Rongai Route 7 days Itinerary, Prices & Dates

The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. Route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points.

The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania

You will be picked up from the airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Arusha for an orientation on  Climb Kilimanjaro. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your trekking gears.

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)

After an early breakfast in Hotel in Arusha, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your Climb Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.

Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft)

During day two hike/Climb Kilimanjaro through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft)

This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike at the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft)

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6: Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate. You will meet our driver ready to transfer you to Arusha/Airport for your next destination reviews.

Note: You can extend your adventure to a 1-3 day safari, 4 days, 5 – 7 Days, etc