Route Overview
NBB/ROYAL TOURS AND TRAVEL will lead you to fulfill your dream of trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest volcanic mountain in Tanzania and Africa, via the Rongai route - the only route approaching from the north.
Why Choose Rongai?
- Only northern approach route
- Remote wilderness experience
- Views of Kenyan plains
- White colobus monkeys
- Less crowded than southern routes
Key Information
- Duration: 7 Days
- Max Elevation: 5,895m
- Success Rate: 88.00%
- Min Group Size: 2 people
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and meet with the NBB company driver who will pick you up and take you to Boma Masai Garden at Bomang'ombe, 18.3 km from the airport. Overnight and dinner.
Drive to Rongai Gate & Trek to First Cave
Wake up early, then after breakfast we will take you to Rongai Gate, passing through wooden plantation villages and maize and potato fields before reaching the entrance gate. The trek starts after clearance at the National Park Gate. You will walk for 2-3 hours while looking at white colobus monkeys and pine trees with views over the Kenyan plains.
- Forest trek
- White colobus monkeys
- Kenyan plains views
First Cave to Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Reach the second cave for lunch. After lunch, pass across the moorland on a smaller path towards the Mawenzi peaks. After 10km, reach Kikelewa Camp.
- Moorland zone
- Mawenzi views
- Second cave
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
- Alpine desert
- Mawenzi spires
- Acclimatization
- Spectacular views
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp
Wake up early in the morning and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo, crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, which will take 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. Overnight at Kibo Camp in preparation for the next day's summit attempt.
- Saddle crossing
- Kibo base camp
- Summit preparation
Summit Day - Kibo to Uhuru Peak to Horombo
Wake up early in the morning, take breakfast and continue hiking 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, then 6 hours to descend to Horombo. The first section consists of a rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of scree, requiring great physical and mental effort. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight.
- Midnight summit
- Hans Meyer Cave
- Gilman's Point
- Uhuru Peak
Descent to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, continue your descent (6 hours) passing Mandara Hut down to Marangu Gate. There you will drive back to Bomang'ombe for a long-overdue celebration. Appreciation for your cooks, porters, and guides - say thanks to them and goodbye.
- Final descent
- Certificate ceremony
- Tipping ceremony
- Celebration
Amenities & Features
Group Discounts
What's Included
- 2 nights accommodation before climbing and after climbing
- Qualified professional guides
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Tented camps accommodation
- Sleeping bags, cooking equipment, waiter salaries
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro Airport)
- All meals on the mountain
- All accommodation and entry fees for guide and crew
Not Included
- Guide and porter tips
- Drinks at the hotels
- Personal mountain equipment
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights on the mountain and at hotels
- Extra activities
- International flights tickets
Other Kilimanjaro Routes
Marangu Route 5 Days
The only route with mountain huts accommodation, offering a comfortable climb to Uhuru Peak.
View DetailsUmbwe Route 6 Days
The most direct and challenging route to Uhuru Peak - for experienced climbers seeking adventure.
View DetailsLemosho Route 8 Days
A remote and scenic route with the best acclimatization schedule for maximum summit success.
View DetailsBook This Adventure
Ready to conquer Kilimanjaro? Fill out the form below to book the Rongai Route 7 Days.