8 Days
Kilimanjaro Trekking - Rongai Route
Trekking
Overview
The Rongai Route is one of the quietest and most remote routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the northern side near the Kenyan border, this route offers a unique perspective of the mountain with fewer crowds compared to the southern routes.
Day by day
Full Itinerary
Arrival in Moshi / Arusha
Arrive at Moshi or Arusha where you will meet your mountain team for a briefing and equipment check before the climb.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
Drive to Rongai Gate for registration at Kilimanjaro National Park. The trek begins through farmland and forest, gradually climbing to Simba Camp.
Elevation: 1,950 m → 2,650 m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
Continue ascending through open moorland with wide views across the plains of Kenya as you trek to Second Cave Camp.
Elevation: 2,650 m → 3,450 m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp
The trail becomes steeper as you approach Kikelewa Camp, located in a sheltered valley with giant senecio plants typical of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscape.
Elevation: 3,450 m → 3,600 m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s trek leads to Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful campsite beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak.
Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,330 m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Cross the barren lunar landscape known as the Saddle between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak to reach Kibo Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt.
Elevation: 4,330 m → 4,700 m
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo Hut
Begin the summit attempt around midnight, climbing to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895 m). After celebrating at the summit, descend to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance: ~21 km
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic → Moorland
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
After breakfast descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate where climbers receive their certificates before transfer back to hotel.
Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,870 m
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Safari Include
- All park fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
- Professional, experienced mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Quality camping equipment including tents, tables, chairs, and dining tent
- Airport transfers and transportation to and from the mountain gate
- Accommodation before and after the trek in Arusha or Moshi (bed and breakfast)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb
Safari Exclude
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear and equipment rental
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and support crew
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
book this Tour
Safari Itineraries
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