7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Overview
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.
7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1,990m) to Simba Camp (2,625m)
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to the village of Nalemoru, the starting point of the Rongai route. The trail leads through farmland and pine forests, where you may spot Colobus monkeys and, with luck, elephants or buffalos. The day ends at Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone.
Distance covered: 8 km / 5 mi
Approx. trekking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m) to Second Cave Camp (3,480m)
Today’s hike is a steady ascent into the moorland zone. As you climb higher, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the crater rim. You’ll overnight at Second Cave Camp.
Distance covered: 5 km / 3.1 mi
Approx. trekking time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Second Cave Camp (3,480m) to Kikelewa Cave (3,679m)
The trail continues with gradual ascents through open moorland. The scenery opens up dramatically with sweeping views before reaching Kikelewa Cave, where you’ll camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5–6 km / 3–3.7 mi
Approx. trekking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3,679m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,303m)
A short but steep climb leads up grassy slopes, rewarding you with spectacular views of the wilderness. Vegetation thins out as you approach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the surroundings.
Distance covered: 8 km / 5 mi
Approx. trekking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,303m) to Kibo Hut (4,730m)
After breakfast, the trail heads west, crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The barren landscape makes for a dramatic change in scenery. By afternoon, you arrive at Kibo Hut, where you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Distance covered: 8 km / 5 mi
Approx. trekking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,730m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3,705m)
Summit day! You’ll begin around midnight, climbing steeply to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) and then zigzagging up scree slopes to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. From here, snow may guide your path to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.
Distance covered: 19 km / 12 mi (total)
Approx. trekking time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,705m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)
Your final day is a long descent through moorland and lush rainforest. Passing Mandara Hut, you continue down to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. From here, a transfer will take you back to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and celebrations.
Distance covered: 20 km / 12.5 mi
Approx. trekking time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
From $1,930 Per Person Sharing
Inclusive & Exclusive
Trekking Includes
- High quality mountain sleeping tents.
- 2 Nights accommodation
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Clean, purified drinking water:
- Crisis management and safety procedures:
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
- Sleeping Mattress
Trekking Exclusive
- Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.