7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
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 north side receives less precipitation). 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.
Scenery
The route offers stunning views and varied terrain, including lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and the iconic Barranco Wall
Difficulty
Moderate to challenging, with some steep sections but no technical climbing required
Acclimatization
The route follows a "climb high, sleep low" strategy, which helps improve acclimatization and increases the chances of reaching the summit
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,398ft) to Simba Camp (2,625m/8,612ft)
Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 675m / 2,214ft
Max. altitude: 2,625m / 8,612ft
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Your adventure begins at the Rongai Gate, where you’ll complete registration formalities before starting your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail is often muddy and slippery, but the dense vegetation and diverse wildlife make it a fascinating journey. You’ll reach Simba Camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp and enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m/8,612ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,811ft)
Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 975m / 3,199ft
Max. altitude: 3,600m / 11,811ft
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and more rocky as you ascend, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll reach Kikelewa Camp in the early afternoon, where you can rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,811ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft)
Distance: 5km / 3.1 miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 730m / 2,395ft
Max. altitude: 4,330m / 14,206ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today’s trek is a relatively short and gentle hike across the moorland, offering panoramic views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. You’ll reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp in the early afternoon, where you can rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft) to Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft)
Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 370m / 1,214ft
Max. altitude: 4,700m / 15,420ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Kibo Hut. The trek to the base of Kibo Hut is about 5 hours (8 km). This hut is a 300 feet high volcanic plug. From Kibo Hut, we begin our steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing large flowering plants which actually look like trees, senecios. This is good practice for your descent from the summit in a few days’ time and will take around 2 hours (3km). Although you will end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit night. Kibo Hut is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft)
Distance: 22km / 13.7 miles
Hiking time: 10 – 14 hours
Ascent: 1,195m / 3,921ft
Descent: 2,175m / 7,136ft
Max. altitude: 5,895m / 19,341ft
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your summit attempt begins around midnight, with a challenging climb through the arctic zone to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The ascent is steep and demanding, but the reward is an unforgettable sunrise over the vast African plains. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. The descent is long and tiring, but the lower altitude and lush rainforest provide a welcome change of scenery.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft)
Distance: 20km / 12.4 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 7 hours
Descent: 1,860m / 6,102ft
Max. altitude: 3,720m / 12,205ft
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
On your final day, you’ll continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. The trail is often muddy and slippery, but the dense vegetation and diverse wildlife make it a fascinating journey. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides and porters. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where you can relax and celebrate your incredible achievement.
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees
- Hut fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinder
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- All camping equipment
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
- 3 hot meals a day while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) Government taxes
- Ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
