Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days
Overview
Rongai is the only route on Kilimanjaro that approaches the mountain from the North. This route requires longer transport and it is less visited, so it can cost a bit higher than the others. You can finish Rongai route in 6 or 7 days, but note that shorter trek does not offer acclimatization day to accommodate high altitude conditions. This route might be not as attractive as Machame or Lemosho, but it offers amazing view of Mawenzi and Kibo Peak. The success rate is relatively high, with 70% – 80% chance to reach Uhuru Peak. Rongai has gradual and easy path, with a very steady rise, and its is much drier than any other route on the mountain, so you should not expect much rains on your climb. The sleeping is in tents, in a very well organized camps. Descend is at Marangu Gate.ARRIVE IN TANZANIA
Upon you arrive you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha town; you will be meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment final check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 1: NALEMORU (1800M) TO SIMBA CAMP (2600M)
- Distance: 6km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for about 5 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, we take the first hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife roaming. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first Simba campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.
The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP (2600M) TO RONGAI SECOND CAVE (3450M)
- Distance: 9km
- Walking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During the hike, view Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Mawenzi and Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After hot lunch we have a free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area for acclimatisation walk to third Cave.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DAY 3: RONGAI SECOND CAVE (3450 M) TO KIKELELWA CAMP (3600M)
- Distance: 6km
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3679m) we reach in late afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight at the camp. Second Cave to Kikelelwa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DAY 4: KIKELELWA CAMP (3600M) TO MAWENZI TURN (4330M)
- Distance: 6km
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Semi desert
A Short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization. Kikelelwa camp to Mawenzi Turn is about 3-4 hours walking. Enjoy and rest at the camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DAY 5: MAWENZI TURN HUT (4330M) TO KIBO HUT (4750M)
- Distance: 4km
- Walking Time: 3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo hut (4700m), on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you stunning uninterrupted views of your final destination. The day is spent relaxing in and preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. Mawenzi Turn hut to Kibo Hut is 5-6 hours trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DAY 6: KIBO HUT (4750M) TO UHURU PEAK (5895M) TO HOROMBO HUT (3720M)
- Distance: 6 km ascent/16km descent
- Walking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Hike by the light of your flashlight for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5685m).
The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes about two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut (3720m).
Kibo Hut to Summit Uhuru peak then descend to Horombo Hut is about 13-15 hours walking. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Kibo Hut is amazingly fast, and we stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT (3720M) TO MARANGU GATE (1800M).
- Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours
- Distance: 20km
- Walking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorlands
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. After your successful climb last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. You will receive your summit certificates. Our representative driver will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DEPART TANZANIA
Today is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight back home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town before heading to the airport. You can schedule your Tanzania wildlife safaris or beach vacation in Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast Included

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George Stanley
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info@nyameratreksandsafaris.com
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What's included:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari
What's excluded:
- International or local flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips for the safari crew
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance