5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route

  • 5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
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The Rongai Route

A Scenic and Less Crowded Path to Kilimanjaro’s Summit

The Rongai route is one of the seven main routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its scenic beauty and less crowded trails compared to other popular routes. This trek is perfect for those seeking a more serene and nature-immersed journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit.

The Rongai Route offers a unique experience with its diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and barren alpine deserts. As you ascend, you’ll be captivated by the ever-changing scenery and the breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak.

The standard Rongai route trek usually spans about six to seven days, including acclimatization days to help you adjust to the altitude. This gradual ascent not only enhances your chances of reaching the summit successfully but also allows you to savor the surroundings at a leisurely pace. However, if you have limited time and are looking for a shorter option, it is possible to complete the Rongai route in just five days, making it a versatile choice for trekkers.

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Day 1

  • Arrival
  • ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
  • 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.

🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.

🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.

Day 2

  • Rongai Gate Hike to Simba Camp (2830m)
  • Depart from your hotel and head to the Narumuru Gate near the Kenyan Border, the starting point for the Rongai route.
  • Hike through farmland, Rongai Forest, and heather moorland, encountering unique vegetation and possibly wildlife.
  • Reach your overnight campsite, Cave 1 (Simba Camp) at 2830 meters elevation. Enjoy a delicious meal and share stories with your fellow travelers.

Day 3

  • Simba Camp to Third Cave (3900m)
  • Begin the day with breakfast at Simba Camp and hike through moorland.
  • Notice the growing altitude; follow the “pole, pole” pace and enjoy scenic views.
  • Stop for lunch at Second Cave and continue to Third Cave as the route splits.
  • Camp at an altitude of 3,900m at Third Cave, prepare for a chilly night.

Day 4

  • Third Cave to Kibo Hut (4700m)
  • Embark on a steep climb through the arid montane desert.
  • Reach Kibo Hut at an altitude of 4,700 meters, where you’ll camp overnight in preparation for the midnight summit push.
  • Receive guidance from your guide on what to wear and how to approach the final leg of the summit.
  • Wake just before midnight, enjoy a hot drink and snack, and commence the climb. Joining other climbers, you’ll ascend slowly, and faint lights dot the frosty night as everyone heads for the summit.

Day 5

  • Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
  • Start your challenging climb to the summit from Kibo Hut between midnight and 2am, reaching Gilman’s Point at 5700m/18,700ft.
  • Ascend further to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, and capture amazing views.
  • Descend from the summit, have lunch and rest at Kibo Hut, and be prepared with warm layers and lights for the dark initial descent. The trek includes numerous switchbacks, so keep a steady “pole pole” pace.
  • Proceed to the Horombo encampment, enjoying varied scenery during the gradual descent.

Day 6

  • Hike Horombo Hut to Marangu gate , drive to Moshi
  • Begin the day with breakfast and embark on a steady descent from Horombo Hut through the moorland.
  • Keep descending as you follow a lush forest path to reach the National Park gate at Marangu.
  • Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles are useful. You can switch to shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible.
  • A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate, providing transportation back to your hotel in Moshi, which is approximately a 1-hour drive. It’s time to celebrate your successful trek.
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RONGAI ROUTE 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS : Price/per

No. of Persons Days Luxury($) Mid-Range$) Budget($)
1 6 2,400 2,200 1,425
2 2,100 1,900 1,190
3-4 1,950 1,650 1,180
More than 4

1,900

1,600

1,120
 

Your Package Categories:

Luxury Mid-Range Budget
Park fees Park fees Park fees
Rescue Fee Rescue Fee Rescue Fee
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee.
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel

Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel

Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation

3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds  Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet.
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters
  • If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
  • Click here to get more details about the price categories.
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Included

Excluded

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  • Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
  • Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.

$1,120 to $2,400 pp. (USD

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Excellent
Based on 15 reviews
Tom M
Tom M
2023-06-25
Incredible experience made all the more special by Honest and his team We couldn’t endorse Honest and his team more. Immediately after meeting, we were made to feel extremely welcome, safe, and informed, which remained throughout the duration of our adventure.We first climbed Mount Meru where Honest took us to spots to see Giraffes in the wild as well as many monkeys, warthogs, and other animals. This served as the perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro.The team we had for Kili was exemplary. The whole time there was a real bond between the entire group. We’d regularly spend time beyond meal times talking with Honest and Justin about life and the adventure we were currently on which was extremely insightful. The food also far surpassed our expectations with exactly the type of fuel we needed such as pastas, fruits, eggs, etc. Our chef was called the “stomach engineer” for very appropriate reasons!Throughout the climb, Honest ensured we maintained an enjoyable tempo and there wasn’t a moment we felt too slow or rushed. The culmination of this was being fresh for summit morning and being the first team to summit, just as the sun was rising. With minor altitude sickness in the team on descent, Honest gave appropriate nutrition and instruction to manage the situation. Thereafter, there was a party atmosphere within the group, even having music and dancing on the last morning of the descent where we exchanged gifts and final stories.Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime made all the more special by Honest and his team. Perfectly prepared and executed that set us up for success. The relationship with Honest was tremendous, so much so that we are still in regular contact today and when a return trip is due, there are no hesitations in going straight to Zanzi Trekking and Safaris.
Toumi I
Toumi I
2023-05-23
The amazing trip We had an amazing experience with zanzi trekking and safaris ,they took care of every detail of our trip .we are so delighted to have organised everything with them .
Ghizlane Z
Ghizlane Z
2023-05-20
Professional and amazing Organizers very professional trip organizers. The guides are all ear and take care of every single details. Zanzibar was an amazing adventure full of adrenaline, new experiences and heartwarming people. I only can recommend and will definitely plan a Safari with Zanzibar trekking. The best is yet to come Much love !
Slim M
Slim M
2023-02-25
Wonderful experience! It was an amazing experience! We had so much fun, everything was very well organised.Thank you Zanzi
Eero
Eero
2022-11-18
Kilimanjaro Professional, yet easy going and well organized trek, with fantastic main guide Honest and his crew. Lots of good memories, laughter anf singing. Hieno kokemus kaikenkaikkiaan, asante sana!
renata C
renata C
2022-08-13
Wonderful adventure The climb to Kilimanjaro was well organized, all the people were very friendly and acommodating. A safari to remember. I would love to repeat this adventure😊
Laurent D
Laurent D
2022-07-20
Expérience parfaite ! Honest et son équipe ont été d’excellents guides, très sympathiques et très professionnels. Ils nous ont conduit au sommet du Kilimandjaro sans le moindre problème. Merci encore Honest pour cette magnifique ascension !
Benoit_JPA
Benoit_JPA
2022-07-19
Super guide et équipe ! Super expérience avec Honnest et son agence. L’accompagnement était top du début a la fin aussi bien pour l’ascension di Kilimandjaro que le safari. Un grand merci a notre guide et son équipe.
Steph M
Steph M
2022-07-17
Wonderful experience We had a wonderful experience with Honest back on 2017 who organized a trip for the ascent of Kilimanjaro and two Fays of safaris
Hemery Chris
Hemery Chris
2022-07-14
Best expedition of kilimandjaro Que du bon souvenir ! Honest nous a accueilli avec beaucoup d’attention, une équipe pour l’expédition de preniere ordre, la qualité aux services de l’ascension du plus haut sommet d’Afrique, le fameux kilimandjaro !A faire avant qu’il n’y ait plus de glacier en haut Et dans la foulee, nous sommes allee dans la jungle avec Honest pour voir ces anomaux en libertéJe recommande vivement !