The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It offers a quieter, less crowded climb and beautiful wilderness scenery. The route provides a gradual ascent and is ideal for those seeking a remote experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi or Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a briefing on the climb, equipment check, and final preparations. Enjoy dinner and rest in anticipation of the trek.
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Drive to Rongai Gate (1,950m) and begin the trek through farmland and pine forests. The trail is gentle and offers a good opportunity for acclimatization. Arrive at Simba Camp (2,625m) for dinner and overnight.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Continue the trek with a steady ascent, crossing the moorland. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. Arrive at Second Cave (3,450m) for lunch and a short rest. Proceed to Kikelewa Camp for dinner and overnight.
- Hiking time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 9 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Climb steadily up towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The trail offers stunning views and varied landscapes. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,315m) situated in a sheltered spot beneath Mawenzi Peak. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is stark and barren, resembling a moonscape. Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m), where you will have an early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Start the final ascent at midnight to reach Gilman's Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
- Hiking time: 10-15 hours
- Distance: 22 km
- Habitat: Arctic
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, descend through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 20 km
- Habitat: Moorland and Rainforest
Includes:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Park fees
- Hut accommodations
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional guides, porters, and cook
- Rescue fees
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses