Rongai Route – 9 Days
Able to hike 10 km / 6.2 miles at a time
Level 2 of 6 - easy
Trek ends: Marangu Gate
5.199 m / 17.057 ft
max. 12 people
Kilmanjaro Airport or Hotel in Moshi
- Physical condition required:
- Power required:
- Experience given:
- Charisma of the environment:
Tour description
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain and is normally accessed from Kenyan through the Loitokitok boarder crossing into Tanzania. It offers a unique and quality traverse of Kilimanjaro, approaching the peak by a remote track on the Kenyan side of the massif and reaching the summit (5896m) via the high altitude desert of the “Saddle” then descending on the Tanzania side through the Mweka trail. This route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a totally different perspective of Kilimanjaro. Rongai Route is also apparently the easiest Mount Kilimanjaro trekking option with fairly gentle gradients and shorter daily trekking phases.
Trip tips: Accommodation on the trek is camping in roomy mountain tents shared by two people. Guides leading the trek always walk along with the climbers and closely monitor the trekker’s adjustment to altitude. All your equipment will be carried by local porters on the mountain, you only carry a day-pack with personal gear. When camping on our trips you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene, all food is prepared by our own staff and can cater to special dietary requirements without additional charges.
DAY 1
Arrival and Airport Kilimanjaro Pickup – Moshi
- Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft
- Distance: 42.2 km / 26.2 miles
- Drive Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Habitat: Town / Municipality / County
You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Moshi, where you will check in into one of the best hotels in the region.
After lunch you will sort your trekking equipment to avoid any inconvenience. Dinner and breakfast at the hotel.
DAY 2
Moshi – Rongai Gate – 1st Rongai Cave
- Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft – 1.950 m / 6.398 ft – 2.834 m / 9.300 ft
- Distance: Treck 8 km / 5 miles / drive by car 93 km / 58 miles (2.5 hours drive)
- Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
DAY 3
Rongai Cave- 2nd Cave – Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 2.834 m / 9.300 ft – 3.444 m / 11.300 ft – 3.600 m / 11.811 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to “Second Cave”. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
DAY 4
Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Elevation: 3.600 m / 11.811 ft – 4.315 m / 14.160 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the moorland and emerge into the Alpine Desert, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
DAY 5
Mawenzi Tarn – Mawenzi Ridge – Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 4.315 m / 14.160 ft – 4.389 m / 14.400 ft – 4.315 m / 14.160 ft
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
DAY 6
Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4.315 m / 14.160 ft – 4.703 m / 15.430 ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
DAY 7
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4.703 m / 15.430 ft – 5.895 m / 19.341 ft – 3.734 m / 12.250 ft
- Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
- Trekking Time: 12 – 13 hours
- Habitat: Arctic and Moorland
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 8
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 3.734 m / 12.250 ft – 1.843 m / 6.046 ft
- Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles hiking / 38 km / 24 miles (1 hour) by car
- Trekking Time: 5 – 7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
DAY 9
Exiting Moshi hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport or for further safari
- Elevation: 950 m / 3.120 ft
- Distance: 42.2 km / 26.2 miles
- Drive Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Habitat: Town/Municipality / County
After breakfast, check and make sure as you leave the hotel that everything is in good condition and intact. Get ready to be driven back to the airport or embark on other safaris in Tanzania or Kenya with an unforgettable safari experience with us.
Important Details
Gear list
Check list below to reduce chances of inconveniences.
Bags
- 65-75 litre rucksack (for a porter to carry your main gear) with cover
- 35-45 litre day sack (for you to carry each day)
- Dry bags of different sizes for clothes, sleeping bag, etc.
Shell
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Waterproof gaiters
- Umbrella (optional)
Warmth
- Warm jacket – could be fleece or down jacket, potentially ski jacket. Make sure you can put the waterproof shell jacket over the top.
- 2 or 3 fleece tops or hiking shirts/sweatshirts
- 2 or 3 base layers or T-shirts
- Pair of trekking trousers and shorts
- Leggings, thermal bottoms or running tights
- Several sets of underwear – avoid cotton. Sports bras and cycling shorts are good.
Extremities
- Warm hat and a buff or scarf
- Sun hat
- Warm gloves or mittens, and thin liner gloves are also useful
Feet
- Several pairs of good quality trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Trainers or flip flops/sandals
Sleeping
- 3-4 season sleeping bag (comfort -5°C or lower)
- Sleeping bag liner cotton/fleece/silk (optional)
- Stuff sack for sleeping bag
- Thick foam mat or self-inflating mat (like a Therm-A-Rest)
Personal
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles
- Some favourite snack bars
- Headlamp
- Power bank for charging phones, etc.
- Wash kit – no showers on the mountain but you can have a bucket wash
- Papers – passport, money, insurance
- 2 water bottles
- Flask for hot drinks – useful on summit night
- Earplugs
- Wet wipes, tissues
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
First AID suggestions
- Paracetamol – temperature, colds
- Painkiller – headaches, very good for altitude related symptoms
- Antiseptic wipes and a few bandages and tape, antiseptic cream
- Blister bandages
- Oral rehydration sachets
- Sunblock and lipbalm
- Knee/Ankle support
- Personal Medications eg anti-malaria tablets, inhalers, antihistamine
- January through mid-March
- Mid-June through October
- December
- look at our Tour Calender
Request Form
Send us your desired travel dates and we will contact you as soon as possible. We will then send you more information and exact arrival and departure times for this route.
Rongai Route - 9 Days
Included
Full organization of Mohakin Travel from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport pick-up and drop-off
All transfers, excursions and sightseeing according to the program
Full board during the trekking tour / climbing tour / safari
Boiled water, black tea, coffee and powdered milk for the ascents
Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
Accommodation in mountain tents (2-man tent, 4-season tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, chairs and tables)
Sleeping mat
Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
All park and camp fees for the tour
Guides, cook and porters and their payment
experienced english speaking kenyan guide
Preparatory talk on the phone (WhatsApp)
Not included
Airfare to and from Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda
Visa
Tips for the support team
Sleeping bags and other personal gear
Rental gear
Lunch and dinner at the hotel
Single-occupancy fee in hotel
Drinks and snacks
You must have your own personal insurance - also in the case of emergency, we can organize an airlift
from 1 to max. 12 Persons
Rongai Route – 9 Days
Hotel overnight stay
- Book one or more days befor or after the trekking tour
Terms and Conditions
Reservations: A deposit of 35% is required at the time of booking and the balance at least before the tour begins or full payment/part payment before treks or safaris arranged on short notice. Special payment arrangements can be made directly with the office.
Cancellation: Any monies paid will be refunded less 35% of the cost and any cost levied by hotels or any additional food expenses. Rates: Includes all expenses in respect of vehicles or drives as per itinerary/general information. Also includes meals on safari and entrance fees to National parks/game reserves.
Transportation: Cars, minibuses, 4WD’s, coaches or trucks will be provided according to the route and number of clients. The right is reserved to employ the services of sub-contractors as appropriate. English-speaking drivers/guides are provided.
Accommodation: When possible, rooms with a private shower are provided. Single rooms are available at an additional cost but cannot be guaranteed. Hotels/lodges are named as an indication of category and rooms may be reserved at similar hotels and lodges. Accommodation is specific to client’s request of budget class, middle class or luxury class, depending on availability.
Alteration to Tours/Treks: We reserve the right to alter arrangement or cancel the operation of scheduled trek/safari should the circumstance necessitate. We also reserve the right to decline or accept or retain any person as a member of any tour at any time, in which case an equitable amount will be refunded. Prices are based on tariffs and other costs prevailing at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice, but a full explanation will be given.
Liability: We do not accepts responsibility for personal injury, accident, loss while clients are on treks/safari. We advise all clients to take out additional insurance cover. Mohakin Travel acts only as agents when employing the use of sub contractors and acts as only agents of the passenger/client in all matters relating to Hotel/Lodge Accommodation, tours, transport, etc. and shall not be liable for injury, delay, loss or damage in any manner. The company’s liability to passengers carried in its own vehicle is governed by the laws of the country in which the tour takes place and no other country. All claims are subject to jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the action a rise. The company reserves the rights to employ sub-contractors for all parts and services.
NOTE: All expeditions involve an element of personal risk and times can be hazardous nature, Expedition members must accept this risk. We are not liable for any loss, damage, Injury, expense, delay or inconvenience caused to your baggage as a result, whether directly or indirectly, or any matter or whatever nature which is outside our control. All participants are advised to take out an insurance policy to cover personal accidents and medical expenses. We can arrange this at low cost. The guide reserves the right to withdraw participants from treks, safari due to inclement weather, irresponsible behaviors, poor health or any other sound reason the guide gives.
Quality Guarantee
Mohakin Travel clients can expect the following guarantees to ensure proper service:
- Your guide will introduce himself and your driver, and cover the laid out tour/safari itinerary in advance.
- We will double-check that all gear and supplies are prepared for your custom tour/safari.
- During the tour/safari, we will ensure that your needs are met and you are well cared for.
- We will address any issues that arise out of our control, to give our clients the smoothest and most enjoyable adventure possible.
- We will ensure the drivers/sub-contractors are on time and presentable.
- We will give information about surrounding areas and points of interest.
- Each day, we will set time aside to let our clients know what is happening for that day.
- At the end of your tour/safari, we will ask for your feedback to ensure the quality of our service.
Health and Safety
Mountains in the world can sometimes be dangerous and hazardous – especially in high altitude.
It is therefore important to:
1. Be well equipped.
2. Let your expedition leader know your health history.
3. Have a good communication system.
4. Have a good basic first aid kit and know how to use it.
5. Be able to identify mountain illnesses.
HOW TO RECOGNISE ALTITUDE RELATED ILLNESS
At high altitudes the amount of oxygen decreases dramatically. This can result in medical urgency that must be a concern to every hiker.
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Signs include: Headache, nausea, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite and difficulty in sleeping.
Treatment
Slow down, stay in camps, drink water and rest while the body adjusts to the altitude. If symptoms persist after 48 hours, descend.
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Aedema)
Symptoms include: Shortened breath during exercise progressing to shortened breath while resting, a dry cough deteriorating to a frothy sputum, audible gurgling (rales) from the chest area, increased heart and breathing rate.
Treatment
Descend immediately and seek medical attention. Descending is the treatment. It can progress quickly to a point where the patient cannot walk. It doesn’t improve with rest at the same altitude.
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Aedema)
Symptoms include:- AMS that progress to severe headaches, loss of coordination, slurred speech, irrational behaviour, coma and death.
Treatment
Descend immediately, Hace can quickly progress to lethal stage.
Prevention of AMS, HAPE and HACE
Allow 2 nights at 10.000ft or at higher altitude at around 14,000ft. Before proceeding higher, increase fluid intake to 4-6 liters per day. Avoid extreme physical exertion and eat a light diet rich in carbohydrates. Take symptoms seriously. Rest and acclimatize if AMS is suspected. Report to ranger’s rescue station and descend immediately if HAPE or HACE is suspected.
However, it is important to drink plenty of water slowly to allow your body to get used to the altitude.