MENU

MENU

Rongai Route

MENU

Summit Serenity via Rongai

The Rongai Route offers a unique and less-traveled path to Kilimanjaro’s summit, starting from the mountain’s northern side near the Kenyan border. Known for its serene and remote trails, it provides a quieter alternative while showcasing stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s untouched wilderness. This route gradually ascends through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and high alpine deserts. The Rongai Route is ideal for those seeking a more secluded climb with excellent acclimatization and a rewarding summit experience.

Benefits

Quality Assurance

We inspect every lodge and park to ensure they meet our high standards before inclusion.

Certified Operator

As a certified operator, we guarantee safe and reliable travel experiences for every guest.

Thoughtful Itineraries

Each itinerary is crafted with care to match your preferences and provide unforgettable experiences.

Premium Vehicles

Travel in comfort with our carefully selected, well-maintained vehicles for your entire journey.

Rongai Route Day by Day

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 2,630m to 3,450m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
The trek begins at Nalemoru Gate. Hike through lush forests filled with wildlife, gradually emerging into open moorlands. Arrive at Simba Camp for your first overnight stay.

Umbwe Routes Itinearary

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Elevation: 2,630m to 3,450m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
The trail climbs steadily across the moorland, offering expansive views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. Reach Second Cave Camp, where you’ll acclimatize and enjoy the serene surroundings.

6 dAYS kILIMANJARO Umbwe routes

Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

Elevation: 3,450m to 3,600m
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 5 - 7 hours
The route becomes steeper as you ascend towards Kikelelwa Camp. The campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the mountain peaks, providing a peaceful spot for the night.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
A steep climb takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. This is a critical acclimatization day, and the camp’s dramatic scenery makes it a favorite among trekkers.

Tanzania Experience, 6 Days Private Treks

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
The trail crosses the lunar-like desert of the Saddle, a barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the midnight ascent.

Umbwe routes - Barafu Camp

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,720m
Distance: 22km
Hiking Time: 12 - 15 hours
Begin the summit push around midnight, trekking through the dark to Gilman’s Point (5,681m). Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the breathtaking views, descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.

Kilimanjaro 8 Days Lemosho Route

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 12 - 15 hours
Descend through lush forests to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive a summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha to celebrate your achievement.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Routes - Climbers

Rongai Route Day by Day

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 2,630m to 3,450m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
The trek begins at Nalemoru Gate. Hike through lush forests filled with wildlife, gradually emerging into open moorlands. Arrive at Simba Camp for your first overnight stay.

Umbwe Routes Itinearary

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Elevation: 2,630m to 3,450m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
The trail climbs steadily across the moorland, offering expansive views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. Reach Second Cave Camp, where you’ll acclimatize and enjoy the serene surroundings.

6 dAYS kILIMANJARO Umbwe routes

Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

Elevation: 3,450m to 3,600m
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 5 - 7 hours
The route becomes steeper as you ascend towards Kikelelwa Camp. The campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the mountain peaks, providing a peaceful spot for the night.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
A steep climb takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. This is a critical acclimatization day, and the camp’s dramatic scenery makes it a favorite among trekkers.

Tanzania Experience, 6 Days Private Treks

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
The trail crosses the lunar-like desert of the Saddle, a barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the midnight ascent.

Umbwe routes - Barafu Camp

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,720m
Distance: 22km
Hiking Time: 12 - 15 hours
Begin the summit push around midnight, trekking through the dark to Gilman’s Point (5,681m). Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the breathtaking views, descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.

Kilimanjaro 8 Days Lemosho Route

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 12 - 15 hours
Descend through lush forests to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive a summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha to celebrate your achievement.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Routes - Climbers

7 Days Rongai Route

High Seaon (June to March)

1 - People

2 - People

$2,000pp

$0pp

3 - People

4 - People

$0pp

$0pp

5 - People

6 - People

$0pp

$0pp

Low Season (April to May)

1 - People

2 - People

$0pp

$0pp

3 - People

4 - People

$0pp

$0pp

5 people

6 - People

$0pp

$0pp

Safari Highlights

Request This Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Umbwe Route suitable for beginners?
No, it’s best for experienced hikers due to its steep terrain and rapid ascent.
The success rate is lower compared to other routes because of limited acclimatization time.

The dry seasons, from June to October and December to February, offer the best conditions.

It’s one of the most challenging routes, requiring excellent fitness and determination.
Proper hiking boots, layered clothing, a sleeping bag, and a daypack are crucial.

Related Routes

Rongai Route

7 - Days

Starting From

$2,000

Per Person

Marangu Route

5 - Days

Starting From

$1,900

Per Person

Shira Route

7 - Days

Starting From

$2,250

Per Person

Related Safaris

Mapping Out
Your Epic Quest

Your Success, Our Mission