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)
8 days | 7 night | age 10+ |
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Destination: | Kilimanjaro Climbing |
Departure: | Flexible (at any time) |
Language: | English, French, Italian, German and Spanish |
- Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
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)
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
ELEVATION 2,625 m to 3,630 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 10 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Moorland.
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
ELEVATION 4,310 m to 4,715 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 9 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Alpine deser.
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.
ELEVATION 3,720 m to 1,860 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 18 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Rainforest.
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.