Kilimanjaro Climb — 7 Days Rongai Route
TREK SNAPSHOT
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the remote northern side near the Kenya border. This less-traveled path is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter wilderness experience, gentle slopes, and diverse scenery. The route passes through lush forests, open moorland, and alpine desert, offering clear views of the mountain’s rugged north face. With a steady ascent and an extra acclimatization day, Rongai is a great choice for both first-time and experienced climbers aiming for a successful summit.
Your Trek Day Plan
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), meet your Serengeti Sphere Safaris driver and transfer to your lodge in Moshi/Arusha. Relax with a pool, Wi-Fi, and cozy rooms. In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a full briefing and final gear check.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 — Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
After breakfast, drive for about 4–5 hours to the remote Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. Complete registration and start your trek through farmland and pine forest. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and birds. Reach Simba Camp by afternoon where tents and dinner will be ready.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation: 1,950 m to 2,650 m
Day 3 — Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
After breakfast, hike steadily through moorland with sweeping views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. Enjoy lunch en route and arrive at Second Cave Camp by early afternoon. Relax and soak in the scenery as your body acclimatizes to the increasing altitude.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation: 2,650 m to 3,450 m
Day 4 — Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Continue trekking across open moorland and grassy slopes toward the jagged Mawenzi peak. Arrive at Kikelewa Cave Camp in time for a hot lunch. Enjoy stunning mountain views and an optional short acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation: 3,450 m to 3,600 m
Day 5 — Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s trek is short but steep, climbing up grassy slopes and rocky terrain. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. Spend the afternoon resting or take a short hike to further acclimatize.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation: 3,600 m to 4,315 m
Day 6 — Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This vast alpine desert can be windy and dry, so pace yourself and drink plenty of water. Arrive at Kibo Hut by early afternoon to rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare for the summit push tonight.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation: 4,315 m to 4,700 m
Day 7 — Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Wake around midnight for a hot drink and snacks, then start the slow, steady climb up switchbacks through loose scree toward Gilman’s Point (5,685 m). Rest, watch the sunrise, and push on along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa! Take photos and celebrate before descending carefully back to Kibo Hut for rest and then down to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m, then down to 3,720 m
Day 8 — Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Return to Hotel
After breakfast, descend steadily through the heath and forest zones back to Marangu Gate. Celebrate with your summit certificate and meet your driver for your return to the lodge for a hot shower and well-earned rest.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,860 m
Day 9 — Departure
Relax at your lodge until your airport transfer. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out can be arranged if needed.
Trek Includes
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All park entry fees and rescue fees
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Camping or hut fees on the mountain
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Private transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Transport to and from the trailhead
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Professional, certified mountain guides, cooks, and porters
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All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Drinking water throughout the climb
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Sleeping tents and sleeping mats for camping routes
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First aid kit and emergency oxygen
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Daily health monitoring (pulse oximeter)
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Summit certificate
Trek Excludes
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International and domestic flights
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Tanzanian visa fees
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Travel insurance (required, must cover high-altitude trekking)
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Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing — available for rent on request)
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Personal expenses (drinks at hotels, souvenirs, laundry, snacks)
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Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters (highly appreciated)
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Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., extra acclimatization days, private toilet tent)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (can be arranged on request)
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Additional meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
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