How long does it take to climb the Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route typically takes 6-7 days to complete. An extended 7-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization and higher chances of success.
The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro Route that approaches the mountain from the northern slope, close to the Kenyan border. It possesses one of the most remote and wild trails on the entire mountain.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is considered one of the less scenic routes up the mountain. Still, because the northern side of Kilimanjaro receives less rainfall, you’ll get to enjoy clear and unclouded views of the mountaintop. Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route takes 6-7 days to climb. Though, we highly recommend our 7-day itinerary, Above the African Plains as it gives you an extra day to acclimatize. Because of the route’s remote nature, it’s among the least frequented trails on Kilimanjaro. Those who pick this route will experience a peaceful climb and have the path to themselves for hours or even days at a time. The Rongai Route Success Rate ranges from medium to high. An important fact to remember is that the route doesn’t offer many climb-high and sleep-low opportunities.
The Best Time to Climb Rongai Route is throughout the course of the year. This is the case during the rainy season as well. Most of the rainstorms stay on the southern side of Kilimanjaro. Thus, this allows climbers on this trail to stay drier and warmer than those on the other Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. If you want a Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing experience completely devoid of crowds and a trail that has a profusion of untouched beauty, then the Kili Rongai Route is for you.
The Rongai Route is ideal for trekkers seeking a remote, less crowded experience on Kilimanjaro. It’s suitable for those who prefer a gradual ascent, uninterrupted by steep climbs, and appreciate clear views due to lower rainfall on the northern slope. This route is also a good option for climbers during the rainy season.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Grey Eden Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy 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.
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at your hotel in the morning in order 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 /6,627 f). 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 (2,671 m /8,761 f).. 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 have prepared everything necessary, put up tents, and begun preparing dinner.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
It is not uncommon to experience discomfort during the night, high altitude has this effect on the human body. Nausea and headaches are common occurrences in the mountains. However, make sure you alert your guide if you feel any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Starting Point: Nolamuru Gate.
End Point: Simba Camp 2,671m
Walking Duration:3-4 Hours approx
Overnight: Simba Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
This day starts with an early breakfast and then departure from Simba Camp to the second high-altitude camp: Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m /11,906 f). From Kikilewa Camp you can see Kibo Volcano at its finest, if the weather is clear. This trek is more physically demanding than the previous one, so once you have reached the camp, we recommend getting some rest.
Starting Point: Simba Camp 2,671m.
End Point: Kikilewa Camp 3,630m.
Walking Duration: 5-6 Hours approx.
Overnight: Kikilewa Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
This day starts with another early breakfast and then a trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second-highest point. 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 m /656 f) gain in altitude. After, you will hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening.
The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up 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.
Starting Point: Kikilewa Camp 3,630m.
End Point: Mawenzi Tarn 4,315m.
Walking Duration: 4-5 Hours approx.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
This day will be spent trekking towards Kibo Hut Camp (4,720 m /15,482 f). The landscape will change significantly to become a rocky semi-desert. The actual trek 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 /19,336 f).
Starting Point: Mawenzi Tarn 4,315m.
End Point: Kibo Hut Camp 4,720m.
Walking Duration 5-6 Hours approx.
Overnight: Kibo Hut Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Your group will depart at night from Kibo Hut Camp (4,720 m /15,482 f) and head toward Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Technically speaking, the trek is not difficult, however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, for the final summit climbers are paired in twos and put under the care of a personal guide, who will closely monitor their physical well-being. 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 Horombo Camp (3,720 m /12,202 f).
Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
Strat Point: Kibo Hut Camp 4,720m.
Via: Uhuru Peak 5,895m.
End Point: Horombo Camp 3,720m.
Walking Duration 12-14 Hours approx.
Overnight: Horombo Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,970 m /6,462 f). After your descent, the whole 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 and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.
The Rongai Route is a climbing path up Mount Kilimanjaro, approaching from the northern slope near the Kenyan border. It offers a remote and less frequented trail compared to other routes.
The Rongai Route typically takes 6-7 days to complete. An extended 7-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization and higher chances of success.
The success rate of the Rongai Route ranges from medium to high. It offers a good chance of summiting Kilimanjaro, especially for well-prepared climbers.
The Rongai Route can be climbed throughout the year, including the rainy season. Its northern location receives less precipitation, providing drier conditions for climbers.
The Rongai Route is suitable for trekkers seeking a remote, less crowded experience. It's ideal for those who prefer a gradual ascent, uninterrupted by steep climbs, and appreciate clear views due to lower rainfall on the northern slope. This route is also a good option for climbers during the rainy season.
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The accommodations were top-notch, blending luxury with the beauty of nature. Every day brought new and breathtaking experiences, from witnessing the Great Migration to spotting the Big Five. I felt truly connected to the African wilderness thanks to Grey Eden’s dedication to authentic and responsible tourism.
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