Spectacular Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa – its peak at 5,895 metres. Towering over the plains of Tanzania and Kenya, it is considered the highest “walkable” mountain in the world – the ultimate adventure for climbers in Africa.
We offer mainly customized, private climbs, but if you are looking for group climbs, we offer these departing on fixed dates. Have a look below at the 6 day Rongai Route climb which is one of our favourites. For details on alternative routes and other climbs please contact us for more information.
Rongai Route
We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the lightly-used Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. We also add an extra day to the standard five day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatisation and give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
Day 1
The morning a guide will collect you from your hotel in Arusha (you will have had a pre-climb briefing the day before at your hotel). You will be transferred to the trailhead where you begin your climb on the Rongai Route, Kilimanjaro.
After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, the guide transfers you by Landrover to Rongai. The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a
variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long „cape‟ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking].
Day 2
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the "Second Cave" (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m) [6-7 hours walking].
Day 3
A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb allround views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. 
The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking].
Day 4
We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [5-6 hours walking].
Day 5
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking].
Day 6
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking]. Transfer to a hotel in Arusha – enjoy a hot shower & hearty dinner!
Day 7
Today you can either return home, relax for an extra day in Arusha, head to the beach and/or start the next part of your adventure - head off on safari!
Contact Us so we can help you put together an itinerary and pricing.
