7 Day Kilimanjaro climbing rongai route

Overview

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular 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). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.

Day to Day Itinerary

On arrival in Tanzania.

Arrival Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight. A pre-climb briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Day 1: Nale Muru Gate to Simba Camp

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation: 1997m / 6552ft to 2635m / 8645ft
Habitat: Rainforest
Altitude Gain: 638m

Depart from Moshi for a 4–5 hour scenic drive through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After obtaining permits, begin the trek through lush rainforest and winding trails. Your guide will share insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Overnight at Simba Camp, located near the First Cave with expansive views of the Kenyan plains.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation: 2635m / 8645ft to 3487m / 11,440ft
Habitat: Moorland
Altitude Gain: 852m

Continue ascending through moorland terrain with stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern crater rim ice fields. Vegetation becomes sparse as you approach Second Cave. Expect cooler temperatures.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

Distance: 5.95 km / 3.7 miles
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Elevation: 3487m / 11,440ft to 3675m / 12,057ft
Habitat: Semi-desert
Altitude Gain: 188m

A relatively short trek across open, semi-desert terrain. This day helps with acclimatization while keeping the pace steady.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Distance: 3.75 km / 2.3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation: 3675m / 12,057ft to 4302m / 14,114ft
Habitat: Semi-desert
Altitude Gain: 627m

A steep climb brings you closer to the dramatic peaks of Mawenzi. Mawenzi Tarn Camp is nestled beneath towering spires and offers excellent acclimatization opportunities.
Optional: Spend an extra day here to hike around Mawenzi and acclimatize further.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Distance: 8.9 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation: 4302m / 14,114ft to 4714m / 15,466ft
Habitat: Alpine desert
Altitude Gain: 412m

Cross the desolate Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, resembling a lunar landscape. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon and rest for the summit attempt.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak – Down to Horombo Huts

Ascent Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles (5–7 hours)
Descent Distance: 15.75 km / 9.8 miles (5–6 hours)
Elevation: 4714m / 15,466ft to 5895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent to: 3721m / 12,208ft
Altitude Gain: 721m
Altitude Loss: 2174m

Start your final push to the summit around midnight. Trek through switchbacks between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to reach Stella Point. From there, it's another hour to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa.
After summit celebrations, descend to Kibo for a brief rest and lunch, then continue to Horombo Hut for the final overnight on the mountain.

Day 7: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate – Drive to Moshi

Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation: 3721m / 12,208ft to 1905m / 6250ft
Altitude Loss: 1816m

After breakfast and a farewell ceremony with your mountain crew, continue descending through the rainforest. Stop at Mandara Huts for lunch, then proceed to the Marangu Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificate.
Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi (approx. 45 minutes).

Inclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Exclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).