Old Moshi-Kilimanjaro
Operator: Climb2Kili Adventures.
Route Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. This less-crowded trail offers a remote wilderness experience, excellent scenery, and a gentler ascent profile, making it ideal for climbers seeking a quiet and unique route to Uhuru Peak.
Unlike more popular trails, Rongai gives you a true off-the-beaten-path experience, while still providing a high summit success rate. You’ll pass through diverse landscapes from alpine forests and moorlands to the stunning Mawenzi Peak and the vast Saddle before reaching the top of Africa.
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania – Airport Pickup & Pre-Climb Briefing
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the Climb2Kili Adventures team will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in and some time to relax, your mountain guide will arrive for a detailed pre-climb briefing.
During the briefing, we will:
After an early breakfast, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. Register with park authorities and begin your trek through a beautiful and unspoiled forest. You may spot colobus monkeys and colorful birds along the way.
Arrive at Simba Camp, located on the edge of the moorland zone, where your team will set up camp.
Today’s trek takes you through open moorland with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The path is steady and not too steep. Arrive at Second Cave Camp for lunch and overnight stay.
This day helps with acclimatization, which is key for summit success.
Leave Second Cave and head toward Kikelewa Camp, gaining altitude gradually. The landscape becomes more rugged with striking views of Mawenzi Peak. The campsite is in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant groundsels and alpine vegetation.
A short but steep climb leads to Mawenzi Tarn, located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. This is one of the most scenic campsites on Kilimanjaro. You’ll have time in the afternoon to rest or explore the area for acclimatization.
Cross the lunar-like Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This is a dry, open landscape that prepares you for summit night. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon, where you’ll rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight ascent.
Your summit attempt begins just after midnight. Trek slowly under the stars, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m) around sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and continue further down to Horombo Hut for your final overnight on the mountain.
Descend through heather and lush rainforest trails to Marangu Gate. After check-out and receiving your summit certificate, a vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
Group Size & Price per Person (USD):
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,950 |
| 2–3 People | $1,750 |
| 4–6 People | $1,650 |
| 7+ People | $1,550 |
Custom group pricing and private departures available on request.
Book your 6 Days Rongai Route trek with Climb2Kili Adventures today!
These months offer the warmest conditions, with clear skies typically in the mornings and evenings. Light clouds may develop during the day, occasionally obscuring the summit by the afternoon. It’s an ideal time to climb for those who appreciate pleasant temperatures and stunning, unobstructed views.
The long rainy season begins in April and continues through May, bringing heavy rainfall to the lower slopes and snowstorms at the summit. During this time, the mountain is frequently shrouded in dense clouds, limiting visibility and obscuring the scenic views. Climbing conditions can be challenging, so it’s generally advisable to avoid attempting a climb during this period.
This period is the driest and among the most popular times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Clear skies are common, providing excellent visibility and ideal trekking conditions. While the days are generally pleasant, temperatures can drop significantly at night, particularly at higher elevations.
From late October through November, short rains bring increased cloud cover and wetter conditions. Although climbing is still possible during this time, the mountain is frequently obscured by clouds, and the rain can make the trek more challenging and less enjoyable.
Climb2Kili Adventures delivered an unforgettable journey filled with cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and genuine hospitality. The guides were professional, engaging, and made every moment meaningful.
From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. Climb2Kili Adventures showed us hidden gems and local culture in a way that felt real and unforgettable.
A truly immersive experience! I loved how the team connected us with local traditions and people. It felt like traveling with friends who know the land.
The perfect combination of adventure, learning, and relaxation. Climb2Kilis Adventures exceeded expectations with friendly guides, unique activities, and a strong focus on local authenticity.
Excellent service and thoughtful planning throughout the trip. Climb2Kili Adventures gave us deep insights into local life while ensuring we were always comfortable and safe.