This 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Nights 8 Days trip starts from Marangu National Park Gate. The 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is a more gradual ascend and it therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened climbers. The 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.
Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route still experiences low crowds. 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
The Rongai route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a seven day camping route; it has the attraction of being a lower traffic and easier route compared to the southern slopes for climbing Kilimanjaro. It attracts about 10% of visitors to the mountain. The route is really a complete traverse, the only one to experience the arid northern side and the lush southern side. It’s also known as the Loitokok Route. The seven days includes a day of acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn and this is an important addition because the flatter terrain means you can’t ‘climb high, sleep low’ which is a good approach to acclimatization.
Kilimanjaro is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa and this correlates with your trek sublimely. The enchanting views start with the golden Savannah, journey amid the ancient caves and travel to the frosty region of the summit. The canopies in the cloud forest are ridden with cracks that allow the mystical light rays and clouds to seep through. The 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is the only route that tackles Kilimanjaro from the north side.
8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
This 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route offers an exclusive journey to the summit. The neighboring Kenyan region provides the scenic plains of the Maasai land where conspicuous splotches of wildlife including buffalo, elephants and monkeys emerge. This is the least frequented trail and the tranquillity compels East Africa’s fascinating birdlife and you may encounter some of the diverse wildlife whilst on your trek. The drive to get to the gate it is filled with fantastic sights. In the rainy seasons the route is ideal because the north side receives less precipitation, permitting a safer trek.
8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness. The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Rongai route is truly one of the more remote and wild trails on the entire mountain. Despite that however, this route offers trekkers plenty of advantages, making it a very appealing option for those looking for a unique experience on Africa’s tallest peak.
Due to its remote nature, the 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is among the least visited of all of the trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Those who choose this path will experience peace and quiet for much of the trek, encountering few other climbers prior to reaching the Kibo Camp, at which point the trail merges with the Marangu Route for the final push to the summit. Before that happens however, travelers will often have the path completely to themselves for hours or even days at a time, making this a good choice for those looking for solitude in a unique wilderness setting.
Rongai Route Frequently asked questions about 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
The questions and answers below are specific to the Rongai route.
Is Rongai Route the easiest route up Kilimanjaro?
The Rongai route is considered to be the easiest route up Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek is both gradual and steady. However, the Rongai Route does not have a great climb high sleep low profile which makes it arguably more difficult than the Machame or Lemosho routes. The 7 day trek option is highly recommended as it allows for better acclimatization. No technical climbing is required however level of fitness is required. You can read more on training to climb Kilimanjaro and our Kilimanjaro training program page to help you prepare.
What is the distance of the Rongai Route and how many days does it take?
The exact trekking distance for the Rongai Route is 79km or 49 miles. The shortest number of days required for Rongai Route is 6 days, but by the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 9 or 10. However, as it’s considered the easiest route on the mountain it is actually best done over 7 days to increase your changes of success.
What is the 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Summit Success Rate?
The summit success rates for the Rongai Route are greatly increased with the longer trek option. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 80% for the 7 day trek and a 65% success rate for the 6 day trek. However, We have a 95% summit success rate for both Rongai route treks. Read more about how many days it takes to climb Kilimanjaro to know why we recommend longer treks.
What is the Scenery like on the Rongai Route Route?
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. The Rongai route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas.
It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible. After passing through rainforest you ascend through moorlands and then up into the high alpine zones before reaching the glacial zone.
When is the best time to Trek Rongai Route Route Route?
July-September are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year.
April and May is the rainy season so this period is best avoided. Because Rongai Route is on the northern side of Kilimanjaro is in a rain shadow, the month of May and November are a good time to do the trek as well.
All about the 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route.
8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route trip starts from Marangu National Park Gate. Normally 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route starts at the remote northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan and Tanzanian border. You should expect to start your hiking through a true wilderness area towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak and then cross barren desert saddle before climbing up Kibo’s eastern crater wall.
The 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is a more gradual ascend and it therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience but is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened climbers. With only 6 days on the mountain and only 4.5 days before Uhuru Peak, there is a little time for altitude acclimatization. This 8 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route ascents quickly and steady.
Rongai Route is highly recommended for the trekkers who lack the time to spend more days on Mount Kilimanjaro. Rongai Route 6 Days – the Rongai route is the only route approach Kilimanjaro from the north just at the Kenyan border. It will take you past the second-highest point in Tanzania – Mawenzi while offering bird’s-eye views of the mountain’s rainforest. The gentle gradient and its gradual acclimatization bring one safely to the highest point of Africa – Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak, at 5,895 m.
Rongai Route boasts high success rates of 84 and 94 percent on 6 and 7-day climbs, respectively. Rongai is great for travellers with previous exposure to high altitude and offers an escape from fellow-climbers, as it requires the longest drive before reaching the park gate. Rongai Route will leave you with great impressions while testing your strength over the distance of 65 km (40 miles).
The Rongai route on Mount Kilimanjaro is a seven-day camping route; it has the attraction of being a lower traffic and easier route compared to the southern slopes for climbing Kilimanjaro. It attracts about 10% of visitors to the mountain. The route is really a complete traverse, the only one to experience the arid northern side and the lush southern side. It’s also known as the Loitokok Route.
The route is quieter and flatter, and arguably has less scenic quality than other routes on the south side. However walking across the open plain with the summit massif in view all the time gives a real sense of vastness to the mountain. It is drier because of the fact that the mountain itself stops the rain clouds coming up from the south, so it’s really a very different experience in terms of scenery and terrain. For many, the solitude and sense of space is a big draw, although you don’t get to experience all the different habitats which are evident on the south side routes like Machame and Lemosho.
Welcome in Tanzania: Meet and greet at arrival point by our transferring driver who will escort you to the waiting vehicle for loading your luggage then drive you to the Hotel in Moshi town. After checking in the hotel you will get briefing about your next day’s trek then your mountain guide will check your gears. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing at the pool or exploring the town of Moshi.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Nalemoru gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your waiting lounge registering with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the First Caves Camp in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef who move very fast up the mountain will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served followed by overnight.
Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.
On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.
After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Your guide will wake you up around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.
At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Located in Moshi, 25 km from Mount Kilimanjaro, Keys Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. With a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
A Full English/Irish breakfast is available daily at the hotel. Aleems Grocery is 1.7 km from Keys Hotel, while Moshi Highway Supermarket is 3.4 km away. The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International, 32 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Kikelewa Cave Camp
Situated along the Rongai Route at an elevation of 3,679 meters above mean sea level, Kikelewa Cave Camp is the second stop at the lower end of lobelia & giant groundsel zone. Offering wonderful views Kikelewa Cave Camp is a good place for overnight rest & dinner. Water can also be found here in a stream flowing right below the cave.
The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.
If this is your first time on safari, you probably have countless questions. To get you started our safari experts have assembled a list of frequently asked ones. Kindly click the link above and read more.
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Kikelewa Cave Camp
Kikelewa Cave Camp
