5 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the route of Kilimanjaro that begins from the north side, a route where few climbers are seen along the way. This route affords the opportunity to witness up close the Mawenzi Volcano (the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro) and the magnificent saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peak. However it requires a long drive to the park because of passing through the Marangu gate in order to obtain a permit.

The route feels relatively lonely as you cross unspoiled wilderness with little crowds to bother you. Your trek begins near the Kenya border, and you will summit via Marangu route and Gilimans point. Descending will take place on the Marangu route. We offer 2 options for the Rongai route covering 5/6/7-day treks, with the 7-day trek being highly recommended for acclimatization.

Day 0 : Arrival Day

You will be picked up from the airport by a Lion King representative and conveyed to your accommodation in Arusha or moshi where you will overnight, relax, and prepare in anticipation of the adventures to come.

Note: Please note your accommodation for this night of  your arrival day is not included in your package price but once you confirm your booking we will share different accommodation that suit your budget.

Day 1

• Trekking to Simba Camp
• Rongai Gate (2,020m/6,627ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft)
• Hiking distance: 6km
• Hiking time: 3–4hrs
• Habitat: Montane Forest

You depart Arusha for Nalemuru Gate, which takes about 5hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Upon arrival at trailhead, you eat lunch, and then commence through wide path winding through fields of maize and potatoes, prior to entering pine forest that is home a various wildlife species. As the forest begins to thin out, you enter the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone (2,625m/8,612ft). This location ghastly extensive view of the Kenyan plains.

Overnight:Simba Camp (All meals included)

Day 2

• Trekking from Simba Camp to Third Cave
• Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) to Second Cave (3,450/11,319ft) to Third Cave (3,800m/12,467ft)
• Hiking distance: 13km
• Hiking Time: 9-10hrs
• Habitat: Moorland

You continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the first Cave, then second Cave for hot lunch before proceeding to third Cave. The view of Kibo Peak is amazing.

Overnight: Third Cave Camp (All meals included)

Day 3

• Trekking to Kibo Hut Camp
• Third Cave (3800m/12,467) – Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft)
• Hiking Distance: 12km
• Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The steady ascend continues, soon reaching the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. You should reach Kibo Camp at elevation of 4,720 by midday. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final rewarding ascent the following day.

Overnight: Kibo hut (All meals included)

Day 4

• Summit Day!
• Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo (3,720m/12,205ft)
• Hiking Distance: 16.5km
• Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down
• Habitat: Ice Cap

A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to 6hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are clear and there are panoramic views over the crater, to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. This part of the route takes us through a moonscape of volcanic rock and remnant glaciers with their impressive ice cliffs. After admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. you then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m). You will have lunch here, before setting off on the long descent to your camp at Horombo (3720m). A long day trekking – but so rewarding

Overnight: Horombo Hut Camp (All meals included)

Day 5

• Descend to Marangu Gate 1800
• Horombo Camp (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,906ft)
• Hiking Distance: 19km
• Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
• Habitat: Montane forest

As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m).

You will say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel.

For the climbers who do have a flight to catch, we will drive back to our office in Arusha for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight.

Package Price Includes

• Airport pick and drop off
• Transfer to / from the mountain
• Kilimanjaro National Park Permits, camping / hut fees & rescue fees
• Service of a professional & qualified mountain guide
• Cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions & passenger private bags
• Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters
• First Aid Kit
• 3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request
• Spacious tent for camping
• Free walking poles
• Free quality sleeping mats
• Camping equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
• International certificates for a successful ascent
• Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mountain hike
• Flying Doctors rescue insurance for the time of the tour with us

Package Price Excludes:

• International airfare and related costs such as personal international travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations
• Accommodation before and after the tour
• Any increase in government taxes that occur prior to the start of your trip
• Cost of any client-requested itinerary modifications while the trekking is in progress
• Any expenses of a personal nature such as extra beverages, laundry, etc.
• Personal mountain gears
• Tips & gratuities for your mountain crew.
• Any excess luggage more than 15Kg per client while trekking