The 6-Day Rongai Route The Wild Northern Traverse
From $1623Per Person
The Ultimate 8-Day Lemosho Route Expedition
The Remote Wilderness Adventure with Tanzania Songbirds Safaris. The 6-Day Rongai Route is the only path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. This route is famous for its remote wilderness feel, lower foot traffic, and higher chances of seeing wildlife like elephants and buffalo. Because the north side of the mountain receives less rainfall, it is the best choice for trekking during the rainy season. The descent follows the Marangu path, giving you a complete traverse of the mountain.
Safari Highlights Overview
| Destination | Highlight | Nights | Accommodaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing (Arrival Day) | Pre-Trek Briefing (Arrival Day) | 1 | Hotel & Camping |
| Day 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp | Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp | 1 | Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp |
| Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave | Simba Camp to Second Cave | 1 | Simba Camp to Second Cave |
| Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp | Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp | 1 | Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp |
| Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave | Second Cave to Third Cave | 1 | Second Cave to Third Cave |
| Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut | Third Cave to Kibo Hut | 1 | Third Cave to Kibo Hut |
| Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut | 1 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut |
| Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi | 1 | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi |
ITINERARY
Your journey begins with a warm welcome. Today is dedicated to a comprehensive pre-trek briefing with our lead guides at your hotel in Moshi. We will conduct a thorough gear inspection to ensure you are safe and prepared, finalize medical protocols, and discuss the weather conditions for the week ahead.
- Accommodation: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
- Meals: Not Included (Available as an optional add-on)
After breakfast, we drive for approximately 3–4 hours through rural villages to the Rongai Gate. After registration, we begin our hike through cypress plantations and rainforest. Unlike other routes, the ascent here is gradual. We arrive at Simba Camp, located near the “First Cave,” at the edge of the moorland zone.
- Elevation: 1,950m (6,398ft) to 2,625m (8,612ft)
- Distance: 7 km (4 miles) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest / Heath | Meals: Lunch & Dinner
We continue our steady ascent with magnificent views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields. The terrain transitions fully into the moorland zone, featuring smaller shrubs and exotic flora. We reach the Second Cave in time for lunch and a restful afternoon to help with acclimatization.
- Elevation: 2,625m (8,612ft) to 3,450m (11,319ft)
- Distance: 6 km (4 miles) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today the trail turns toward the peaks of Mawenzi. We trek through a semi-desert landscape as we move higher. This shorter hiking day is designed to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. We reach the Third Cave camp by early afternoon.
- Elevation: 3,450m (11,319ft) to 3,945m (12,943ft)
- Distance: 7 km (4 miles) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is stark and dramatic. We reach Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit crater wall, where we will have an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit push.
- Elevation: 3,945m (12,943ft) to 4,703m (15,430ft)
- Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Summit Day. At midnight, we begin the final ascent by headlamp. We reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) by sunrise, followed by the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating at the highest point in Africa, we descend to Kibo for lunch and continue down to Horombo Hut for a lower altitude sleep.
- Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Summit) then down to 3,720m
- Distance: 21 km (13 miles) | Hiking Time: 13–15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Summit / Stone Scree | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a final breakfast and the “Tipping Ceremony” to celebrate our team, we descend through the moorland and lush rainforest. At the Marangu Gate, you will receive your gold summit certificates. Our vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi where the tour concludes.
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,860m (6,102ft)
- Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles) | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
INCLUDED
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
EXCLUDED
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- International and domestic flights
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)