9-day Rongai Route
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Overview
The 9-day Rongai Route offers a remote and scenic ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. Known for its drier climate and gradual slopes, this route is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter trail with excellent acclimatisation. The itinerary includes an extra acclimatisation day to improve summit success. Hikers pass through diverse landscapes—from farmlands and pine forest to moorland and alpine desert—before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres). Descent is via the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southern side, offering a rewarding contrast in scenery and a well-rounded Kilimanjaro trekking experience. Book 9-day Rongai Route with us
Day 1 Airport Pick-Up – Drop Off At Hotel
Day 2 Moshi – Nalemuru Gate – Simba Camp
Day 3 From Simba Camp To Kikelelwa Camp
Day 4 From Kikelelwa Camp To Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5 Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 6 From Mawenzi Tarn Camp To Kibo Camp
Day 7 Ascent To Uhuru Peak And Descent To Horombo Camp
Day 8 Descent From Horombo Camp To Marangu Gate – Moshi
Day 9 Departure – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 1: Airport Pick-Up – Drop Off at Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by a member of the Engida Tanzania Tours hospitality team. You will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, about a one-hour drive covering 40 km. Your hotel offers comfortable accommodations, hot showers, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and internet access. In the evening, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing and a final check of your gear and readiness for the climb. This relaxing start helps you settle in and prepare mentally and physically for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Journey time and Distance: 1 hour, 40 km
Day 2: Moshi – Nalemuru Gate – Simba Camp
After an early breakfast, depart your hotel around 08:00 and reach Nalemuru Gate by midday. After registration and meeting your trek team, the climb begins at 2,364 m and ascends to 2,671 m. You’ll pass pine forests and vegetable farms before briefly entering lush forest where colobus monkeys may be spotted. Soon, you emerge into heathland covered with giant heathers. The trail is 7 km and takes around 3 hours, aiming to reach Simba Camp by 17:00. Dinner will be served at 19:00. This short, steady hike allows for a gentle acclimatisation process on day one.
Accommodation: Simba Camp
Hiking time and Elevation: 3 hours, from 2,364 m to 2,671 m
Day 3: From Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp
Following a 07:00 breakfast, the trek begins at 08:00, covering 16 km in approximately 7 hours. As you ascend, large heathers give way to smaller shrubs and fewer trees. On clear days, Kenya’s border becomes visible in the distance. The trail is steep and dusty, leading to a picnic lunch stop at 13:00. The afternoon route continues southeast with the craggy peak of Mawenzi ahead. Moorland dominates the landscape, and while the second part is less steep, the full day is long and challenging. Arrive at Kikelelwa Camp by 17:00 and enjoy a hot dinner at 18:00.
Accommodation: Kikelelwa Camp
Hiking time and Elevation: 7 hours, from 2,671 m to 3,600 m
Day 4: From Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at 08:00 and departure by 09:00. Today’s trek is short but steep, covering just over 3 km in about 3.5 to 4 hours, with a gain of over 600 metres. Vegetation thins as you ascend, offering incredible views. The trail offers stunning scenery as you approach the beautifully located Mawenzi Tarn Camp. You’ll arrive by 13:00 in time for a hot lunch. The afternoon is free for rest or acclimatisation walks. If the skies are clear, you’ll have extraordinary views of Kibo Peak. Dinner is served at 18:00.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Hiking time and Elevation: 4 hours, from 3,600 m to 4,315 m
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today is dedicated to acclimatisation. After breakfast, begin a short hike toward Mawenzi Ridge, gaining 74 metres in altitude. You’ll spend one to two hours at this higher elevation before descending back to camp. A picnic lunch is served at Mawenzi Ridge. This day helps your body adapt to the higher altitude, improving your chances of summit success. The scenery is dramatic, with views of Mawenzi’s rugged cliffs and ridges. Returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon, you can relax and hydrate. Dinner is served at the usual time of 18:00.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Hiking time and Elevation: 2 hours, 4,315 m – 4,389 m – 4,315 m
Day 6: From Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Following breakfast at 07:00, depart Mawenzi at 08:00 for a 9 km trek taking 4.5 to 5 hours. Today’s hike brings you across the alpine desert, climbing gradually from 4,315 m to 4,720 m. You’ll head westward, then cross a ridge and descend slightly to reach the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery is barren but breathtaking. If lucky, you might spot an eland. Views of Kibo Peak become more dramatic. Arrive at Kibo Camp around 15:00 for an early dinner at 17:30. Rest early in preparation for your summit bid later tonight.
Accommodation: Kibo Camp
Hiking time and Elevation: 5 hours, from 4,315 m to 4,720 m
Day 7: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Camp
Wake up at 23:00 for tea and biscuits, then begin your summit climb at midnight. Over the next 7 hours, ascend 1,192 metres to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) by around 07:00. You’ll pass William’s Point, Hans Meyer Cave, and Gilman’s Point. After celebrating your summit success with photos, begin your descent to Kibo Camp by 11:00 for a two-hour rest and hot lunch. Continue descending to Horombo Camp, arriving around 17:00 after a long but rewarding day. Dinner will be served at 19:00. This is the most demanding yet unforgettable day of your trek.
Accommodation: Horombo Camp
Hiking time and Elevation: 13 hours, 4,720 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m
Day 8: Descent from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate – Moshi
After a 07:00 breakfast, you’ll attend a tipping ceremony to thank your guides and porters. Begin your final descent to Marangu Gate, stopping at Mandara Hut for a hot lunch. The full hike is about 19 km and takes around 7 hours. Arrive at Marangu Gate by 16:00 to receive your summit certificate. Then you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-earned rest, celebration, or simply some relaxation after your epic adventure on Africa’s highest peak.
Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Hiking time and Elevation: 7 hours, from 3,720 m to 1,879 m
Day 9: Departure – Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a restful night, enjoy breakfast and check out by 11:00. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, please request this in advance for an additional fee. You’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departure. For those continuing on safari, your Jerry Tanzania Tours guide will meet you in the evening for your safari briefing. Whether heading home or onward to new adventures, today marks the end of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience. 9-day Rongai Route
Journey time and Distance: 1 hour, 40 km
9-day Rongai RouteOur Package Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & chef
- 10 breakfasts; 9 lunches; 8 dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
Not Included
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages