Ultimate 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route

(Starting from Moshi/Arusha, Tanzania)

The Rongai Route is a less crowded trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,341ft) from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is known for its gradual ascent, stunning wilderness landscapes, and high summit success rate. The descent follows the Marangu Route, offering a different perspective of the mountain.

Key Facts About the Rongai Route

• Duration: 7 days on the mountain (+2 days for arrival & departure)
• Trekking Distance: ~75 km (47 miles) round trip
• Starting Elevation: 1,950m (6,398ft)
• Summit Elevation: 5,895m (19,341ft) – Uhuru Peak
• Difficulty Level: Moderate (good for beginners with training)
• Success Rate: 80-90% (gradual ascent improves acclimatization)
• Accommodation: Camping (tents)
• Best Trekking Months:
  • Dry Season: January-March & June-October (best visibility and conditions)
  • Wet Season: April-May & November (lush landscapes, fewer climbers)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania (Moshi or Arusha)

• Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Transfer to Moshi/Arusha (1-1.5 hrs drive)
• Pre-trek briefing: Equipment check, safety overview, and acclimatization tips
• Overnight: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha (bed & breakfast included)

Day 2: Moshi/Arusha – Rongai Gate (1,950m) – Simba Camp (2,650m)

• Drive: 4-5 hours from Moshi/Arusha to Rongai Gate (1,950m)
• Registration: Meet your climbing team, guides, porters, and cook
• Trekking: Start through rainforest terrain, spotting Colobus monkeys and wildlife
• Elevation Gain: +700m
• Trekking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Accommodation: Simba Camp (2,650m)

Highlights:
✅ Lush rainforest with wildlife sightings
✅ Gentle, gradual ascent

Day 3: Simba Camp (2,650m) – Second Cave Camp (3,450m)

• Terrain: Transition from rainforest to heath and moorland
• View: Stunning panoramas of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak
• Elevation Gain: +800m
• Trekking Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (3,450m)

Highlights:
✅ Clear views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers
✅ Good acclimatization with a manageable climb

Day 4: Second Cave Camp (3,450m) – Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m)

• Trek: A steeper but short climb through moorland
• Rest: Plenty of time for acclimatization
• Elevation Gain: +150m
• Trekking Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Accommodation: Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m)

Highlights:
✅ Short trek day allows for better acclimatization
✅ Beautiful scenery of the mountain slopes

Day 5: Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

• Trek: Steep climb up to the base of Mawenzi Peak, the second-highest peak of Kilimanjaro
• Acclimatization: Spend the afternoon exploring the area
• Elevation Gain: +730m
• Trekking Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

Highlights:
✅ Breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak
✅ Afternoon rest to adjust to high altitude

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)

• Trek: Cross the Saddle, a vast alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks
• Summit Prep: Arrive early to rest before summit night
• Elevation Gain: +370m
• Trekking Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Highlights:
✅ Dramatic landscapes of alpine desert
✅ Early dinner & rest before summit push

Day 7: Kibo Hut (4,700m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Summit Night:

• Midnight Start: Steep ascent to the summit
• Pass landmarks:
  • Gilman’s Point (5,685m) – First point at crater rim
  • Stella Point (5,739m) – Stunning sunrise views
• Summit Reach: Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – The Roof of Africa! 🏔️🎉
• Descent: Back to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for overnight rest
• Elevation Gain: +1,195m to summit
• Elevation Loss: -2,175m descent
• Trekking Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Trekking Time: 12-14 hours

Highlights:
✅ Sunrise at Uhuru Peak – The highest point in Africa
✅ Once-in-a-lifetime achievement!

Day 8: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Moshi/Arusha

• Final Descent: Trek down through moorland and rainforest
• End Trek: Reach Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificate
• Transfer: Back to Moshi/Arusha for celebration dinner
• Elevation Loss: -1,860m
• Trekking Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

✅ Included:

✔ Professional certified guides, porters, and cook
✔ All park fees & permits
✔ Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, tables, chairs)
✔ Meals & filtered drinking water on the trek
✔ Emergency oxygen & first aid kit
✔ Airport transfers (JRO – Moshi/Arusha – JRO)
✔ Two nights’ hotel stay in Moshi/Arusha

❌ Not Included:

❌ Flights to Tanzania
❌ Personal gear (boots, sleeping bags, clothing)
❌ Tips for guides & porters (~$250-$300 per trekker)
❌ Visa fees & travel insurance
❌ Extra activities (safaris, Zanzibar trips, etc.)

Why Choose the Rongai Route?

✅ Less crowded trail
✅ Best success rate for beginners
✅ Unique landscapes & diverse ecosystems