7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Overview

Itinerary

What's Covered

Package Overview

Tour Overview

7 Days Rongai Route Trek

Experience the breathtaking 7 Days Rongai Route Trek, the only Kilimanjaro route approaching the mountain from the tranquil northern side near the Kenyan border. Renowned for its peaceful trails, gentle gradients, and excellent acclimatization profile, the Rongai Route is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking a quieter and more scenic path to Africa’s highest peak.

Your journey begins through lush forests before ascending across open moorlands, alpine deserts, and the dramatic Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views into Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and witness unforgettable sunrises above the clouds. After reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), descend via the Marangu Route, completing a remarkable cross-mountain adventure guided by experienced professionals and supported every step of the way.

Tour at a Glance

  • Arrival Day: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi for a trek briefing and overnight stay.
  • Day 1: Drive to Rongai Gate and trek through forest and farmland to First Cave Camp.
  • Day 2: Ascend across open moorlands to Second Cave Camp with spectacular views toward Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks.
  • Day 3: Continue to Third Cave Camp while enjoying panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the eastern glaciers.
  • Day 4: Cross the dramatic Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo before arriving at Kibo Hut for summit preparations.
  • Day 5: Midnight summit ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) before descending to Horombo Hut.
  • Day 6: Descend through rainforest to Marangu Gate and return to Arusha.
  • Departure Day: Transfer to the airport or continue your Tanzanian adventure with an unforgettable wildlife safari.

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Arrival Day: Airport → Moshi

On your arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO) our representative will pick you from airport and then transfer to hotel in Moshi for trekking briefing, dinner and overnight at The Secret Garden or similar lodge.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi at 8:30 Am and then transfer to Rongai gate. Climbs of Kilimanjaro by the Rongai Route begin at the picturesque village of Nale Moru (1,950m), on a small path through potato and corn fields. After entering the pine forest, it takes approximately three to four hours to reach first camp, situated on the edge of the moorland zone.

A steady ascent across open grasslands (which attract elephant and other wildlife) brings us to second cave camp, where the views out over Amboseli and Tsavo parks in Kenya are superlative. This section of the trail takes approximately four hours.

Today you will trek up a gentle gradient to third cave, with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Allow yourself three to four hours for this section of the trail. Your easy, steady pace on the Rongai Route minimizes levels of difficulty and significantly assists acclimatization.

The ascent to Kibo Hut takes about four to five hours, with the trail crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The remainder of this day is devoted to rest and recreation, in preparation for your attempt on the summit which starts around midnight.

It is at this stage that the climb becomes much more difficult and hikers should carry as little as possible for this stage. Making your way up a path that is flanked by the Ratzel and Rebman glaciers, you will climb for about six hours before reaching the edge of the crater between Stella and Hans Meyer points. The track around the edge of the crater is icy and rocky, so concentrate on your feet and follow your guide very closely for this section of the climb. Another hour of climbing will bring you to the summit – Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. Enjoy your sense of achievement as you watch the rising sun reflect of Kilimanjaro’s ice-caps and glaciers. Trek down to Kibo Hut (a relatively quick descent) for a well-deserved breakfast before continuing down to your final night on the mountain at Horombo Hut.

Take time to appreciate the different flora and thick forest on this side of the mountain, as you walk down from Horombo to Marangu Gate. Now is the time to collect your certificate, say goodbye to your new mountain friends and rejoin your vehicle for the short drive Arusha for dinner and overnight at Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa, www.tuliahotelandspa.com.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to airport or extend to safari with our safari team.

Tour Highlights

What's Covered in Package

Cost Includes

  • Transfer to/from Arusha National Park
  • Overnight stays in Mountain Huts
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • All park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Airport transfers

Cost Includes

  • Accommodation in Arusha(Can be arranged upon request)
  • Tanzania VISA
  • Gratuity
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Things to do in this Package

Sunrise Summit Experience
Wildlife Viewing
Scenic Photography
Nature & Bird Watching
Professional Mountain Guiding
High-Altitude Hiking

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