The adventure begins! If you've booked an airport transfer with us, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to Lindrin Lodge in Moshi, where you can freshen up and relax after what’s likely been a long journey. In the evening your lead guide briefs you on what's to come and answers any questions you have. It's then time for a good long sleep, as tomorrow is an early start.
It's an early start today, as firstly you must drive from Moshi, which is south of Kilimanjaro, to Rongai Gate (1,950 m or 6,398 ft) on the mountain's northern side. Once everyone is registered and all the equipment has been unpacked, the climb begins! You walk through rainforest to reach Simba Camp, which is 2,830 m (9,285 ft) above sea level. Today's hike takes about four hours. It's a pretty and relatively easy first day to ease you into things.
You climb up above the forest today, which means you start to get some fabulously expansive views. Keep your eyes open for large game like elephants and giraffes on the plains below! You hike for around three to four hours to reach Second Cave at 3,450 m (11,300 ft) above sea level. The moorland vegetation around you is very pretty and unusual, and many find this to be their favourite section of the trail.
Today is another climb of around three to four hours to reach Kikelelwa Cave, which is 3,600 m (11,811 ft) above sea level. You see more beautiful moorland, and there are often great views of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks to either side of you. You're in the heart of the climb now, and can expect to feel some effects of the high altitude. But as you're taking things at a good pace, your body should adapt well.
You climb for roughly four hours to reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut at 4,315 m (14,160 ft) above sea level. This means you gain over 700 metres in elevation today – a sizeable jump. You also enter the alpine desert zone, which is a stark environment where little grows. You have an amazing, up-close view of Mawenzi Peak towering above you from tonight's campsite.
It's a long hike of around five to six hours today to reach Kibo Hut at 4,750 m (15,600 ft) above sea level. You cross a relatively flat stretch known as 'the Saddle', which is the bridge between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The climb takes place in alpine desert.Keep your eyes open for eagles and other birds soaring above you. You need to stay focused on the goal today, as your body will be feeling the toll of the high altitude.
Today is the big day! Starting at midnight, you set out for the summit. It's time to dig deep, as the climb takes about eight hours, but your team is there to support you. You should reach Stella Point by sunrise for an amazing view. From there, it's takes only an hour to reach Uhuru Peak! At 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level, you're the highest people in Africa when you stand here! You then descend for another eight hours to reach Horombo Hut at 3,720 m (12,205 ft).
You climb down the final bit of the mountain today to reach Marangu Gate at 1,843 m (6,046 ft). It's a long hike of around five to seven hours, but it's pretty much all downhill. Before heading to the lodge, there's the fun tipping ceremony, and you receive climb certificates! It's then on to the lodge, where hot showers and cold drinks await!
Today you wake up with the knowledge that you accomplished something amazing! After breakfast at the lodge, we drive you to Kilimanjaro for your homeward flight, unless of course you're joining us for a safari, in which case the adventure continues!
Dedicated trip manager
In-depth preparation documents
Pre-climb Zoom consult
2 overnight stays at Lindrin Lodge in Moshi (incl. breakfasts and dinners)
In-depth pre-climb safety briefing at Lindrin Lodge
Transport to and from trailheads
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fee
Qualified, experienced, English-speaking guides
Porters
Experienced cook
All meals on the mountain
Snacks and hot drinks
Purified drinking water
Daily bowl of water for ‘washy washy’
High-quality, four-season sleeping bag
High-quality, four-season sleeping tent
Sleeping mat
Private Follow Alice toilet (1 per 8 climbers)
Organisation of any rental equipment, if required
Medical equipment (incl. pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen)
Climb certificate
Tanzanian visa
Airfares
Airport transfers (US$40 per person per transfer)
Traveller's insurance
Tip for mountain crew
Single supplement ($200), if desired
Lindrin Lodge in the town of Moshi offers chalet accommodation in a pretty and well-maintained garden setting.
We’re one of the only travel companies worldwide with perfect 5* reviews
Our dedicated travel consultants make adventuring easy for you by taking away all of the admin. Your only jobs are to train for the adventure if necessary and then pack your bags!
Our local guides look after you in every way. Our goal is to give every traveller the feeling you get when a friend is showing you their country.
On average, over 70% of your trip price stays in the local economy. It's important to us that the visited communities benefit the most since they're the ones hosting travellers.
The Rongai route is unique as its the only Kilimanjaro trail that ascends from the mountain’s northern side. This means you’re more likely to enjoy clear, spectacular views of the peak itself without the usual cloud cover or rain. Often quieter and less crowded than other routes, it offers a wonderful chance to experience diverse landscapes in peace.
Although some consider Rongai less scenic than other routes, many find its understated beauty and tranquility especially appealing. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and finally reach the arctic zones near the summit — just like the more popular trails.
If you want a route with beautiful scenery and a better chance of sunny, unobstructed vistas, Rongai is a fantastic choice.
The Rongai route covers a total distance of approximately 73 kilometres (45 miles).
The Rongai route is considered one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro, thanks to its gradual incline and steady daily gains in altitude. It’s a great choice for those looking for a quieter, less crowded trail with a more forgiving climb.
That said, this is still a serious high-altitude trek, you will still need determination and a good level of fitness, to reach the summit.
No, the Rongai route does not involve climbing the Barranco Wall. It's one of the routes that completely avoids this section of Kilimanjaro, making it a good option for those who want to bypass the Barranco Wall.
Follow Alice Tours (T) LTD is registered in Tanzania and holds all the necessary licences to run Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris.
