7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Hiking

From $2450 /person

Duration 7 Days

Private Tour

Tour Overview

The Rongai route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, offering a unique perspective close to the Kenyan border. This side of the mountain is significantly drier, making it an excellent choice during the rainy season and reducing the chance of a muddy trek. The 7-day version provides a more gradual, gentle ascent and includes an extra day for acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn, which significantly boosts success rates. It’s a less crowded route known for its pristine wilderness feel, the possibility of seeing wildlife, and stunning, up-close views of the jagged Mawenzi peak. The descent is via the Marangu route, allowing you to see both sides of the mountain.

Includes

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
4-Season mountain tents
Camping Facilities
Sleeping Bag & Pillows
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon client’s request.

Flights (International)
Visa fees
Travel or medical insurance
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew
Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.

Full Tour Details

Day 1: Rongai Trailhead - Simba Camp

Transport: Private transfer (3 – 4 hours, 90 km)
Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours (8 km)
Ascent: 650 m
altitude: 2600 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Transfer from your hotel to Marangu Gate for registration and then a further transfer to the Rongai trailhead (approx. 2½ hours). Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent through the village of Nale Moru. The small winding path crosses maize fields before climbing gently through a pine forest until we reach First Cave Camp at 2,600m altitude.

Day 2: Simba Camp - Kikelewa Camp

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours (6 km)
Ascent: 1000 m
altitude: 3600 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelewa Caves at 3600m. From here the views start to open up and you will see for yourself how huge a mountain Kilimanjaro really is. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours (5 km)
Ascent: 730 m
altitude: 4330 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

Day 4: Acclimatisation At Mawenzi Tarn

altitude: 4330 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We will spend a full day at and around Mawenzi Tarn as part of the acclimatization process. There will be plenty to do, with several paths leading up the ridges and towers of Mawenzi, and our crew will help arrange short excursions to explore the area.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn - Kibo Camp

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours (8 km)
Ascent: 420 m
altitude: 4750 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite (4750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent tomorrow.

Day 6: Kibo Camp – Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut

Hiking time: 13 – 14 hours (20 km)
Ascent: 1145 m
Descent: 2175 m
altitude: 5895 m
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

You will be woken around 23:30 and after some tea and biscuits we will start our ascent. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). We then zigzag up to Gilman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gilman’s Point we could encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we can spend taking photographs before we descend back to Kibo Campsite and then Horombo Hut where we will stay overnight. Later in the evening we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

Transport: Private transfer (1 hour, 40 km)
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (18 km)
Descent: 1740 m
altitude: 3720 m
Accommodation: Parkview Inn
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch

After breakfast we continue our descent, passing Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu Gate. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.

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