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 view points. The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.

Day 1: Moshi to Nale Muru to Simba Camp

Visiting: Moshi to Kilimanjaro
Transfer by Land Rover to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. 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 pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through 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.

6,400 ft / 1,950 m to ~8,650 ft / ~2,600 m
3-4 hours
4 miles

Meals: LD
Budget Lodging: Simba Camp

Day 2 : Simba Camp to Second Cave

Visiting: Kilimanjaro
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.

8,650 ft / 2,880 m to 11,320 ft / 3,450 m
3-4 hours
4 miles

Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Second Cave

Day 3 : Second Cave to Third Cave

Visiting: Kilimanjaro
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

11,320 ft / 3,450 m to 12,700 ft / 3,870 m
4 hours

Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Third Cave

Day 4 : Third Cave to Kibo Camp

Visiting: Kilimanjaro
Hike to Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!

12,700 ft / 3,870 m to 15,600 ft / 4,750 m
5 hours

Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Kibo Camp

Day 5 : Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Huts

Visiting: Kilimanjaro
Begin the final and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb beginning around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point. Rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast to the final campsite at Horombo.

15,600 ft / 4,750 m to 19,340 ft / 5,895 m
19,340 ft / 5,895 m to 12,200 ft / 3,720 m
6-8 hours / 5 miles for ascent
3-4 hours / 6 miles for descent

Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

Day 6 : Horombo Huts to Moshi

Visiting: Kilimanjaro to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest paths 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 or Arusha. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

12,200 ft / 3,720 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m
5-6 hours / 11 miles

Meals: B