The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.

The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints.

The drive to the trailhead takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.

The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including the border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.

Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha city

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha city.

*** A driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that says “I Artist Adventure” and/or your name. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to Arusha city with no traffic.

There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.

If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.

Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge in Arusha city.

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

— Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Simba Camp

Day 3: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave 

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

— Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Walking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Second Cave Camp

Day 4: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp 

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby.

— Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
— Distance: 9km/5mi
— Walking Time: 2-3 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kikelewa Camp

Day 5: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 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 acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

— Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Walking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day 6: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut 

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

— Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
— Distance: 9km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp

Day 7: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut 

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

— Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
— Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp

Day 8: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha city

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
— Distance: 20km/12.5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: hotel or Lodge in Arusha city

Day 9: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport 

Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, or continue on for your safari.

Meals included: Breakfast

Price includes

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

Sleeping Mattress

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Surcharge for online payment of the deposit (5%)

Price Excludes

Airport transfers

Accommodation in Arusha

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)