Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

From

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Best Season

Route Overview

Mount Kilimanjaro may be climbed using six recognized routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. All of the Marangu, Machame, and

Umbwe routes approach the summit from the south. The Lemosho and Shira roads arrive from the west. The Rongai path approaches from the north. Except for Marangu and Rongai, all routes go to Mweka.

The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days is used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Because of its distant position, the path is less popular and provides hikers with a unique wilderness experience in which they may observe enormous fauna such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo. Because there is normally less precipitation on this side of the mountain, you are less likely to experience rain and will have clearer views of the top. While it is flatter, it does not provide the climb-high, sleep-low option; hence, it is advisable to plan extra days for acclimatization.

The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days Trail is one of the more accessible ways up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the sole way to approach Kilimanjaro from the north, and the descent follows the Marangu Route. Summit night from Kibo Hut is difficult and follows the same route as the Marangu route, which goes around Gilman’s Point before reaching Uhuru Peak. There are various versions; the one detailed here is a longer path that includes Mawenzi Tarn.

Duration: 5–6 days.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Very good scenery.
Traffic: Low.

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and brought to The Bristol Cottages B&B for an overnight stay. Your head guide will meet you for a briefing, and gear check and arrange for you to rent any equipment you may require.

Tour Highlights

  Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Rongai Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
  Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
  Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
  Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hats, cold-weather jackets, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
  Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at a 3-star hotel (upgrades on request).
  Customizations: Can be customized upon request to meet travelers’s needs
  Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
  Trip Availability: All year round.

Detailed Itinerary

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate to obtain the permits required for the summit and then take a short road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. We’ll come across numerous corn and potato fields and climb gently through the forest areas which accommodate a variety of wildlife which also includes the black and white colobus monkeys.

The day will begin with a morning trek where we’ll steadily incline up to the Second Cave. Continuing with the trek, we pass through the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi leaving the main trail behind. Kikelewa Camp will be our destination for the day where we’ll be spending our night.

Rongai Cave to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

The hike today will be short and steep but along a grassy slope. It is surrounded by a vast wilderness area, and as we exit it, we enter the Alpine Desert zone and the landscape contrastingly alters. The campsites will be in the jagged areas of Mawenzi, Mawenzi Tarn to be precise. You’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding area.

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

You’ll be spending the entire day hiking at the Mawenzi Ridge which offer landscapes of Kibo and Mawenzi. This extra day is meant for acclimatization. After exploring the area to the fullest, we’ll then head back to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare our camp.

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance: 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Our camp, known as Kibo Hut, will be at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. Once at the hut, we relax for the rest of the day and prepare for the upcoming summit day.

Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Just past midnight, we’ll begin our summit to the top. This is considered the most challenging part of the journey when the wind and cold can be extreme at any period of the day. With short and frequent breaks, we ascend in the darkness. Once reaching at Stella Point which is at an elevation of 18,900 ft, you’ll be rewarded with one of the stunning views of the sunrise coming over the Mawenzi Peak. Then we ascend to the roof of Africa and the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Uhuru Peak. After the celebration of your accomplishment at the peak, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we’ll be having our last dinner in the mountain and we’ll then go to sleep.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. Youth Adventures vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Climbing Cost Includes

  • Two-way private airport transfers
  • All park fees collected by the National Park
  • Hotel accommodations before and after the expedition
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • All meals on the hike
  • All group camping equipment
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete Expedition medical kits
  • Kilimanjaro licensed professional guides
  • Hiking dedicated support crews
  • Government taxes
  • Crew salaries
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet

Climbing Cost Excludes

  • Personal Climbing gears
  • Tanzania Visa on arrival
  • Mountaineering Insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses

Price per person

Tour Pricing

Number of People Cost Per Person
1 person $2,600
2 people $2380
3 people $2,050
4 people $2,000
5 people $1,980
6 people $1,960
7 people $1,940
8 people $1,920
9 people $1,900
10 people + $1,880

Tour Accommodations in Masatu

Two Nights Hotel Accommodations
   One before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include:
  1. Keys Hotel: Comfortable and contemporary stay.
  2. Ameg Lodge: Tranquil retreat amidst picturesque landscapes.
  3. Lindrin Lodge: Charming and rustic ambience.
  4. Parkview Inn: Convenient location with well-appointed rooms.
  5. Chanya Lodge: Exceptional service and warm hospitality.

Tour Map

Map of Mount Kilimanjaro's Rongai Route with key stops like Simba Camp and Kibo Hut.

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Tour Information

Max Guests per Group

25

Min Age

15+

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Accomodation

Maximum Altitude

Fitness Level

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