7-days Rongai Route offers a tranquil ascent from Kilimanjaro’s northern flank,

Overview

7-days Rongai Route offers a tranquil ascent from Kilimanjaro’s northern flank, renowned for its remote trails and spectacular scenery. Beginning in lush montane forest, the trek progresses through moorland, alpine desert, and glacial zones, providing gradual acclimatization with overnight stops at Simba, Second Cave, Kikelewa, Mawenzi Tarn, and Kibo Hut. The summit is reached via Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak, followed by a scenic descent through Horombo and Marangu Gate. Your climb is fully supported by licensed guides, assistant guides, porters, and cooks, ensuring expert navigation, health monitoring, nourishment, and camp logistics. With fewer crowds, drier weather, and stringent adherence to KPAP porter welfare standards, Rongai delivers a serene and rewarding Kilimanjaro .

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Rongai Gate → Simba Camp (6 km, 1,950 → 2,670 m)
Your adventure begins with a scenic 3–4 hour drive from Moshi to Rongai Gate, where registration is completed before you enter Kilimanjaro National Park. Trek gently through montane forest, spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys en route to Simba Camp. Porters set up tents, while cooks prepare hot, nutritious meals. Guides lead health briefings, introduce pacing protocols, and perform pulse and oxygen saturation checks. As night falls, enjoy communal dining under a tarp with warm tea and prepare for the next day’s journey into moorland terrain.
Day 2
Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp 5–6 km, 2,670 → 3,450 m
Cross open moorland with sweeping views of Kibo’s ice fields. The trail weaves through giant heathers and heathland, with increasing winds signaling your ascent into higher altitudes. Porters and assistant guides maintain a steady, supportive pace, punctuated by frequent breaks with snacks and warm drinks. Upon arrival, your campsite is ready and meals are served. Guides perform altitude wellness checks and offer insights into the mountain’s geology and ecology. The clear night sky is ideal for stargazing and camaraderie.
Day 3
Second Cave Camp → Kikelewa Cave Camp 6 km, 3,450 → 3,600 m
Transition from moorland to alpine desert as vegetation thins and panoramic views of the eastern glaciers open. The trek is moderate, and porters manage gear while cooks serve hearty trail lunches and hot dinners. Guides reinforce acclimatization strategies such as “climb high, sleep low” and introduce you to the iconic senecios and other high-altitude flora. Evening camp routines include vital signs checks, encouraging talks, and warm beverages, setting a calm tone for the next day.

Transition from moorland to alpine desert as vegetation thins and panoramic views of the eastern glaciers open. The trek is moderate, and porters manage gear while cooks serve hearty trail lunches and hot dinners. Guides reinforce acclimatization strategies such as “climb high, sleep low” and introduce you to the iconic senecios and other high-altitude flora. Evening camp routines include vital signs checks, encouraging talks, and warm beverages, setting a calm tone for the next day.
Day 4
Kikelewa Cave Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4–8 km, 3,600 → 4,315 m
Today you tackle a steeper climb across alpine desert grassy slopes up to Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the striking Mawenzi peaks. The route varies between 4 and 8 km depending on your pacing. Porters lead the way, cooks prepare meals, and guides monitor health closely. Afternoon is reserved for rest or optional acclimatization walks around the camp. Evening briefings cover summit planning and safety protocols. The stark rocky landscape and clear skies offer unforgettable alpine tranquility.
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp → Kibo Hut (8–9 km, 4,315 → 4,700 m
Cross the lunar-like Saddle, traversing alpine desert terrain to reach Kibo Hut, your last camp before summit night. Porters and cooks handle camp setup and meal preparation with efficiency. Guides conduct final summit briefings covering clothing layers, hydration, pacing, and oxygen use. Night is cold and windy; staff ensure tents are warm and all gear is ready for the demanding ascent ahead. Early lights-out prepares you for the midnight wake-up.
Day 6
Summit Day – Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut (≈18–20 km
Summit day begins near midnight with warm porridge and tea. The climb proceeds steadily in the dark through scree to Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then onward to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Assistant guides support slower trekkers with oxygen and encouragement. After summit celebrations, the long descent takes you back to Horombo Hut via Kibo for lunch. Porters ensure your gear is transported smoothly, cooks prepare replenishing meals, and guides vigilantly monitor for altitude sickness. Rest deeply after a monumental day.
Day 7
Horombo Hut Marangu Gate 10–12 km
The final day is a pleasant descent through alpine desert, heath, and rainforest to Marangu Gate. At the park exit, you receive your summit certificate in a heartfelt ceremony. The crew is formally thanked during the traditional lineup. Transport returns you to Moshi for warm showers and relaxation. Guides provide post-trek care advice and suggestions for safaris or beach extensions. Celebrate your achievement, rejuvenated and inspired.

Cost Info

Price includes

Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Camping Equipment
Porterage

Price excludes

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Alcohol drinks
Rescue Fee
Climbing Gear
Sleeping Bag

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7-days Rongai Route offers a tranquil ascent from Kilimanjaro’s northern flank,

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1

Rongai Gate → Simba Camp (6 km, 1,950 → 2,670 m)

Day 2

Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp 5–6 km, 2,670 → 3,450 m

Day 3

Second Cave Camp → Kikelewa Cave Camp 6 km, 3,450 → 3,600 m

Day 4

Kikelewa Cave Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4–8 km, 3,600 → 4,315 m

Day 5

Mawenzi Tarn Camp → Kibo Hut (8–9 km, 4,315 → 4,700 m

Day 6

Summit Day – Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut (≈18–20 km

Day 7

Horombo Hut Marangu Gate 10–12 km

Cost Info

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