Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climbing – 7 Days
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is less crowded than other routes and offers a different perspective of the mountain, with drier conditions and a more gradual ascent. The scenery varies from farmland and alpine desert to lush rainforests and the snowy summit of Uhuru Peak. The 7-day itinerary includes an extra day for acclimatization, increasing the chance of reaching the summit.
Itinerary
Includes
Excludes
Important Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
- You will meet your mountain guide in the evening for a detailed briefing on the climb and final equipment check.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
- Elevation: 1,950m to 2,600m (6,398ft to 8,530ft)
- Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast, we drive to the northern Kilimanjaro region near the Kenyan border, where we begin our trek from Rongai Gate. The hike takes you through farmland and dense rainforest where you may see Colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
- We arrive at Simba Camp, our first campsite, where you will spend the night.
Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- Elevation: 2,600m to 3,450m (8,530ft to 11,319ft)
- Hiking Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- The trail ascends steadily and leaves the forest zone behind, entering the moorland. You’ll have great views of Kibo Peak as you hike to Second Cave Camp, where we will spend the night.
Day 4: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
- Elevation: 3,450m to 3,600m (11,319ft to 11,811ft)
- Hiking Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Today is a short but steep hike as we ascend further into the moorland. The scenery becomes more dramatic, with rugged terrain and distant views of Mawenzi Peak. We reach Kikelewa Camp in the afternoon and have time to relax and acclimatize.
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m (11,811ft to 14,206ft)
- Hiking Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- The trail becomes steeper as we leave the moorland behind and approach the alpine desert. We arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, a picturesque campsite nestled at the base of the jagged Mawenzi Peak. The views here are incredible, and this day provides excellent acclimatization before the final ascent.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m (14,206ft to 15,420ft)
- Hiking Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today’s hike takes you across the desolate saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is barren but striking, and the views of both peaks are impressive. We arrive at Kibo Hut, our base camp for the summit attempt. You’ll have an early dinner and rest before the midnight ascent.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (15,420ft to 19,341ft) then down to 3,720m (12,205ft)
- Hiking Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
- Around midnight, we begin the final, most challenging part of the trek. The climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim is steep and physically demanding. From Gilman’s Point, we push on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- After celebrating your achievement at the summit, we descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Drive back to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m (12,205ft to 6,135ft)
- Hiking Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
- The final descent takes you back through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. You will receive your summit certificates here before driving back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.
Day 9: Departure
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or continue with an optional safari or Zanzibar beach holiday
Includes
- Transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel and back.
- Transfers to and from Rongai Gate.
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees.
- Professional, experienced mountain guides, porters, and cook.
- Accommodation in huts and tents on the mountain.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water and hot drinks during the climb.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Salaries for the mountain crew
Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzanian visa fees.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance.
- Additional meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages.
Important Information
- Best Time to Climb: The best months to attempt the Rongai Route are from January to mid-March and June to October, when the weather is typically drier.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate. The Rongai Route offers a steady, gradual ascent, making it suitable for climbers with good physical fitness.
- Success Rate: The 7-day Rongai Route itinerary increases the success rate by allowing ample time for acclimatization.