The 7 Days Rongai Route is a peaceful and remote approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, entering from the northern side near the Kenyan border. It’s the only route that starts on this side of the mountain, offering unique perspectives and a high chance of spotting wildlife during the early rainforest stages.
This 7-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day, typically spent at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled beneath the jagged peak of Mawenzi. The additional time allows your body to better adjust to the altitude, significantly increasing your summit success rate compared to the faster 6-day version.
The trail is less trafficked than other popular routes, providing a quieter, more meditative experience, while still showcasing Kilimanjaro’s striking variety—from rainforest and alpine moorland to the icy summit. The descent is via the Marangu Route, offering contrasting scenery on the way down.
Perfect for:
Trekkers seeking a calm, less crowded route
Climbers who prefer gradual acclimatization
Adventurers hiking during the wet season, as the north side stays drier
| People in Group | 1-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9+ |
| Standard Package | $2,150 | $2,050 | $1,890 | $1,700 |
All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.
The Hotel we are using is between these
Pick up from your hotel drive for two hours and half to Marangu park gate for formalities registration after that transfer to the Rongai trailhead in about 3hours. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at Simba camp, at about 2,600 meters. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below samba camp.
Late Breakfast, enjoy the morning at Simba camp proceed with the hiking very slowly acclimatize your body until you reach Second cave (3450M ) for hot lunch. Afternoon relax at second cave with dinner and overnight.
After breakfast then continues up towards Kibo, reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.
You will wake up around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. 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), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut for a short rest ten after your descent to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The descent to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around almost 14 hours,later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and well-earned sleep.
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi where your trekking tour ends with sweet memories.
drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
Travel insurance
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.
Flights
Laundry (Available at hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the
Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php
Guides: $20/day/guide
Cook: $15/day
Porter: $10/day/porter
Whether you are ready for Tanzania Safari Dream or Kilimanjaro Adventure or Beach Relaxation for a few days or a few weeks long, our experts will create an itinerary from scratch, fully tailored to your wishes. Want to visit a beautiful destination or start an adventure to reach the top, or relax in a paradise, we will make it happen.
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