Rongai Route 6 Days

Starts at: Moshi

Ends at: Moshi

Country: Tanzania

Max Altitude: 5895 M

Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Activity: Sightseeing and High Altitude Trekking

Best Season: January to Mid-March, June, July, August, September, October & December.

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Overview

Rongai route begins in the northern side of Kilimanjaro Mountain, 45km from Moshi town or 69km from Arusha. As one of the easiest route to the summit: it displays the variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animal’s species. This passes all through the true wilderness areas this is why those who mostly want remote wilderness prefer this route to climb Kilimanjaro. The typical duration for this trip is 6 days. But mostly the hikers take another day to summit because of hiking its success rate. On a 7 day hike the success rate becomes the highest than any other route in Kilimanjaro. Regarding overnight stays: it is identical with the Marangu. Marangu provides the hut facility where as Rongai provides the tents to rest and spend the night. The porter will have your tent pitched and waiting for you at the end of each day trek.

This route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The route merges with the Marangu for the summit climb. The descend follows the Marangu route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you will be able to Kilimanjaro from many points. There are two versions of this trek- a direct 6 day itinerary and a 7 day itinerary that takes a longer route. You can choose to attempt the summit via Mawezi Tarn Hut or via School Hut which is also referred to as the Outward Bound Hut. The former is longer and more popular. Prior acclimatization is suggested in order to attempt the latter successfully.

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

• Day 2: Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

• Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

• Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

• Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to School Hut (4715m)

• Day 6: School Hut (4715m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

• Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m) to Moshi

• Day 8:  Hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

No need to arrange transport! Our transfer driver will collect you and all your gear from Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Relax after your flight, take a dip in the pool or explore Moshi. Later you will meet the Bujo Tours operation team. They will tell you more about the trip, share tips and safety information and thoroughly check your gear to see if you have everything you need.

Day 2: Moshi – Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

You will have breakfast before all the gear is loaded. It is a long drive, about four hours (including a stop to get permits at Marangu gate) to the north side of Kilimanjaro. After registration at Nalemoru gate, the hike begins. You will walk pass small farms, pine trees and the up into the forest on the mountain slopes. You might be lucky to see the colobus monkeys with extravagant black and white tails. The porters will go in front to set up camp while you will hike at a moderate pace to reach the Simba campsite (2 625m) in about four hours. The tents and some warm washing water will be ready. A warm supper will be served.

Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m)

After some hot porridge and eggs you will set off on today’s section. Vegetation is changing and you see more shrubs as you walk through the moorland zone. Watching the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi peak would be fabulous. On the stop at second cave (450m.) you will have your lunch before crossing over some ups and downs to reach Kikelewa Camp. The camp has great views. Relax and breathe in the tranquility of the mountain.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m)

Today you will not see the weird-looking senecias as the landscape change to resemble a rocky moon landscape. If there are no clouds, you will see the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After about six hours of work you should reach Mawenzi Hut. A small lake nearby freezes over at night so expect the night to be very cold.  Fear not, a hot supper waits.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) to School Hut (4715m)

On a good firm path, you will cross the Saddle today. You will feel the altitude and might experience symptoms of altitude sickness headache and nausea. Takes lots of fluid and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole pole means slowly slowly. One last tough section and you will be there. You will camp at School Hut tonight, but not before some dinner and hot chocolate. Get your daypack ready and go to bed early as you will be woken up at around 00:00 to start the final stretch to the summit.

Day 6: School Hut (4715m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Rise and shine! It will be dark and very cold when you enter the darkness on the way to the top. A row of headlights in front of you will show the way. Take it slow and listen to your guide. The ground will be frozen and you will get very tired, but keep going. After about seven hours you will be standing on the crater’s rim – Gillman’s Point (5 715 m). Warming up in the sun, it is just an hour or two to reach Uhuru peak at 5 895m. You will be standing on the highest mountain in Africa! The return path is almost the same, but now the ground is defrosted and it will be dusty. It will be late morning when you arrive at School Hut. Here you will rest for an hour and have a hot meal. Onwards! The descent continues to Horombo Hut where you will rest for the night.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m) to Moshi

Today is the last day on the mountain. The descent to Marangu Gate will take about six hours. Here, the crew will say farewell and the transfer driver will be waiting and transfer to the Hotel. The rest of the day you will relax and to reflect back on this once in a lifetime experience.

Day 8:  Hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After breakfast, you continue with your travel plans or take a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport

Group Expeditions

The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.

See Group Booking Discount

Tailor Made Expeditions

Based on individual tour preference, Bujo tours welcomes ideas and all sorts of clients’ options for their expedition. Our consultation team will bring your ideas and options creating an unforgettable trip. For your Tailor booking requests, please Contact Us

Private Expeditions

We understand that some clients want their adventure expedition to be a private affair, so that it would enable them to spend some of their memorable moments with their near and dear ones at their own Schedule. Considering this, Bujo Tours organizes private journeys as well. For your private booking requests, please Contact Us

Proper equipment is real extremely important to the success, comfort and safety of your trip.

Recommended clothing has four features;
Manages moisture – Wicks perspiration from your skin, use for the base layers.
Should be a durable – comfortable, insulating, breathable, soft fabrics are polarity wind, Gore-Tex wind stopper.
Windproof – waterproof and breathable like Gore-Tex or similar (outer layers)
Insulating material – should be down fill or synthetic-fill and fit cover all layers like, down, prim aloft and polar guard.

For sleeping:

3-4 season sleeping bag and silk liner(optional), on the mountain temperature can get down to zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18° C) at night, so bring a warm bag.
Sleeping pad, a closed cell form camping mattress is OK; an inflatable Thermo-Rest is more comfortable.

For the head and face:

• Pile or a wool hat-Bring one that covers ears, a balaclava
• Shade hat or cap and scarf to cover your neck
• Dark sunglasses with strong UV protection (glacier glasses)
• Sunscreen-30 SPF
• Lip salve
• Head torch(flashlight) with spare batteries

For the upper body:

• T-shirts-Synthetics are the best approx 4.
• Upper body layers-long sleeved thermal tops, a fleece/warm jumper (thick winter fleece) and a pile jacket.
• Rain gear-Bring a good of Gore-tax or waterproof clothes.
• Wind stopper (optional you can use rain gear)
• Gloves for summit night (e.g. ski gloves with silk liner or down Mittens are ideal)
• 25-35 liters day sack/rucksack with good waist strap to carry water, camera, snacks etc.

For the legs:

• Quick dry hiking short.
• Long underwear bottoms
• Warm trousers/for the evening and summit day
• Rain paints and wind paint as well.
• Undergarment (enough for duration of the trek)

For the feet: 

• Thin socks-Three pair of synthetic socks.
• Thick socks-3/4 pairs of specialist trekking socks, one warm pair for summit day.
• Hiking boot (one pair medium weight)
• Gaiters-To keep dirt, scree and snow out of your boots.
• Tennis shoes (to wear in the camp after a day of hiking)

For hydration:

• Water bottles(minimum 2 liters) Camel back packs(with dust cup) Nalgene bottles, aluminum Sigg, Ideally one bottle should be able to contain hot liquids(optional)
• Water treatment-Bring a water treatment. We will filtrate the water before you use.
• Water flavoring (optional)

Additional Items:

• Trekking poles
• Camera/film or memory card, extra batteries
• Casual clothes for traveling, spare day and celebration dinner.
• Isotonic drink powder or tablets (optional)
• Energy bars/chocolate/nuts or energy tablets
• Plastic bags (to protect clothes from rain, for dirty washing, etc)
• Sunglasses (spare)
• Swiss army knife (optional)
• Credit card (in case of emergencies) – let your credit card company know you are traveling to Tanzania
• Money belt to be worn inside trousers or skirt
• If you wear contact lenses it is advisable to also bring your glasses
• Playing cards, reading material etc.

Health and Hygiene

• High-factor sun cream (30SPF) and lip salve (mountain sun can be very strong)
• Wet wipes
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Biodegradable nappy sacks (optional, but useful to store rubbish)
• Personal toiletries (please only bring biodegradable products)
• Earplugs (in case of snorers!)
• Toilet paper (will be provided)
• Lightweight trekking towel
• Vaseline/talcum powder

Small Medical Kit

Although you will have a team Medically Trained Guide in your trip, it is advisable bring along a small personal medical kit.

• Dimox (Accetomalozide) for altitude adjustment

Dexemethasone (Emergence medicine)

• Antiseptic cream
• Plasters (band-aids)
• Lint wound dressing
• Knee support
• Crepe bandage
• Safety pins
• Pain killers (Paracetamol and ibuprofen)
• Insect repellent
• Deep heat ointment
• Diareze/Imodium, Cipro and Pepto-Bismol
• Oral rehydration salts
• Compeed blister plasters (Moleskin)
• Malaria tablets /Malaron

Note: Malaron, Dimox and Dexamethasone are prescription medicine we highly recommending you to discuss with your Doctor. We are not carrying this medicine in our First Aid Kit.
Hiring any additional clothing upon booking we will provide equipment hiring price list, upon arrival in Moshi we will check over any clothing/equipment you have.
COTTON clothing must be avoided, because its dries very slowly, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that wicks the sweat and moisture from your skin.

Mountain medication (A few drugs that help AMS)

Note: Malaron and Dimox are prescription medicine we highly recommending you to discuss with your Doctor. We are not carrying this medicine in our First Aid Kit

Price includes;

• Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
• Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
• Oxygen Cylinder
• Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
• 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Transportation to & from the mountain gate
• Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
• 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
• Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
• Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
• 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
• Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Price excludes;

• Flights
• Tips to mountain crew
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry Services
• Entry visa for Tanzania

Bujo Tours and Safaris LTD lead your dream to the roof of Africa