Overview

Rongai is the only route starting on the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is no less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences

Getting to the trailhead - Nalemuru Gate - usually takes 3 hours from Planet Kia Lodge.

Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu, and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.

Though six and seven-day programs are available, a longer option is recommended for better acclimatization transition.

  • Parking
  • Concierge service
  • Gift shop
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Restaurant
  • Express check out
  • Air-conditioned
  • Babysitting/child services (surcharge)
More amenties
8 days 7 night age 10+
Destination: Kilimanjaro Climbing
Departure: Flexible (at any time)
Language: English, French, Italian, German and Spanish
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Serengeti One Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: nice rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
  • Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 2:Trekking from Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,625 m). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through the coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro's northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents, and cook dinner for you.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

  • Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
  • Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, to the discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip before potential allergies.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

ELEVATION 2,020 m to 2,625 m/HIKING TIME 3-4 hours/DISTANCE 8 km/DIFFICULTY Low/HABITAT Rainforest
Day 3: Trekking from Simba Camp to Kikilewa Camp
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking towards your second high altitude camp: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m) where you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest (barring cloudy weather). This trekking is more physically demanding than the previous one, so once you are in the camp, full rest is recommended.

ELEVATION 2,625 m to 3,630 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 10 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Moorland.
Day 4: Trekking from Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Early wakeup, breakfast, and the start of trekking to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude, followed by a hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening.
Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude to stop the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m) — Destination point on the route to Mathe Lenzi Volcano (4,510 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km/Hiking time: 1–2 hours
ELEVATION 3,630 m to 4,310 m/HIKING TIME 4-5 hours/DISTANCE 6 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Moorland
Day 5:Trekking from Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp
This day will be spent trekking towards School Hut Camp (4,715 m). The landscape will change significantly to give way to semi-deserts. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

ELEVATION 4,310 m to 4,715 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 9 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Alpine deser.
Day 6: Trekking to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Camp
Night departure from School Hut Camp (4,715 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. For the entire length of the trekking, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to School Hut Camp (3,720 m).
Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
ELEVATION 4,715 m to 5,895 m 5,895 m to 3,720 m/HIKING TIME 12-14 hours/DISTANCE 21 km/DIFFICULTY High/HABITAT Arctic.
Day 7: Descent from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent, the group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and prove you ide with a transfer back to the hotel.

ELEVATION 3,720 m to 1,860 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 18 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Rainforest.
Day 8: Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Login

Newsletter

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor.