7 Days – Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route
Overview
Duration: 7 days
The Rongai Route is known for being one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s easiest and least crowded routes, with a high success rate. Starting on the mountain’s north side, near the Kenyan border, the trek offers a quieter and more scenic experience. The descent is made via the Marangu Route, allowing climbers to enjoy diverse perspectives of the mountain.
Key Points
Starting Point: North side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border.
Descent: Marangu Route on the south side.
Access: Amboseli National Park in Kenya can also access the route. The drive to the trailhead from Moshi takes about 3 hours, passing through villages and coffee plantations. If entering from Kenya, the drive takes approximately 2 hours, including border crossing.
This route is excellent for those seeking a quieter trek with a high chance of reaching the summit.
CLIMBING RATES
* Cost per person in USD
Itinerary
If you’ve opted for optional airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
You'll receive a detailed pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. Plan to arrive at least one day before the trek starts. Today, we’ll review your equipment and rent any necessary gear.
Begin your journey by driving to the charming village of Nale Moru, about a 2-hour drive, including a stop to secure permits at Marangu. After signing in and preparing your porters, the hike begins on a wide path through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the lush pine forest. The trail climbs gently through the forest, offering a chance to spot diverse wildlife. The first camp, Simba Camp, lies at the edge of the moorland zone, providing expansive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The morning hike is a steady ascent to the Second Cave, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The Kikelewa Camp is nestled in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant Senecios, creating a unique and picturesque setting.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A steep but short climb up grassy slopes rewards you with spectacular views. The trail ascends above the vegetation, leading to the Mawenzi Tarn Camp, spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the area, aiding in acclimatization.
Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the lunar landscape of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the summit attempt early the next morning.
Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the final ascent to the summit in the early morning hours (midnight to 2 am). The trail is steep and challenging, leading to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (elev. 5700m/18,700ft). From here, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After capturing the incredible views and your summit photo, descend to Kibo for lunch and rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (summit), then down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up, 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up, 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, descend steadily through the moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue through the lush forest to the Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Afterward, our vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 1-hour drive.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Included/Exclude
- 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)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips for porters and mountain crew is recommended
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed an increase in taxes and park fees
- Alcohol drinks
