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All destinationsClimb Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), the highest peak in Africa, via the Rongai route, the easiest and most remote of its seven official routes.
Climb Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), the highest peak in Africa, via the Rongai route, the easiest and most remote of its seven official routes.
The Rongai route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, on the Kenyan border side. It is becoming increasingly popular because it remains wild and offers a remote experience. It is also the easiest route up Kilimanjaro and has an excellent success rate.
The Rongai route begins near the Kenyan border, with views over the African plains and the rugged peak of Mawenzi. The trail passes Simba Camp, the forest zone and the Kikelewa Caves before reaching Mawenzi Tarn. Just after Mawenzi Tarn Camp, trekkers pass the only mountain lake in Kilimanjaro National Park on the way to the Kibo Huts.
The summit climb from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path as the Marangu route, passing Gilman’s Point (5,700 m) on the way to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. From Uhuru Peak, you have panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and savannah. After the summit, the Rongai route descends via the Marangu trail, through lush rainforest with wildlife.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed in six, seven or eight days via the Rongai route. We strongly recommend the seven- or eight-day itineraries, as they give you extra days to acclimatise to the altitude.
The Rongai route suits travellers looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route who would like a more remote hike.
Arrive at Mountain Inn. Pre-climb briefing on the trek and overnight at Mountain Inn.
Go to Marangu Gate for registration, then drive to Nalemuru Gate (2020m) and start the climb through the mountain’s forest. Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours, approx. 8km. Overnight at Simba Camp (2625m).
A steady trek through the forest zone into the heather and moorland. Trekking time: 3 to 5 hours, approx. 7km. Overnight at Second Cave Camp (2625m).
Continue through the heather and moorland. Today’s route is steeper, rockier and slightly more physically demanding than on previous days. Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours, approx. 8km. Overnight at Kikelewa Cave Camp (3630m).
Continue from the heather and moorland into the highland desert zone towards Mawenzi. Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours, approx. 5km. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4310m).
Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Trekking time: 3.5 to 5 hours, approx. 8km. Overnight at Kibo Camp (4700m).
Start for the summit at around midnight, climbing to Gilman’s Point (5681m) and then continuing to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend to Horombo Camp. Trekking time: 12 to 16 hours, approx. 21km. Overnight at Horombo Camp (3720m).
Continue the descent through the heather and moorland and the forest to Marangu Gate (1860m). Transfer to Moshi. Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours, approx. 12km. Overnight at Mountain Inn.
Check out. Continue on a safari or transfer to the airport. Our services end here.
Very friendly and professional service
May 2013, Tripadvisor
I can only recommend Earthbound Expeditions to everyone who wishes to have an awesome experience i Nepal. Their service and level of professionalism is impecable and you feel perfectly safe. The guides were super friendly and always there to help or just set the mood with some signing. If you're want to go trekking i Nepal - go with Earthbound. You won't regret it.
Life-changing Napal Experience
April 2013, Tripadvisor
I celebrated my 65th birthday with 4 friends on this amazing trek with yoga. We were very impressed with the professionalism and responsiveness of Mr. Rajan Simkhada and Mr. Tarek Lughod. All of our questions and concerns were answered promptly and completely. I'm sure that Rajan and Tarek do not ever sleep. Their hard work and dedication to their customers is very evident. The trekking experience couldn't have been better. Our guide, Resham and porter/supporters cared for us as they would their mothers. The trek was challenging, physically and emotionally, and we wouldn't trade the experience. It was life-changing!! Thank you to Earthbound Expeditions for an wonderful experience!
Excellent Everest trek - fantastic company
May 2013, Tripadvisor
My sister and I did the Poon Hill trek last year and enjoyed it so much we returned for the Everest trek this month. I can't say enough good things about Earthbound Expeditions. Mr Rajan is a smiling, warm and truly caring host. Our guide for both treks was Shree Ram Adhikari.. In a word, outstanding. In fact, the reason we were so keen to come back was down to our trust in both the company, and Shree's knowledge and experience. He's also lots of fun to be around. But remember, you're not in Kansas anymore. It's Nepal. It's a third world country. As hard as they try.. And believe me they do.. Nothing is going to run exactly to plan, so be prepared to go with the flow. Rein in your expectations (when it comes to accommodation standards in the mountains, timing of flights etc) And you will be vastly rewarded. The scenery was epic and spectacular, but above 4000 metres, it gets hard.. VERY hard. We've decided we'll probably stick to lower altitude treks in the future, but thank you, Earthbound, for an unforgettable adventure, and for looking after us every step of the way.
Advice for if you're older!
March 2013, Tripadvisor
I had a fabulous time. Great guide and porters, lovely group, fabulous scenery and people. I'm over 50 though and had never been trekking before. Although I did a lot of walking in preparation what really would have helped most would have been daily going up and down your stairs as much as you can possibly bear. Hill and mountain walking would have been good but we don't have them in Norfolk! Also, doing daily is good preparation as you're doing it daily on the trek. Well worth it though.
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9 days
$1,850 per person
