7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Price From

$ 1,940 / Person

Tour Overview

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. While it’s growing in popularity, it remains one of the quieter routes, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more remote and peaceful climb. The northern side of the mountain also receives less rainfall, making Rongai an ideal option during the wet season when other routes can be more challenging.

Most trekkers complete the route in six days, but a seven-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization. While it may not have the dramatic scenery of some western routes, Rongai offers a true wilderness experience, winding through remote landscapes before joining the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp. The descent follows the Marangu Route, giving climbers a fresh perspective on the mountain. With a moderate difficulty level, Rongai is a solid choice for those new to trekking, striking a perfect balance between adventure and accessibility.

Full Tour Details

Day 1 : Moshi/Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to the Rongai Gate, the starting point of our trek. Here, you will meet your guides and porters, complete registration formalities, and embark on the journey. The trail begins in the lush rainforest, gradually ascending through picturesque scenery. Along the way, you may spot various species of flora and fauna endemic to the region. After approximately 4-5 hours of hiking, we will reach Simba Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Elevation: Start at 1,950m, end at 2,650m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 : Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continued trekking until reaching Kikelelwa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelelwa camp.

Elevation: 2,600m (8,530ft) to 3,450m (11,319ft)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11km (6.8 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3 : Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Leaving Second Cave Camp behind, you’ll continue your ascent towards Kikelewa Camp. Today’s trail offers stunning vistas of the rugged terrain, with Kilimanjaro’s iconic peaks looming ever closer. As you hike, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more sparse, dominated by rocky outcrops and alpine desert vegetation. Kikelewa Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,600 meters, provides a picturesque setting for your overnight stay. Take in the breathtaking views and relish the sense of accomplishment as you settle in for the night.

Elevation: 3,450m (11,319ft) to 3,600m (11,811ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6km (3.7 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4 : Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today’s trek takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled beneath the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro’s second highest summit, Mawenzi. The trail gradually ascends through alpine desert terrain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. As you approach Mawenzi Tarn, you’ll be greeted by a pristine alpine lake, set against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing at camp, taking short walks to further explore the area and prepare for the final push to the summit.

Elevation: 3,600m (11,811ft) to 4,330m (14,206ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8km (5 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 : Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

With the summit in sight, we’ll embark on the final leg of our journey towards Kibo Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail ascends steadily across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, offering breathtaking views of the summit looming ahead. As we reach higher elevations, the air becomes thinner, making each step more challenging. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have some time to rest and prepare for the summit push, which begins in the early hours of the next morning.

Elevation: Start at 4,330m, end at 4,700m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 : Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut

Today is the culmination of your Kilimanjaro adventure as we embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We’ll start the climb in the early hours of the morning, following a steep and challenging trail illuminated by headlamps. As the sun rises, we’ll continue our ascent, taking breaks as needed to catch our breath and refuel. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views and a sense of achievement like no other. After celebrating our success, we’ll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut, where we’ll spend our final night on the mountain.

Elevation: Start at 4,700m, ascend to 5,895m, descend to 3,720m
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Distance: Approximately 20 km (8 km ascent, 12 km descent)
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert

Day 7 : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and transfer to Moshi

On our last day on the mountain, we’ll descend through the rainforest, retracing our steps back to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates, commemorating your accomplishment. After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey up Kilimanjaro. Tonight, celebrate your achievements with a well-deserved dinner and restful sleep.