7 days Rongai Route
Overview
The Rongai route offers a distinctive approach to Kilimanjaro from the north, boasting a gentler slope compared to other routes. It’s favored by adventurers seeking a more remote trek, especially during the rainy season. Moderately challenging, it’s an excellent choice for those with limited backpacking experience. On Day 1, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay, ensuring a comfortable start to your journey.
Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport – Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa in Moshi. After settling in, your guide will conduct a comprehensive briefing on the trek, including daily expectations and gear checks, ensuring you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
- Where you’ll be staying: Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1,950m) – First Caves Camp (2,600m)
Following an early breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate (1,980m) for registration with Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) before proceeding to the Rongai trailhead (a 2.5-hour drive). The trek begins through tall cornfields and pine forests, leading to the First Caves Camp (2,600m). Upon arrival, your porters will have already set up camp, providing boiled drinking water and snacks.
- Elevation: 1,950m → 2,600m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: ~5 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Where you’ll be staying: First Caves Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: First Caves Camp – Kikelewa Cave (3,600m)
After breakfast, the journey continues towards Kikelewa Cave (3,600m), passing through Second Cave (3,450m), an ideal spot for a lunch break. The landscape gradually transitions into moorlands, with unique vegetation and expansive mountain views. Upon arrival, your team will have already set up tents and prepared hot drinks and dinner. Expect colder temperatures as you gain altitude.
- Elevation: 2,600m → 3,600m
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking time: ~6–7 hours
- Habitat: Moorlands
- Where you’ll be staying: Kikelewa Cave
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Today’s trek is short but steep, leading to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m). The path passes through moorlands, showcasing unique plant species such as giant lobelias and groundsel. The campsite, nestled beneath the imposing Mawenzi Peak, provides a breathtaking backdrop. The afternoon is reserved for rest and acclimatization, with an optional short walk around the area.
- Elevation: 3,600m → 4,330m
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking time: ~3–4 hours
- Habitat: Moorlands
- Where you’ll be staying: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
After breakfast, the trek continues eastward towards Kibo Hut (4,700m), situated in the Saddle—a vast, barren stretch of alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail is relatively gentle but exposed, making hydration and sun protection essential. Upon arrival, you will rest and have an early dinner in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
- Elevation: 4,330m → 4,700m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: ~4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Where you’ll be staying: Kibo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Summit Attempt – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
The summit attempt begins at 23:30, with a slow and steady climb over rocky terrain to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m). The trail becomes steeper as you ascend to Gillman’s Point (5,681m), where the crater rim offers breathtaking views. From here, a snow-covered path leads to the highest point in Africa – Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
After celebrating at the summit, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for the night.
- Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,720m
- Distance: ~15 km
- Hiking time: ~8 hours to Uhuru, ~6 hours to Horombo
- Habitat: Stone scree, ice-cap summit, moorlands
- Where you’ll be staying: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate (1,980m) – Moshi / Airport Transfer
After a celebratory breakfast, your team will gather for a farewell song and tipping ceremony. Then, begin your 6-hour descent back to Marangu Gate (1,980m), passing through the lush rainforest.
At the gate, you will sign out and receive a summit certificate:
🏅 Green Certificate – Gillman’s Point (5,681m)
🏆 Gold Certificate – Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi or the airport, marking the end of your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Elevation: 3,720m → 1,980m
- Distance: ~27 km
- Hiking time: ~6 hours
- Where you’ll be staying: — (Hotel or Airport Transfer)
- Meals: Breakfast
PRICE PER PERSON
All Prices are per person in a party of 2 adult sharing. Solo travelers & Private groups kindly contact us for a price quote.
From $1870
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What’s included
- Porterage
- Climbing gear
- Rescue fee
- All accommodation
- All activities
- Park fees
- A professional driver/guide
- All Taxes/VAT
- All transportation
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals
- Drinks
What’s not included
- International flights
- Tips
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees