The Rongai route is perfect for climbers looking for an alternative to the Marangu route as it has a lot less foot traffic. Rongai is the best option during the rainy season due to its location, which receives little rain. We recommend 7 days for better acclimatization and summit success. This route presents a unique opportunity for trekkers wishing to experience Mount Kilimanjaro in a quieter setting while still enjoying its extraordinary beauty.
Rongai Route
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by an Omura representative who will transfer you to your hotel. There, you will be given time to settle in before a meet and greet with your guides. In this meeting, we will brief you on what to expect on Mount Kilimanjaro and answer any last-minute questions you may have. After the briefing, we recommend an early night for an early pick-up the following day.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel around 8:00 am and you will be driven to Rongai Gate located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After the registration process, you will still start our climb steadily through the forests to the edge of the moorland zone to reach Simba Camp where you will be spending the night. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 1,950m (6,398ft) to 2,830m (9,300ft)
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Today's trek is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 2,830m (9,300ft) to 3,450m (11,300ft)
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
We continue to gain altitude today as we trek towards Kikilewa Camp with views of the eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 3,450m (11,300ft) to 3,600m (11,811ft)
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest and Low Alpine
Today's trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp is a steep climb however provides magnificent views of the Kenyan plains to the north. Once we reach the camp we will have a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200m gain in altitude. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 3,600m (11,811ft) to 4,315m (14,160ft)
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest and Low Alpine
Today we leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi Tarn and Kibo Hut. Once we reach Kibo Hut you will have an early dinner. We recommend resting and sleeping before being awoken at 11 pm to prepare for the summit climb. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 4,315m (14,160ft) to 4,703m(15,430ft)
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine
We start the summit climb at midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing slowly but gain incredible height over a short distance and pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m. We will reach Gillman’s Point (5,681m) as the first rays of sunlight begin to show. Here we will take a short break to watch the sunrise over Africa. We continue for another 1-2 hours up to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent back to Kibo Hut for breakfast. After a short rest, you will continue to descend to Horombo Hut for a long well-earned rest.
Elevation: 4,703m(15,430ft) to 5895m (19,341ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft)
Distance: 16km (9.6 miles)
Trekking Time: 13-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine and Low Alpine
Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine, Low Alpine, Rainforest
On the final day, we continue through the rainforest until we reach Marangu Gate, where we complete park formalities and present you with a certificate confirming you summited Mount Kilimanjaro. We are then met by our vehicles and transferred back to your hotel for a well-earned rest and celebration with your guides.
Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,843m (6,046ft)
Distance: 20km (12.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine and Rainforest
After breakfast, a vehicle will transfer you to your next destination. If you have additional time we recommend you extend your stay. Omura offers safari packages to see nature at its finest or maybe a relaxing beach trip to Zanzibar.
Rongai Climb (inc. 2 nights hotel stay)
Price Per Person ($USD)
1 Pers
2 Pers
3 Pers
4 Pers
5 Pers
6 Pers
7 Pers
8+ Pers
Rongai Route 7-days
$3,650
$2,850
$2,500
$2,370
$2,350
$2,290
$2,250
$2,230
Rongai Route
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to lodge (return).
Half-board lodge accommodation 1 night before the Mount Kilimanjaro climb begins and 1 night after the Mount Kilimanjaro climb (this includes meals and taxes as required).
Transfer fees from the lodge to the Mount Kilimanjaro entry gate (day 1) and transfer from the Mount Kilimanjaro exit gate back to the lodge (day 7).
All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees (as required by Tanzanian law).
All salaries for Guides, Chefs, and Porters on the mountain climb.
Equipment costs, including tents (twin share), camping mattresses, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, table, and dining utensils.
Private toilet hire (recommended. Public toilets are provided on the mountain, however, they are used by everyone and are your standard camping drop toilets).
Food on the mountain (3 meals per person per day, excluding breakfast on day 1, which is provided by the lodge, and dinner on day 7, which is again provided by the lodge).
Exclusions
International airfare tickets from your origin to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visa entry requirement fees as required by Tanzanian law (You can apply for a visa at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, however, we suggest getting pre-approval as it is quicker upon arrival).
Travel insurance: Please ensure your insurance covers mountain climbing up to 6,000 meters.
Any pre-medical requirements (including any required Covid tests).
Tips for guides, chefs, and porters. We recommend tipping the guides $20 per day each, the chef $15 per day, and the porters $10 per day; however, please feel free to tip how you see fit.
If you are interested in eating outside of your lodge during your stay in Arusha city, you will be required to cover this cost.
Any spending money. We will stop at several places to give you the opportunity to buy souvenirs.
If you are interested in drinking during your stay, alcohol is an additional cost as is any drink ordered at the lounge bar.
Omura’s Suggested Packing List
Having the correct gear for climbing a mountain is essential for ensuring safety and enhancing the overall experience. Proper footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots, provides necessary support and traction on varied terrain, while weather-appropriate clothing protects against the elements, keeping climbers warm and dry. Essential equipment, including a helmet, harness, and climbing ropes, can prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, the right navigation tools and first aid supplies are crucial for responding to unexpected situations in remote environments. Investing in quality gear not only contributes to a successful ascent but also fosters a sense of confidence and preparedness for climbers venturing into challenging landscapes.
