Why Choose The Rongai Route?
The Rongai route is the only one that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It is remote and wild, as much lesser traffic compared to Machame and Marangu trails, and also offers steady acclimatization due to its slow and steady initial climb.
Rongai Route Itinerary
The itinerary below describes the 6 nights/7 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai route. To shorten the below itinerary to six days you skip the night in the 3rd Cave and instead walk straight from the Mawenzi Turn Hut in one day.
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Arrival in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Nalemoru Gate – Simba Camp
This morning we will drive to the village of NaleMoru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp – Kikelelwa Cave Camp
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After lunch we will continue with our hike to Kikelelwa camp.
Kikelelwa Cave Camp – Mawenzi Turn Hut Camp
After the breakfast, we start a short and steep grassy slope hike to Mawenzi Turn hut camp, with stunning view of wilderness area. The landscape will be changing dramatically as exit the Heath zone to Alpine desert zone. You will overnight at mawenzi turn camp situated at jagged spires of Mawenzi.
Mawenzi Turn Hut Camp
Today is acclimatization day of which we spent as few hours hike to Mawenzi Ridge and return to original camp for relaxation. Here you there is unique landscape which offers a motivating view of Kibo and mawenzi. After spending few moments of exploring the area we head back to the camp.
Mawenzi Turn Hut Camp – Kibo Camp
We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Horombo Camp – Marangu Gate
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Camp – Marangu Gate
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Trek Highlights
Throughout your journey you will Witness incredible natural landscapes from lush forests to towering peaks, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of diverse wild animals, including majestic elephants, in their natural habitat.
Scenic Views
The Rongai route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Maasai Mara plains, Mount Kilimanjaro, and other neighboring peaks.
Wildlife Sightings
In the first 2 days Rongai route passes through areas that are rich in wildlife, giving hikers an opportunity to spot animals like elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and more.
Less Rain
Due to its position on the northern leeward side of the mountain, Rongai trail receives less rains than other routes. Chose this route in the smaller rainy season.
Less Crowds
Gradual Ascent
The Rongai route is known for its gradual ascent, making it ideal for those who want to acclimate to the altitude gradually.
What’s Included In The Price
We take a lot of pride in the value for money we provide to each and every client. Below are the prices for this adventure with per-person prices based on how many people are looking book. Our prices prioritize your health, safety and experience along your journey.
| 1 person | $2,110 |
| 2-5 persons | $1,875 |
| 6-10 persons | $1,825 |
| 11+ persons | $1,775 |
| 1 person | $2,475 |
| 2-5 persons | $2,185 |
| 6-10 persons | $2,135 |
| 11+ persons | $2,085 |
About Our Accommodation and Facilities
After an invigorating hike through breath-taking landscapes, you’ll arrive at our fully equipped camps. Rest assured, these aren’t just empty spaces; our camps are meticulously prepared with all the food, water, and necessities you’ll need to refuel and recharge. From delicious, freshly prepared meals to ample supplies of purified drinking water, we’ve taken care of every detail, ensuring your comfort and well-being are paramount as you move along your adventure.
About Our Expert Team
It goes without saying that we treat our porters, cooks, and guides with the utmost respect and fairness. This is not just a policy, but an unbiased evaluation of our unwavering commitment to the fair treatment of our dedicated crew members.
How We Keep You Safe On The Mountain
We prioritize your wellbeing throughout your journey. We provide frequent health checks, fresh food, drinks and security to ensure that your adventure is the best it can be.
Physical Preparation & Packing
We strive to ensure you health & safety during your adventure, the best way to do that is to prepare yourself before you begin. Your journey will be challenging, so make sure that you are in tip top condition, Below are a few exercises we recommend.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: Engage in aerobic activities such as hiking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of exercise, 4-5 times a week.
- Strength Training: Focus on building leg muscles through squats, lunges, and stair climbing. Core and upper body strength are also important.
- Hiking Practice: Go on hikes with a weighted backpack to simulate what you will experience on Kilimanjaro.
You can find more information on our Treq FAQs page by pressing the button below.
What Our Customers Say
Hear what our trekkers have to say about their incredible journey!
Sandrine B
We booked the 7 days Kilimanjaro Trek with Popote Adventures. Sabino worked tirelessly with my husband and I to create the perfect hiking experience. He was helpful in many ways and always available to answer our never ending questions whether on email or Whatsapp.
We opted for the Rongai route and true to his advice it was very scenic and had less traffic, compared to what we saw on our way down via Marangu route.
Nickie C
Kilimanjaro – The guides (Stanford’s Team) were incredible. They had great knowledge of the mountain and local area which they shared with us. They ensured we remained motivated with encouragement and regular songs to keep spirits high. Our safety and wellbeing was a priority for them, regular medical checks (2x per day), medical kit available at all times if needed and amendments to walks based off our needs. With their support the whole group managed to summit Kilimanjaro. Altezza went the extra mile and provided us with personalised camping mugs, hot water bottles and fizz at the top of Uhuru Peak!
Dawn
We booked a 3 day budget safari and the 6-day Rongai route with Popote Africa based on a friends recommendation and we were so happy with our choice. I cannot express how wonderful they are and how they organised and took care of everything for what became a magical experience. Right from the start their office team responded promptly to all our emails and accommodated all of our requests.
