Kilimanjaro Hiking Rongai Route 7 Days

7 Hours
  • 12
  • 65
  • Bus, Mini Van
  • High Altitude Camping
  • 5,895 Meters (19,340 Feet)
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
  • June to October
  • Hiking
  • All meals during the trek
  • English, French, Swahili
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 2 to15

Overview

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other…

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. The North-East side of the mountain gets significantly less moisture than the southern slopes which means that trekkers are less likely to encounter rain. Trekkers are also more likely to get clear, unclouded views of the mountain. The Rongai Route is flatter than the other Kilimanjaro routes but because of its profile it does not offer trekkers good options to climb high and sleep low. It can be hiked on a six, seven or even eight day. The seven or eight day Rongai routes are highly recommended as trekkers have extra days to acclimatize.

Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by Marangu trekkers which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Due to its remote setting the Rongai Route receives the least traffic of all the routes on Kilimanjaro and descends via the Marangu trail. Seven and eight day trekkers usually spend an additional day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) to acclimatize. Eight day trekkers also stop on day two at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters) before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters).

Highlights

  • Remote northern (Rongai) approach: fewer crowds, drier side, pristine wilderness.
  • Scenic zones: pine/farmland → montane forest (colobus) → heath/moorland → alpine desert → summit glaciers.
  • Extra acclimatization day (usually Mawenzi Tarn) for climb‑high/sleep‑low, boosting success.
  • Mawenzi Tarn Camp: dramatic amphitheater beneath jagged Mawenzi peak; great photography.
  • Wide panoramas: Amboseli plains, Mawenzi spires, vivid sunrises and star‑filled night skies.
  • Pre‑dawn summit via Kibo (Gilman’s/Stella Point) to Uhuru Peak; descend Marangu side for a traverse feel.

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Rongai Gate – Rongai Caves Camp

    We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate to obtain permits required for the summit and then take a short road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. We’ll come across numerous corn and potato fields, and the climb gently through the forest areas, which accommodate a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkeys.

    • Start elevation: ~1,950 m / 6,400 ft (Rongai/Nalemoru Gate)
    • End elevation: ~2,620 m / 8,600 ft (Rongai Caves – First Cave)
    • Net elevation gain: ~670 m / 2,200 ft
    • Hiking time: about 3–4 hours
    • Distance: ~7–8 km (4–5 miles)

  • Day
    02

    Second Caves Camp – Kikelewa Cave

    The day will begin with a morning trek where we’ll steadily incline up to the Second Cave. Continuing on with the trek, we pass through the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi leaving the main trail behind. Kikelewa Camp will be our destination for the day where we’ll be spending our night.

    • Rongai Cave to Second Cave
    • Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
    • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
    • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    • Habitat: Heath

    Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

    • Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
    • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
    • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    • Habitat: Heath

  • Day
    03

    Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp

    The hike today will be short and steep but along a grassy slope. It is surrounded by a vast wilderness area, and as we exit it, we enter the Alpine Desert zone and the landscape contrastingly alters. The campsites will be at the jagged areas of Mawenzi, Mawenzi Tarn to be precise. You’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.

    • Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
    • Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
    • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
    • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Day
    04

    Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Mawenzi Ridge

    You’ll be spending the entire day hiking at the Mawenzi Ridge which offer landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi. This extra day is meant for acclimatization. After exploring the area to the fullest, we’ll then head back to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare our camp.

    • Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
    • Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
    • Distance: 2 km/1 mile
    • Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Day
    05

    Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut

    Our camp, known as Kibo Hut, will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. Once at the hut, we relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day.

    • Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
    • Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
    • Distance: 8 km/5 miles
    • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Day
    06

    Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

    Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching at the Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning view of the sunrise coming over the Mawenzi Peak. Then we ascend all the way to the roof of Africa and highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Uhuru Peak. After celebration of your accomplishment at the peak, we descend down to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we’ll be having our last dinner in the mountain and we’ll then go to sleep.

    • Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
    • Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
    • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
    • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
    • Habitat: Arctic

    Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

    • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
    • Distance: 16 km/10 miles
    • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    • Habitat: Heath

  • Day
    07

    Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate

    On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. Youth Adventures vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

    • Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
    • Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
    • Distance: 20 km/12 miles
    • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
    • Habitat: Rain Forest

Number of PeoplePrice in USD
1$2,000
2$1,984
3$1,968
4$1,952
5$1,936
6$1,920
7$1,904
8$1,888
9$1,872
10$1,850
11+$1,840

The Cost Includes

  • All transportation in destination location
  • Hotel accommodations, before and after the trek
  • All government taxes and park entrance fees
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Emergency oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete expedition medical kits
  • Comfortable sleeping mats
  • All group camping equipment (sleeping tents, dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • Portable radios – Taken on every trek to enable convenient communication.
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, chefs, etc.)
  • Experienced professional mountain guides
  • Salaries for the trekking crew
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Environment-friendly trek

The Cost Excludes

  • Personal gear rentals
  • Tanzania Visa fee
  • Tipping to the trekking crew
  • Travel insurance
  • Any private expenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’m interested in booking, but our group is quite large. Will that be an issue?

We generally aim to keep our public group sizes small, usually no more than ten trekkers, to maintain a more personal experience and preserve the feeling of being in the wilderness. However, if you’re booking as a private group, we’re happy to accommodate you regardless of size, as everyone in your group will already be familiar with one another before arriving in Tanzania.

Can I Book a Private, Fully Customizable Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely! Your Kilimanjaro adventure can be tailored entirely to your preferences. We’ll collaborate with you to craft a personalized trekking experience, designed around your chosen travel companions, ideal departure date, preferred route, hiking pace, and desired duration. It’s your mountain, your way.

What is the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is climbable year-round, most hikers choose the dry seasons, from December to March and June to October, for more favorable weather. Among these, January, February, and September are often regarded as the best months for the climb.

Which travel documents are required?

You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, along with a properly endorsed entry or re-entry visa.

Do you provide airport pickup and drop-off services?

Yes, we offer airport transfer services. Kindly send your request to Safari for arrangements.

Who manages your operations in Tanzania?

We manage all operations directly. We are not agents for any third party; instead, we conduct the treks ourselves through our own locally registered Tanzanian company.

What accommodations can I expect during a Kilimanjaro trek?

On your Kilimanjaro adventure, expert camp porters set up and take down the mountain camps daily. You’ll stay in double-occupancy, all-weather tents equipped with full-ground pads to keep you and your belongings dry. Each camp features private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents furnished with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing. For those on the Grand Traverse route, accommodations are upgraded to solar-lit, walk-in-height sleeping tents furnished with mountaineering beds and mattresses for added comfort.

What meals can I expect to eat?

Each day, expert chefs prepare three hot, nutritious meals along with trail snacks and afternoon tea. You’ll enjoy your meals in a sunlit dining tent alongside your fellow trekkers and the head guide. We offer delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty options. Just let us know in advance. If you’d like, we can also send you a sample menu, just ask!

Will I encounter wildlife during the trek?

Before the climb begins, you’ll have an acclimatization day featuring nature walks and opportunities to observe local wildlife. While trekking through the rainforest, you can expect to see black-and-white Colobus monkeys, various tropical birds, and other fascinating creatures.

How many hours can I expect to trek each day?

On most routes, daily trekking typically lasts between 4 and 7 hours. However, some routes include longer days where you might trek for 10 to 15 hours.

Is the Crater Camp Stop Available on Kilimanjaro Climbs?

An overnight stay at Crater Camp is an optional addition to customized Kilimanjaro climbs, typically included on routes lasting eight days or more, such as Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Machame. This unique and extraordinary campsite is visited by fewer than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 climbers who summit Kilimanjaro each year, offering a rare and unforgettable highland experience in northern Tanzania.

Do You Provide Private and Fully Customizable Kilimanjaro Climbing Expeditions?

Your Kilimanjaro adventure is completely tailored to you. We collaborate closely to create the perfect Tanzanian mountain experience that matches your vision. Choose your own team, set your preferred departure date, select your route, and determine the pace and duration of your climb.

Do you have any special dietary needs?

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose intolerant, or have any allergies, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your requirements.

How can you protect yourself from the sun in Tanzania?

Since Tanzania is located close to the equator, the sun remains intense for much of the day. This strong sunlight can lead to sunburn and heat-related illnesses like sunstroke. To stay safe, it’s important to wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a high SPF.

Who operates your treks in Tanzania?

We do. We’re not intermediaries or agents; we organize and lead all our treks through our own locally based Tanzanian company. You can be confident that anyone you speak to on our team has firsthand experience climbing Kilimanjaro, often multiple times.

Is it possible to charge electronic devices while on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Charging electronic devices on Mount Kilimanjaro is not possible, as there are no charging stations available on the mountain. We highly recommend bringing fully charged power banks and extra batteries to keep your devices powered during the trek. However, if you’re combining your climb with a safari, our safari vehicles are equipped with charging ports for your convenience.

Is tipping the hiking crew customary?

Yes, tipping is both expected and greatly appreciated. The recommended amount typically ranges from $150 to $300 per hiker, depending on the length of the trip. All tips are pooled and distributed among the entire crew. Please bring US dollar bills for this purpose.

I am a vegetarian. What kind of food will be available for me during the trek?

As a vegetarian, you will be provided with a variety of regular vegetarian options such as potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, cheese, sandwiches, and fruit. Please make sure to inform your tour operator in advance if you have any food allergies or medical dietary requirements. For non-vegetarians, meals may include sausages, chicken, and meat. Beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will also be available.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How long does the hike to Uhuru Peak take?

There are at least six different routes to the summit of Uhuru Peak, ranging in distance from 53 to 73 kilometers, depending on the path you choose. The shortest and most challenging is the 5-day Umbwe Route. Adding extra days to your trek is highly recommended to allow for better acclimatization, which significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit. The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular option. While it can be completed in five days, we typically allocate six days to ensure a safer and more comfortable ascent.

Do I need any prior experience to take part?

No previous experience is required, but having some background in hiking or climbing can be beneficial. It’s important that you are physically fit, in good health, and equipped with well-worn, sturdy hiking boots. The better your fitness level, the more enjoyable the experience is likely to be.

What is the elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain on Earth and the tallest in Africa, reaches an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level at its highest point, Uhuru Peak, located on the Kibo crater.

In which country is Mount Kilimanjaro located, and how close is it to the equator?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, in East Africa. It lies approximately 350 kilometers south of the equator, with the closest major towns being Moshi and Arusha.

Can I Book a Private, Fully Customizable Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely! Your Kilimanjaro adventure can be tailored entirely to your preferences. We’ll collaborate with you to craft a personalized trekking experience, designed around your chosen travel companions, ideal departure date, preferred route, hiking pace, and desired duration. It’s your mountain, your way.

Two Nights’ Hotel Accommodations Before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure, we recommend the following options: Stay two nights with bed and breakfast at Parkview InnPanama Garden ResortShose Farmhouse and ChaletsBrubru Lodge, or Salinero Hotels.