Rongai Route
7 Days
Mountain Trekking
Book Your Tour
.. Overview ..
One of the simplest ways with a very high success rate is the Rongai Route. This is one of the less-traveled routes, beginning on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border. Climbers get multiple views of the mountain via the Marangu Route, which descends the mountain’s southern flank.
After passing through numerous towns and coffee fields, including a stop at Marangu to register climbing permits, the drive from Moshi to the trail head takes around three hours.
It is also possible to reach the Rongai Route from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Allocate two hours for the border crossing. Passport copies are required in advance.
Full Itinerary
Travel for approximately two hours, including a stop at Marangu to obtain permissions, to the charming wooden town of Nale Moru. You will start the walk on a wide trail that passes through potato and maize fields before entering a pine forest, after checking in and getting the porters ready. After that, the trail begins a steady but gentle rise through a lovely woodland that is home to a variety of species. The first camp is situated at the edge of the moorland zone, offering expansive vistas over the plains of Kenya as the forest starts to thin out.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
A gradual climb leads to the Second Cave in the morning, where breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim await you.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Take a narrower path out across the moorland towards the craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Situated in a protected valley, the campsite is close to enormous Senecios.
- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
- Distance: 9km/5mi
- Walking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Magnificent views are offered after a brief but strenuous ascent up grassy slopes. Shortly before you get at the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, which is magnificently located in a cirque just below the soaring spires of Mawenzi, leave the vegetation behind. In order to help with acclimatisation, you are welcome to use the afternoon to relax or explore the surrounding area.
- Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
To get to Kibo campground, which is located at the base of the Kibo crater wall, traverse the lunar desert known as the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. You spend the rest of the day sleeping in order to be ready for the very early final ascent.
- Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
- Distance: 9km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start your very early ascent to the summit (from midnight to two in the morning) on steep, heavy scree or snow, all the way to Gilman's Point, which is situated on the crater rim at an elevation of 5700 metres (18,700 feet). Moving forward, we will now reach Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak. Everywhere one looks is breathtaking scenery. Get a picture shot at the top so you can show your loved ones. From here, we descend to the Horombo campsite, pausing at Kibo for lunch and a break.
This climb starts in the dark, so headlamps or flashlights are necessary. You will need to wear all of your warm clothing because it will be really cold until you start descending. This section of the hike, which has numerous switchbacks, is by far the hardest. You'll get there with a positive mindset and a "pole pole" pace!
- 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 / 6-8 hours down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we make our way through the moorland to the Mandara Hut by a gradual slope. Proceed to descend via a route in lush forest to reach the National Park gate located in Marangu. It can be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. You should probably wear plenty of shorts and t-shirts (have warmer clothes and rain gear accessible).
Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
Inquire This Tour
Inquire This Tour
- All meals on the safari.
- All Park entrance fees & taxes.
- All prices are quoted in US Dollars.
- Game Safari to National Parks as specified
- Private 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with a roof hatch and sliding windows
- First aid kit. Our guides are all trained in providing basic first aid.
- Charging station. So you can charge your phone, camera battery, or laptop while on the road.
- Water, Soft Drinks, Wine and Beers.
- Professional English speaking safari and tour guide / driver
- Wildlife tours according to your itinerary preferences.
- All game viewing activities specified Safari.
- Gears
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
Related Trekking
One of the greatest paths for acclimatisation is the Lemosho trail. This less-traveled path offers stunning views as it ascends to the Shira Plateau.
- Northern Tanzania
- 3 Days | 2 Nights
The “Whisky” route, or Machame, is a well-traveled path leading up to the summit. The treks are steeper and the days are longer in Machame
- Northern Tanzania
- 5 Days | 4 Nights
Climbing via Shira Plateau route looks similar to the Lemosho route. The only difference is that you’ll drive from Londorosi gate to Morrum barrier
- Northern Tanzania
- 3 Days | 2 Nights
The cheapest path to the top is the Marangu route, popularly referred to as the Coca-Cola route. Additionally, this is the only route that offers solar-lit sleeping huts
- Northern Tanzania
- 5 Days | 4 Nights
Quick Links
Affiliation
© Wazo Safaris 2025. all rights reserved.