7 days kilimanjaro climb via rongai route
7 days rongai route trekking
Kilimanjaro Climb Days 1–7
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Rongai.
- Pass through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
- Acclimatize gradually for a higher summit success rate.
- Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
- Enjoy spectacular sunrise views from the summit.
- Descend through beautiful mountain landscapes.
Day 1
Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,625m)
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After breakfast, depart from Moshi and drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. After registration and a briefing from your mountain guides, begin your trek through farmland and beautiful mountain forests. The trail gradually climbs through areas rich in wildlife, where colobus monkeys and various bird species may be spotted. As you gain elevation, enjoy views of the surrounding countryside before arriving at Simba Camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Simba Camp (2,625m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
“Rongai is the only Kilimanjaro route that approaches the mountain from the northern side.”
Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Day 2
Simba Camp (2,625m) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
Following breakfast, continue your ascent through open moorland landscapes characterized by scattered vegetation and spectacular mountain views. The trail offers excellent opportunities to see Kibo Peak and the expansive plains stretching toward Kenya. The gradual climb allows your body to adapt naturally to the increasing altitude. Arrive at Second Cave Camp in the afternoon and spend time resting while enjoying the peaceful mountain environment.
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
“The northern slopes of Kilimanjaro receive less rainfall than the southern side, creating a unique ecosystem.”
Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Day 3
Second Cave Camp (3,450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)
After breakfast, continue trekking across scenic moorland terrain toward Kikelewa Camp. The route becomes steeper as you climb through valleys and rocky outcrops surrounded by giant groundsels and alpine vegetation. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s rugged secondary summit. Arrive at camp in time for lunch and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing to the higher altitude.
Camping site; Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Day 4
Kikelewa Camp (3,630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Today’s trek is shorter but steeper as you ascend toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The route passes through dramatic alpine landscapes with incredible views of Mawenzi’s jagged volcanic spires. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the area. This camp is situated beside a beautiful mountain tarn and provides one of the most scenic camping locations on Kilimanjaro.
Camping site; Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
INTERESTING FACT…!
“Mawenzi Tarn is one of the highest permanent water sources on Mount Kilimanjaro.”
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
After breakfast, cross the vast alpine desert known as the Saddle, which lies between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The terrain is barren yet incredibly beautiful, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, enjoy an early dinner and spend the afternoon resting. Your guides will provide a summit briefing and ensure you are fully prepared for the final ascent.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Day 6
Kibo Hut (4,700m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Just before midnight, begin the challenging summit climb toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Arriving at sunrise provides breathtaking views of glaciers, volcanic formations, and the plains below. After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
Camping site; Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 21 km (13 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 11–14 Hours
Day 7
Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the heath, moorland, and rainforest zones. The trail offers beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife while reflecting on your incredible achievement. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, receive your official summit certificate and celebrate with your mountain crew. You will then be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha where your Kilimanjaro adventure comes to a successful conclusion.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi)
Approximate Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Items included:
- All national park entry fees and conservation fees
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- Dedicated mountain cook and support crew
- Porters for carrying camping equipment and supplies
- Quality mountain tents and camping equipment
- Sleeping mattresses
- Three freshly prepared meals per day during the climb
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and drinking water on the mountain
- Round trip transfers between Kilimanjaro Airport and the hotel
- Accommodation before and after the climb (if applicable)
- Daily health monitoring and basic first-aid support
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Emergency evacuation arrangements
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Government taxes and VAT
Items not included:
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and mountain rescue insurance
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Telephone calls and internet charge