Kilimanjaro | Rongai Route

9 Days

Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date

TRIP DATES AVAILABILITY PRICE SPACE LEFT
January 11, 2025 - January 19, 2025 Available £2,450
Available
  • Tents: We provide high-quality, comfortable tents with thick underlay mats, and large, comfortable group tents if required. Temperatures reach down to - 15°C (summit day, early morning) with wind chill factor down to - 25°C

Overview

Embark on an epic journey to the summit of the highest freestanding mountain in the world, standing tall at 5895m. From the arid African plains to the awe-inspiring snow-capped glacial peak, this bucket-list adventure promises to test your physical and mental strength.

About the Rongai route

The Rongai-Mawenzi Route offers a gentle, diverse climb with the ascent from the north-east and descent over the southern slopes of the Marangu Route. This itinerary provides with a perfect elevation profile so that we can adapt to the thin air slowly and comfortably. Over 98 % of our participants reach the top of Africa, including less-experienced hikers. Regardless of the level of experience, for many, a journey to the top of Kilimanjaro symbolizes the search for deeper meaning in life. It is indeed an unforgettable adventure, an opportunity to challenge yourself and to discover the magnificent Kilimanjaro. “Karibu Sana” – Welcome!

Because the Rongai Route starts on the north side of the mountain, not far from the border with Kenya, it is also the driest route on Kilimanjaro.

This makes it a good choice for a trek all year round, but especially during the rainy season in April and May. Most of the rain storms tend to stay on the southern side of the mountain, allowing Rongai hikers to stay drier and warmer. There is a great potential to spot wildlife, including Colobus Monkeys, in the first few days of the climb. 

Here is a note from our partner company: Since 2003 on Kilimanjaro: Almost every participant has reached the summit! We have guided more than 300 guests to the summit of Uhuru (5985m) – only on this route. We are happy so share our expertise of the mountain with you. We have conducted this special program for the first time in 2006 and we have been regularly improving it since then.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Traverse a less-traveled route, ensuring quieter paths and campsites along the way.
Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro
Trekking to the summit

Embarking on a Kilimanjaro expedition requires participants to test their endurance at high altitudes. Climbing Kilimanjaro demands not only physical fitness but also strong mental stamina and the ability to sustain strenuous exercise over several days. Rest assured, you’ll have the unwavering support of our experienced Freedom Trail Treks Leader, along with a dedicated team of guides and porters in our partner company.

What does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

Technical Skills: Despite its towering height of nearly 6,000 meters, climbing Kilimanjaro doesn’t necessitate any prior mountaineering or climbing expertise. This route poses no technical requirements, ensuring accessibility to climbers of varying experience levels.

Fitness and Endurance: While reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit requires a reasonable level of fitness, the daily stages are manageable, typically ranging from 2 to 7 hours of moderate-paced trekking. The summit day, being the longest, entails: approximately 8 to 10 hours of ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Summit, followed by about 2 hours of descent to Kibo Hut for a brunch/lunch break, and finally another 4-5 hours of descent to Horombo Hut.

Itinerary

We book your flight individually according to your desired place of departure, or you arrange your own international flights. You will be greeted by our staff at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania. From there we will provide transportation directly to the hotel.

Day two begins with a generous breakfast while we hold our team briefing. From the hotel or lodge, a private bus takes you through a region of lush vegetation, coffee, and banana plantations to the north side of Kilimanjaro. The journey continues through the forest area to Nale Moru, the starting point for the climb. A narrow path along the corn and potato fields leads into forests and with a bit of luck, we can observe wild animals there. Finally, we leave the forest area and reach the camp at the transition from the woodland to the moorland near the first Rongai cave.

Drive: approx. 3 hours
Hike: 2 hours.
Accommodation: in tent / full board
Height: 2,600m / 8,530 ft

The trail ascends steadily to the second Rongai cave (3,450m / 11,320 ft), revealing occasional small caves sculpted by ancient lava flows. Following a satisfying lunch, we veer off the main path, trekking through expansive moorlands towards Mawenzi. Eventually, we arrive at our campsite near the Kikelewa Caves (3rd cave), nestled within a sheltered valley adorned with giant groundsels.

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent / full board
Elevation: 3,600m / 11,810 ft

Embark on the fourth day, where we'll tackle a short yet challenging ascent to our camp near Mawenzi Tarn. The trail winds through grass-covered slopes, transitioning into a high alpine landscape with sparse vegetation. As we reach higher elevations, a breathtaking panoramic view unfolds, rewarding our efforts with stunning vistas. Nestled beside the serene Mawenzi Tarn, we set up camp amidst the imposing rock formations of Mawenzi "the dark" (5,149 m / 16,893 ft), Kilimanjaro's second-highest peak, and its towering neighbour Kibo "the light" (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest peak.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tent / full board
Elevation: 4,300m / 14,100 ft

Enjoy a well-deserved rest day at the picturesque Mawenzi Tarn campsite. Take the time to acclimatise and rejuvenate amidst the breathtaking surroundings. For those feeling adventurous, optional short hikes are available, offering captivating views of the Mawenzi peak.

Activities: Short hikes or rest day
Accommodation: Tent / full board
Elevation: 4,300m / 14,100 ft

Embark on the journey to Kibo Huts, traversing a desert-like plain that resembles a lunar landscape. The trail winds over the saddle between Mawenzi and Kilimanjaro, leading us to our next camp at School Hut. Upon arrival, preparations for the summit ascent the following day will commence, ensuring everything is in order. After an early dinner, we retire for an early night's rest, readying ourselves for the summit push shortly after midnight.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tent / full board
Elevation: 4,800m / 15,750 ft

Summit Day: At midnight, it's time to rise and embark on our journey to the summit. With headlamps illuminating the path ahead, our group sets out at a steady pace, guided by our local experts and expedition leader. Each team member is in constant communication, ensuring safety and support throughout the ascent. The trail begins with a gradual climb over gravel terrain, gradually steepening as we approach Gilman's Point (5,685 m / 18,652 ft). From here, the route follows the outer rim of the summit plateau, offering forgiving terrain as we make our way to the highest point in Africa - Uhuru Peak!

It takes approximately 4-6 hours to reach Gilman's Point and another 1-2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak. After celebrating our achievement at the summit, we begin our descent, taking 2-3 hours to reach Kibo Hut for a well-deserved lunch break and rest. The journey continues for another 1-2 hours to our campsite at 3,950m / 12,950 ft, where we'll rest and reflect on our incredible accomplishment.

Total Hiking Time: Approximately 9-12 hours
Accommodation: Tent / full board
Summit Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341 ft
Camp Elevation: 3,950m / 12,950 ft

On this final day of our journey, a leisurely descent awaits, offering ample opportunity to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and capture memorable photographs. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, we bid farewell to our guides and porters, expressing our gratitude for their unwavering support throughout the expedition. A well-deserved tip is customary (provided you are satisfied with their contribution) reflecting our appreciation for their dedication.

Following the sign-out process at the visitors' logbook, we embark on a short drive to our hotel. Here, in recognition of our summit success, each participant receives a certificate from the National Park, commemorating their achievement. With the afternoon and evening at our disposal, we indulge in relaxation and celebrate the unforgettable journey we've undertaken.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Accommodation: Three-star hotel / bed and breakfast

We say our goodbyes and depart for our respective destinations. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your flight home – arrival at your destination is most likely to be the morning of the following day.

Alternatively, organisation of the follow-up program (e.g. Safari or Zanzibar).

Included in this trip

  • Local mountain guide, starting from 2 participants
  • FTT or SummitClimb expedition leader, starting from 8 participants
  • Maximum of 14 participants
  • Airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
  • 2 nights (double room) / breakfast in Moshi in a *** hotel
  • Transport by bus to the Kikeleva-Gate
  • Local KiNaPa registered mountain guide
  • Porters for all group equipment and meals
  • Registration and insurance of the team
  • Experienced cook and proven kitchen team
  • Three meals on the mountain (English breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
  • Treatment of drinking water (morning, afternoon, evening, night)
  • Team equipment: tents, kitchen tent, and dishes, toilet tent
  • Overnight stays on the mountain in a two-person tent (single tent available at a surcharge)
  • Personal porter (up to 18 kg) per participant
  • Lounge tent for eating, table, and chairs
  • Accommodation in the School-Hut (optional)
  • Transfer from Marangu gate to Moshi after crossing
  • Medical equipment and first aid kit
  • All National Park fees (7 days, 6 nights = USD 973.- per person)
  • Application and payment of the permit

Not included in this trip

  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees (Tanzania, US$ 50.- for citizens of EU, US$ 100.- for US-citizens)
  • Personal equipment and medication
  • Snacks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff (USD 150.- to USD 250.-)

Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date

TRIP DATES AVAILABILITY PRICE SPACE LEFT
January 11, 2025 - January 19, 2025 Available £2,450
Available
How much is the permit to climb?

Kilimanjaro – Permit
We pay about 1000 USD for the national park fees. Residents (foreigners with valid status living in Tanzania) and citizens (Tanzanian nationality) pay less. Discounts are available for children up to 15 years and Tanzanian citizens.

 

How much should I expect to give in tips?

Tips for the team:
Our local team is paid properly and receives a real salary as opposed to many other providers. However, we have a custom of tipping them. Due to the logistics of the moving camps we hire an average of 3-4 locals per participant for the 7 days (depending on the size of the group). For the week, each participant should expect to contribute US$150-200.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Kilimanjaro | Rongai Route
From £2,450
/ Adult