Quick facts
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Location
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Summit
- Not guaranteed
Overview
About Kilimanjaro Rongai route 7 days
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp
7K /4.3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST. Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft (altitude gained: 638m). Departing from Moshi a 4-5-hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
Accommodation: Simba Camp
Day 2
Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND. Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft (altitude gained: 852m). After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approach the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
Day 3
Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp
5.95KM/3.7MI | 2-3HRS | SEMI DESERT. Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft (altitude gained: 188m). After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
Day 4
Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn
3.75KM/2.3MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT. Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft (altitude gained: 627m). A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
8.9KM /5MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT. Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft (altitude gained: 412m). Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Day 6
Kibo Huts – Summit – Horombo Huts
4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT. Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft (altitude gained: 721m). Descent to 3721m/12,208ft (altitude lost: 2174m). Early start between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. After photos and celebrations, descend to Horombo Huts for overnight.
Accommodation: Horombo Huts
Day 7
Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi
20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST. Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft (altitude lost: 1816m). After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, continue the descent stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B.
Included
- Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
- Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
- 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 4-5 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Excluded
- Flights ( International)
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
Need a custom itinerary?
Tell us your travel dates, group size and interests, and our Moshi team can help plan a tailored Kilimanjaro and/or safari itinerary.
- Standard trip: choose a published itinerary, request it, confirm the details with the team, then pay the confirmed deposit.
- Custom trip: share dates, group size and interests. The team plans the itinerary, sends a quotation, and confirms it before any deposit.
