Rongai Route climbing 7 days

Route Overview

The Rongai Route, situated on the northern flank of Mount Kilimanjaro, is among the mountain’s most approachable paths and has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Renowned for its diverse scenery, this route boasts a mosaic of breathtaking landscapes teeming with unique flora and fauna. Typically completed in six days, climbers can opt to extend the journey by adding an acclimatization day, transforming it into a more gradual seven-day ascent.

More picturesque than the Marangu Route and less demanding than other camping trails, the Rongai Route offers an exceptional balance of beauty and accessibility, achieving a notably high success rate. Unlike Marangu’s hut accommodations, trekkers on Rongai rest in tents, with porters ensuring campsites are set up and waiting at each day’s destination. The trail begins near the Kenyan border, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience with minimal foot traffic.

As the summit nears, the Rongai Route merges with Marangu for the final ascent, while the descent retraces Marangu’s southeastern path, providing an unparalleled opportunity to witness Kilimanjaro’s multifaceted grandeur from numerous perspectives.

Route Itinerary

DAY 1: MOSHI- LONDOROSSI GATE- BIG TREE CAMP

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your journey begins with a warm welcome from your dedicated Tanzania Next Level Safari guide, who will accompany you throughout your adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll be greeted with a selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and delectable snacks, complemented by a celebratory glass of champagne. Your guide will assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth, comfortable transfer in a safari-equipped vehicle. The scenic drive to your hotel in Arusha takes approximately one hour. Upon arrival, you’ll be assisted with check-in at your accommodation, followed by a concise safari briefing if time permits, or postponed until the following morning.

Elevation (m): 1,387/915 m → 1,950 m → 2,750 m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Begin your day with an early breakfast before setting off on a scenic journey. Our vehicles will take you through picturesque villages and verdant coffee plantations, leading to Rongai Gate (1,950 m/6,398 ft) after a 3-4 hour drive. Upon arrival, formalities are completed, and the porters are prepared for the trek.

The hike commences on a broad path that meanders through farmland dotted with maize and potato crops, gradually transitioning into the lush montane forest. The ascent is steady but unhurried, allowing you to take in the enchanting surroundings rich with diverse wildlife.

As the trail progresses, the forest canopy begins to thin, unveiling stunning vistas of the Kenyan plains. Your destination is Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530 ft), where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking landscapes and the serenity of nature.

Elevation: 2,750 m → 3,600 m
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Your day begins with an early breakfast, setting the tone for an invigorating journey. The trail leads you to the Second Cave, where you’ll pause to enjoy lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings.

From here, the path veers off the main route, guiding you along a narrow trail that traverses the striking moorland. As you approach the majestic Mawenzi side peak, the landscape unfolds with dramatic beauty, culminating at Kikelewa Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley.

At Kikelewa Camp, a warm dinner awaits, followed by a restful overnight stay amid the serene highland atmosphere.

Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,330 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

The day begins with a hearty breakfast before tackling a short but steep ascent over grassy slopes. This effort is richly rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the expansive wilderness stretching in every direction.

As you progress, the vegetation fades, and the trail leads you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically nestled in a natural amphitheater beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. The journey continues to Mawenzi Turn Hut Camp, where you’ll encounter a striking undried lake, mysterious in its lack of both inlet and outlet.

Here, amidst the otherworldly terrain, you’ll enjoy lunch, relax, and end the day with a warm dinner and a tranquil overnight stay.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude while you remain at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night.

Embark on an invigorating hike up the rugged slopes of Mawenzi where breathtaking vistas await, offering a rewarding experience amidst the dramatic alpine scenery.

After the hike, return to the camp to savor a well-earned lunch. The evening concludes with a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay, ensuring you’re prepared for the next stage of your journey.

 

Elevation: 4,330 m → 4,695 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Your journey begins with an early breakfast, fueling you for the trek across the barren, lunar-like expanse of the saddle connecting the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The stark, otherworldly terrain offers a sense of isolation and awe as you approach the imposing Kibo Huts, located at the base of Kibo’s crater wall.

Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and preparation, ensuring you’re fully equipped for the challenging summit ascent ahead.

Elevation: 4,695 m → 5,895 m → 3,690 m
Distance: 4 km ascent, 14 km descent
Hiking Duration: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

At midnight, after a light breakfast, you’ll embark on the most challenging and rewarding leg of your journey. The ascent to Uhuru Peak begins under a blanket of stars, aiming to reach the summit around sunrise. Departing at midnight, the climb follows steep switchbacks through scree or possibly snow, leading you to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim by 4:00–6:00 a.m. From this vantage point, you’ll behold the legendary crater and shimmering icefields.

From Gilman’s, the journey continues for approximately two hours along the Kibo crater rim, navigating past the famed snows to Kilimanjaro’s ultimate summit—Uhuru Peak. Here, you’ll pause to capture unforgettable photographs and savor the triumph of your achievement, time permitting.

Following the summit experience, descend back to Kibo Huts for a well-earned lunch, brief rest, and gear collection. The day concludes with a descent across the saddle to Horombo Huts, where a hearty dinner and much-needed rest await.

Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,700 m
Distance: 9 km
Descent Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Your final day on the mountain begins with a hearty breakfast, followed by a descent through the lush Montane forest. The trail winds gently downward, offering a serene conclusion to your journey. After approximately 3–4 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the Mweka Park Gate, where you will complete the sign-out formalities.

From there, a vehicle will transport you back to the hotel. Awaiting you is a well-earned celebration, complete with your official certificate presentation—a testament to your remarkable achievement.

Include

  • PARK FEES, CAMPING FEES & RESCUE FEES 
  • 18% VAT ON TOUR FEES AND SERVICES
  • SLEEPING MATS
  • TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MOUNTAIN gate
  • PROFESSIONAL MOUNTAIN GUIDES, COOKS AND PORTERS
  • 3 MEALS DAILY WHILE ON THE MOUNTAIN
  • Fair pay for the Mountain Crew
    APPROVED BY THE KILIMANJARO NATIONAL
    PARK AUTHORITY (KINAPA), KILIMANJARO
    ASSOCIATION OF TOUR OPERATORS (KIATO)
  • SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND pulses OXIMETER
  • PRE AND POST SAFARi ACCOMMODATION (2 nights) at Moshi.

Exclude

  • International and Local flights  
  • Tips to Mountain Crew and Driver Guides
  • Item of Personal Nature
  • Any other activities not included
  • Laundry services
  • Health insurance
  • Portable Flash Toilet with a toilet tent is extra ($100 Per toilet + Toilet tent).
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

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