Get In Touch With Us!
Phone
+255 764 601 151
info@joanneadventures.com
Address
Shanty Town – Moshi – Kilimanjaro
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
Rongai Route – The Scenic Northern Approach
Tour Overview
Embark on the Rongai Route, a unique northern approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a quieter and less-traveled path to Africa’s tallest peak. This 6 or 7-day trek is perfect for adventurers who value solitude, scenic beauty, and a gradual ascent for better acclimatization.
Starting near the Kenya-Tanzania border, the Rongai Route takes you through diverse ecosystems—from pine forests and heathlands to the alpine desert—before culminating at the majestic Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft). This route is known for its drier conditions, making it an excellent choice during the rainy season.
With experienced guides, comfortable camps, and breathtaking panoramas, the Rongai Route promises a rewarding adventure and a higher success rate due to its steady elevation gain.
Day 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate – Hike to Simba Camp
- Elevation: 1,950m (6,398 ft) → 2,650m (8,694 ft)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (8 km)
- Activities:
- Drive (4-5 hours) to Rongai Gate, near the Kenyan border.
- Begin your trek through cultivated fields and pine forests.
- Spot Colobus monkeys and other wildlife as you ascend gently.
- Unique Feature: Enjoy a quiet start with lush scenery not seen on other routes.
- Overnight: Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- Elevation: 2,650m (8,694 ft) → 3,450m (11,319 ft)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours (9 km)
- Activities:
- Hike across moorlands with stunning views of Kibo Peak.
- Pass through heather zones while acclimatizing gradually.
- Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Second Cave Camp.
- Unique Feature: Capture panoramic views of Kenya’s Amboseli Plains.
- Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp
- Elevation: 3,450m (11,319 ft) → 3,600m (11,811 ft)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (6 km)
- Activities:
- Trek through the alpine moorland, with the Mawenzi Peak in view.
- Reach Kikelelwa Camp, set in a beautiful valley.
- Enjoy an afternoon rest for further acclimatization.
- Unique Feature: Get closer to Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s jagged eastern peak.
- Overnight: Kikelelwa Camp
Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Elevation: 3,600m (11,811 ft) → 4,330m (14,206 ft)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (5 km)
- Activities:
- Climb toward Mawenzi Tarn, a spectacular camp below Mawenzi Peak.
- Take an acclimatization hike around the glacial lake.
- Relax and prepare for the high-altitude trek ahead.
- Unique Feature: Stay at Mawenzi Tarn, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic campsites.
- Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4,330m (14,206 ft) → 4,700m (15,420 ft)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours (9 km)
- Activities:
- Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a barren, moon-like landscape.
- Arrive at Kibo Hut, the base camp for your summit push.
- Early dinner and rest before your midnight summit attempt.
- Unique Feature: Experience the dramatic saddle, a high-altitude desert between two peaks.
- Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700m (15,420 ft) → 5,895m (19,341 ft) → 3,720m (12,205 ft)
- Hiking Time: 12-14 hours (19 km)
- Activities:
- Midnight start for your summit push via Gilman’s Point (5,685m).
- Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise.
- Celebrate your achievement before descending to Horombo Hut.
- Unique Feature: Witness a breathtaking sunrise from the Roof of Africa.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205 ft) → 1,860m (6,102 ft)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours (20 km)
- Activities:
- Descend through the tropical rainforest to Marangu Gate.
- Receive your summit certificate and return to Moshi.
- Celebrate your Kilimanjaro achievement with a farewell dinner.
- Unique Feature: Enjoy the lush rainforest and diverse wildlife on your descent.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Why Choose the Rongai Route?
✅ Less Crowded Path – Enjoy a quieter and more intimate trekking experience.
✅ Drier Conditions – Ideal during the rainy season with better trail conditions.
✅ Unique Northern Views – See Kenya’s Amboseli Plains and rare landscapes.
✅ High Success Rate – Gradual ascent aids acclimatization and summit success.
Short Overview
Difficulty Level: Unique Route
Best Time to Trek: June to October, December to March
Starting Point: Rongai Gate
Ending Point: Marangu Gate
Please take a moment to complete the form here:
This will help us finalize your itinerary and provide you with the best possible experience. If you have any special requests or questions, feel free to let us know.
Package Details
Climbing Cost Includes
Our Kilimanjaro packages include all necessary transfers for a hassle-free experience. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our professional drivers will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a spacious, well-equipped vehicle with ample luggage space, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and wet wipes.
For the journey to the trailhead, we use rugged Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride through challenging terrain. At the end of your adventure, we’ll arrange your return transfer to the airport—so you can focus on the climb while we take care of the rest.
The night before your Kilimanjaro climb and after your descent, you’ll stay in a cozy 3-star hotel in Moshi Town, based on double occupancy unless you request a single supplement.
We carefully select accommodations that offer quality service, a welcoming atmosphere, and essential amenities, including a restaurant, swimming pool, mosquito-netted rooms, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. If your preferred hotel is unavailable, we’ll arrange a suitable alternative of the same standard.
We provide top-quality camping equipment for a safe and comfortable Kilimanjaro experience. Our durable, 4-season tents are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain, ensuring a cozy and secure rest. With easy access and ample space, you’ll sleep comfortably, ready for the adventure ahead.
Our expert mountain chefs provide energy-packed meals throughout your Kilimanjaro adventure. Designed with a dietitian, our menu ensures both taste and nutrition. We also cater to special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more—at no extra cost. Just let us know, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Our highly experienced guides, each with over seven years of expertise and Wilderness First Responder certifications, ensure your safety and success while leading you through Kilimanjaro’s diverse terrain on an unforgettable adventure.
Our WFR-certified guides conduct mandatory medical check-ups every morning and evening to monitor acclimatization for both hikers and crew. These include oxygen level checks, health assessments, and, if needed, blood pressure or lung evaluations. With well-equipped medical kits and an in-company doctor, we take every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
For your safety, our expeditions include satellite phones for emergency communication with our 24/7 support team. Even in remote areas without mobile service, help is always within reach. Personal satellite phones are also available for rent—contact us for details.
Our Kilimanjaro packages cover all mandatory park fees, including camping, conservation, rescue, and crew fees. As a responsible company, we fully comply with Tanzanian tax regulations and ensure fair employment practices, providing you with a worry-free and ethical adventure.
Climbing Cost Excludes
Our Kilimanjaro packages don’t include international flights. You’ll be responsible for covering those costs separately. Feel free to contact your manager to get recommendations about the airlines operating flights to Tanzania.
Tipping your climbing crew is a well-established practice in mountain hiking all over the world. Though never mandatory at Joanne Adventures, our clients are encouraged to tip their mountain crews if their performance is up to your expectations. A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant.
Most nationals are required to pay USD 50 for a one-time, single-entry 90-day visa. USA nationals, however, are required to pay $100 for a multi-entry visa. Contact our travel advisors to learn more about Tanzania visa rules and requirements.
For your Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need essential personal gear, including hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking pants, thermals, and trekking poles.
Our gear rental service provides high-quality equipment from top outdoor brands, ensuring comfort and reliability throughout your adventure. If you wish to rent gear, simply share your list with us in advance, and we’ll have everything ready upon your arrival in Tanzania—allowing you to focus on the climb without any hassle.
Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. For our Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures, all participants are required to have travel insurance that covers trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation. Since the requirements and costs of insurance vary across different countries, please contact your insurance provider to make sure that those requirements are covered, and find out about the exact costs.
Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. You can contact our travel consultants to learn more about this option. Portable toilet is not available on the Marangu route due to the Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
Included accommodation in the hotel is on a bed & breakfast basis. It means that you will need to pay for the lunch and dinner either at our hotel restaurant or if you decide to dine out – at any other place in Moshi.
Our Happy Clients!
"Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route was the best decision I made! The extra days for acclimatization made the trek more enjoyable, and the guides were incredibly supportive. Reaching Uhuru Peak was an unforgettable moment!"
Pamela Padmore
Doctor, USA
"The Lemosho Route was truly magical! The guides and porters were outstanding, ensuring we were comfortable, safe, and well-acclimatized. I highly recommend this route for anyone looking for a rewarding Kilimanjaro experience!"
Barbara Smith
Mountaineer, Norway
"The 8-day Lemosho Route gave us the perfect pace for acclimatization, and I felt strong throughout the trek. and the support from the Joanne Adventures team was exceptional. Standing on the roof of Africa was a dream come true!"
Jennifer Sayers
Designer, Canada
Other Related Tours You May Like
“Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is the most established and comfortable path up Kilimanjaro. It is the only route offering hut accommodations instead of tents, making it popular among trekkers for extra convenience.
“Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning landscapes, varied terrain, and excellent acclimatization. Trekkers pass through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenya-Tanzania border. Known for its dry climate, gradual ascent, and fewer trekkers, this route is an excellent choice for those seeking solitude.