7 Days Rongai Route

The Rongai Route offers a peaceful and scenic approach to Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side near the Kenyan border. Known for its unspoiled wilderness and gradual slope, this 7-day trek is ideal for climbers seeking a quiet, less-crowded ascent with high summit success rates and diverse landscapes.

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Route: Rongai Route
Mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m)
Tour Type: Trekking & Hiking Adventure
Starting Point: Arusha / Moshi, Tanzania
Ending Point: Arusha / Moshi, Tanzania

Trek Highlights

Only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north.
Gentle ascent, perfect for beginners and acclimatization.
Panoramic views of Kenya’s Amboseli plains.
Trek through rainforest, alpine desert, and glacial zones.
Quiet trail with fewer climbers and rich wildlife sightings.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

🗓️ Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi / Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet your mountain guide and transfer to your hotel for trek briefing and gear check.
Accommodation: Parkview Inn or similar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

🗓️ Day 2 – Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,950 m) to Simba Camp (2,650 m)

Drive to Rongai Gate and begin your trek through farmlands and pine forest, spotting colobus monkeys along the way. Arrive at Simba Camp for dinner and overnight.
Trekking Distance: 8 km (4–5 hrs)
Accommodation: Simba Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

🗓️ Day 3 – Simba Camp to Second Cave (3,450 m)

Ascend steadily through moorland with wide views of the plains below. Lunch en route and arrive at Second Cave Camp for acclimatization and rest.
Trekking Distance: 9 km (6 hrs)
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

🗓️ Day 4 – Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)

Continue your hike across open heathlands toward the Kikelewa Valley. The trail offers spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Trekking Distance: 6 km (4–5 hrs)
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

🗓️ Day 5 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m)

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes leads to Mawenzi Tarn, a picturesque campsite nestled below Mawenzi’s jagged spires. Afternoon rest or optional acclimatization hike.
Trekking Distance: 6 km (4 hrs)
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

🗓️ Day 6 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Cross the barren lunar landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon for dinner and rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Trekking Distance: 9 km (5–6 hrs)
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

🗓️ Day 7 – Summit Day (Uhuru Peak 5,895 m) & Descend to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Begin your ascent around midnight, reaching Gilman’s Point at dawn and Uhuru Peak soon after — the Roof of Africa! Celebrate your achievement before descending to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.
Trekking Distance: 15 km (10–12 hrs total)
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Full Board

🗓️ Day 8 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate & Departure

Descend through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate for check-out and certificate collection. Return to Moshi or Arusha for celebration or onward travel.
Trekking Distance: 18 km (5–6 hrs)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch