7 days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Overview

The Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, offers a quieter, less-crowded path to the summit with gradual acclimatization. This 7-day trek takes hikers through diverse habitats, from rainforest and moorlands to alpine desert, culminating at Uhuru Peak. The northern aspect provides spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks and excellent summit success chances.

Highlights

• Rongai Route, a quiet and scenic northern approach to Kilimanjaro.

• Diverse habitats: rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers.

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

• Gradual acclimatization for higher summit success.

• Full support from experienced guides, porters, and cooks.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate – First Cave Camp
Drive from Arusha to Rongai Gate, complete park registration, and begin trekking through forested slopes toward First Cave Camp. This first day is relatively gentle, allowing hikers to settle into the mountain.

Elevation: 1,950 m → 2,700 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest → Heath

Accommodation: Camping at First Cave Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: First Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp
Ascend gradually across moorland terrain to Kikelewa Camp. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding plateau and excellent acclimatization opportunities.

Elevation: 2,700 m → 3,600 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Accommodation: Camping at Kikelewa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Turn Hut
Trek through high-altitude desert and rocky terrain toward Mawenzi Turn Hut. Enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak and the southern glaciers. Overnight at Mawenzi Turn Hut.

Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,300 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Mawenzi Turn Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Turn Hut
Spend the day resting and acclimatizing at Mawenzi Turn Hut. Hike short trails nearby to help your body adjust to the altitude while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery.

Elevation: 4,300 m → 4,300 m
Distance: Optional acclimatization hikes 2–4 km
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours (optional)
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Mawenzi Turn Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mawenzi Turn Hut – Kibo Camp
Ascend gradually across rocky and barren alpine terrain to Kibo Camp, the base for the summit attempt. Prepare for the midnight climb. Overnight at Kibo Camp.

Elevation: 4,300 m → 4,700 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Kibo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Begin the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and witness sunrise from Africa’s highest point. Descend via Kibo to Horombo Hut for recovery and overnight.

Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Heath

Accommodation: Camping at Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Drive to Arusha
Descend through the heath and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate, collect summit certificates, and drive back to Arusha, concluding the Rongai Route trek.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,870 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath → Rainforest

Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Camping along the route

• Meals on the mountain (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Professional guides, porters, and cook team

• Transfers from/to Arusha and Rongai Gate

• Summit certificate

Excluded

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional excursions in Arusha