7 Days Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is considered one of the easier paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, with a high success rate for summiting.

Starting on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border, it is one of the less trafficked routes. The descent is made via the Marangu Route on the south side, offering climbers the opportunity to view the mountain from diverse perspectives.

The journey to the trailhead takes approximately 3 hours from Moshi, passing through villages and coffee plantations, with a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.

The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, with about a 2-hour drive, including the border crossing. For this option, we will need copies of your passports ahead of time.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

A pre-trek briefing will be held at your hotel in Moshi. It’s recommended to arrive at least one day before the trek starts. During this day, we will review your equipment and rent any necessary items.

Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp
Drive to the charming village of Nale Moru (approximately 2 hours, including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, begin the hike along a wide path through fields of maize and potatoes, before entering a pine forest. The path gradually ascends, passing through a variety of wildlife-filled forests. The camp lies on the edge of the moorland zone, offering extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

  • Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning hike ascends steadily to the Second Cave, offering superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

  • Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi
  • Walking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Hike across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite lies in a sheltered valley, with giant Senecios nearby.

  • Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
  • Distance: 9km/5mi
  • Walking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb leads to excellent views before leaving the vegetation behind. The next camp, Mawenzi Tarn, is spectacularly located at the foot of Mawenzi’s towering spires. The afternoon is free for rest or exploration, aiding acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi
  • Walking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo, heading to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is for resting in preparation for the final ascent.

  • Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
  • Distance: 9km/5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (between midnight and 2 am), begin the climb to the summit on steep scree or snow. After reaching Gilman’s Point (5700m/18,700ft) on the crater rim, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and enjoying the views, descend, stopping for lunch at Kibo, then continue to Horombo Hut. This part of the trek is challenging with many switchbacks, but steady progress (pole pole) and a positive mindset will help.

  • Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (up), then down to 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi up, 15km/9mi down
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut to trailhead to Moshi hotel
After breakfast, descend steadily through moorland to Mandara Hut, then continue descending through lush forest to the National Park gate at Marangu. Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
  • Distance: 20km/12.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast

Price Includes

  • Four-Season Sleeping Tents: Twin-sharing, waterproof mountain tents.
  • VAT (18%): Included in the package cost.
  • Rescue Fees: Covered as part of park fees.
  • Meals on the Mountain: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
  • Transfers: Round-trip from Moshi hotel to mountain gate.
  • Nutritious Food: Fresh, healthy meals prepared by mountain chefs.
  • Professional Guides: Experienced, licensed guides for a safe climb.
  • Purified Drinking Water: Provided daily.
  • Sleeping Mattress: Comfortable mats for restful sleep.
  • Conservation Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Mess Tents: Dining tents with tables and chairs.
  • Summit Certificate: Awarded to all who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
  • Camping Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder: For high-altitude safety.
  • Staff Salaries and Fees: Fair wages and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks.
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Price not Includes

  • Alcoholic and Bottled Beverages: Not included.
  • Online Payment Surcharge: 5% on advance and balance payments.
  • Tanzania Visa: To be arranged by the traveler.
  • Travel Insurance: Not provided.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and other personal costs.
  • Flights: International and domestic airfare.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and staff.
  • Hotel Accommodation: Available as an optional add-on.
  • Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags, boots, and clothing (available for rent).
  • Unlisted Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional Transfers: Available upon request.