering experience is required for this trip.
Leomosho is a great option for travelers who want to avoids the crowds that one encounters in the early sections of Machame route. Join us on this eight-day, guided trip to the top of Africa and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The climb begins at Londorossi Gate, located at the elevation of 2,360 metres. Hike through a majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can be encountered. Continue your hourney to Shira Ridge and cross the famous Shira Plateau. Hike over the Barranco Wall on your journey to the top of Africa. Having reached to the top of Africa's highest peak, you will then descend via Mweka trail rather than retracing your steps on the way down.
The Lemosho route is a good eight-day hike for those who do not have much experience trekking in high elevations. However, experienced and already acclimatised mountaineers can complete the trek in seven days.