7 Days

Rongai Route

  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari
  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari

7 Days Rongai Route

The 7-day Rongai Route offers a quieter, scenic Kilimanjaro ascent starting from the northern side. Trekking through rainforests to alpine desert, it ensures gradual acclimatization and smoother elevation gains. After summiting Uhuru Peak, the descent via Marangu Route completes a full circuit, providing a peaceful and unique experience through diverse ecosystems.

7 Days Rongai Route Climbing

Tour Summary & Map

Day 1 – Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)

Day 2 – Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

Day 3 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)

Day 4 – Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Day 6 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Day 7 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m) to Moshi

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)
Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)

Elevation Gain: 800m

After a 2–3-hour drive to the Rongai Gate, you’ll complete registration and start your ascent. Trek through lush rainforests, where you might spot black and white Colobus monkeys. A picnic lunch will be served along the way, and the day ends at Simba Camp, your first stop on this quieter northern route.

Overnight: Simba Camp

Day 2 - Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

Elevation Gain: 1,000m

Today’s trek takes you through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The trail is steep in the morning, offering incredible views of Mawenzi Peak. After reaching the second cave, a gentler path leads to Kikelewa Camp, a sheltered valley camp where you’ll rest for the night.

Overnight: Kikelewa Camp

Day 3 - Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)

Elevation Gain: 730m

This acclimatization day involves a short yet steep hike up to Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The hike offers stunning panoramic views and a sense of Kilimanjaro’s vast wilderness. Enjoy the scenery while adjusting to the altitude before returning to Mawenzi Tarn for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn

Day 4 - Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn
Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn

Spend the day acclimatizing with a morning walk to either the ridge or up the scree slopes of Mawenzi. The walk to the ridge offers views of the lunar landscape, and the eerie site of a plane crash adds an interesting twist. Afterwards, return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and rest.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5 - Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Elevation Gain: 370m

Today, cross the barren, wind-swept saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, the summit cone. This section is exposed but offers incredible views. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, take the opportunity to rest and prepare for the challenging summit climb later that night. Enjoy a hot meal and a full briefing for the summit.

Overnight: Kibo Hut

Day 6 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Elevation Gain: 2,175m

Around midnight, begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The first 6 hours are spent climbing through steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point, before continuing on to the summit. After celebrating at the top, descend to Kibo Hut for a rest, then continue to Horombo Hut, where you will enjoy your final dinner on the mountain.

Overnight: Horombo Hut

Day 7 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m) to Moshi
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m) to Moshi

Elevation Loss: 1,890m

Descend through Kilimanjaro’s beautiful cloud forest to Marangu Gate. This 5-6 hour trek is a peaceful end to your journey, allowing you to reflect on your accomplishment. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.

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Itinerary Outline

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