7 Days Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Climb
The Rongai Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. It’s the most remote and least crowded route, offering unspoiled wilderness, beautiful views, and a gentle, steady climb.
This route provides excellent acclimatization, diverse scenery, and a high success rate — ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter path to the summit.
DAY 1: Arrival Day
Day 1: Arusha/ Marangu → Rongai Gate (1,950 m) → Simba Camp (2,650 m)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate to register with park authorities, before departing to Rongai Gate on Kilimanjaro’s northern side to begin trekking through farmland and pine forest. The trail gradually ascends to Simba Camp, with views of the plains below.
Highlights: Remote northern trail, forest walk.
Overnight: Simba Camp
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp (2,650 m) → Second Cave (3,450 m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~9 km
Habitat: Moorland
The trail climbs steadily through open moorland, offering wide views over Kenya’s Amboseli Plains. Reach Second Cave Camp for lunch and rest. This is an easy day that helps your body acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Highlights: Panoramic views, moorland vegetation.
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Second Cave (3,450 m) → Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: ~6 km
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s hike is shorter but steeper, leading across grassy slopes and heather vegetation. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp, set near small caves and a mountain stream. The camp offers spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest summit.
Highlights: Mawenzi views, peaceful camp.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m) → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~6 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A steep climb up grassy slopes brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. This is one of the most scenic camps on the mountain. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring nearby ridges to improve acclimatization.
Highlights: Breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m) → Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~9 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the “Saddle”, a wide, barren plain between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape feels almost lunar. Arrive at Kibo Hut, your final camp before the summit attempt. Rest early and prepare for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak.
Highlights: The Saddle crossing, high-altitude experience.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours (6–8 hours ascent, 5–6 hours descent)
Distance: ~21 km
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Begin your summit trek around midnight, ascending steep switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim. Continue along the edge to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! After enjoying the sunrise and summit photos, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.
Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, glacier views, summit success.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → Marangu Gate (1,860 m) → Arusha
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~18 km
Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Descend through moorland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificates. Celebrate with your mountain crew before returning to Arusha.
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Highlights: Certificate ceremony, forest scenery.
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Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 8: Departure
Today is your last day in Tanzania. We can arrange a day-trip tour to Arusha Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Napuru Waterfalls, or Ilkidinga Cultural Tourism before airport time. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay and explore more of Tanzania’s attractions.
Thank you for choosing Precious Safaris!
Enquire this Tour
PRICE FOR 7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE
Mount Kilimanjaro-
1 Person = $2320
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2 People = $2020
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3 People = $1900
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4 People = $1800
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5 People = $1780
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6+ People = $1750
PRICE INCLUDE
– Airport pick-up and return transfers
– 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (Bed and Breakfast)
– Lunch box and drinking water
– Transfer from the hotel to Rongai Gate
– Pick up from Marangu Gate to the hotel
– Conservation fees
– Camping fees, Forest fees, Rescue fees
– Enough food for all days on the mountain (Three meals per day)
– Quality Tents, Sleeping mats, Comfortable Chairs, and Tables
– Wages for Porters, Cooks and Guides
– Mountain Climbing Certificate
– First Aid Kit
– Pulse Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder
PRICE EXCLUDE
– Passport and Visa
– Mountaineering Insurance( cover up to 6000m is recommended)
– Lunch and dinner at the Hotel
– Domestic and International flights
– Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary
– Extra night at the Hotel
– Hiking Gear, Sleeping Bag (available on rental)
– Private Toilet
– Items of a personal nature
– Value Added Tax (VAT 18%)
– Tip