Hiking via Rongai Route

7 days—Pleasurable Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route 2025, 2026 and 2027

$1600-1850 USD

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Safari summary

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Known for its remote and less crowded path, the Rongai Route offers a unique and quieter trekking experience, with a gradual ascent that makes it suitable for climbers seeking a more peaceful and scenic alternative to the more trafficked southern routes. It is typically completed in 6 or 7 days, with the 7-day option offering a better acclimatization profile.
Despite being drier than other routes especially the southern ones the Rongai Route still delivers diverse scenery, from dry open plains and pine forest to high-altitude desert and glacier views near the summit. Because it’s less affected by rainfall, it is an excellent choice during the wet season.
Trekkers descend via the Marangu Route on the southern side, allowing for a circular traverse of the mountain and a chance to experience both the drier northern and lusher southern landscapes.
TOUR HIGHLITS
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Rongai Route
1. How difficult is the Rongai Route?
It’s one of the easier routes in terms of terrain and ascent profile, thanks to the gradual incline, but summit night is always challenging due to altitude and cold.

2. Is the Rongai Route good for beginners?
Yes. It’s a good choice for first-time high-altitude trekkers seeking a quieter, less technical route.

3. What’s the success rate for summiting?
The 7-day version has a high success rate—around 85–90%, due to the extra acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn.

4. When is the best time to hike the Rongai Route?
• January to March and June to October are the best months.
• It’s also a great option during the wet season (April, May, and November) because it’s on the drier side of Kilimanjaro.

5. Are there huts or tents on this route?
The Rongai Route is a fully camping route. You'll sleep in tents set up by your support team.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Kilimanjaro

The hike begins with a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Rongai Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registration, you start hiking through cultivated fields and dense pine forests. The trail is gentle, quiet, and offers glimpses of wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds. By late afternoon, you arrive at Simba Camp, set on the edge of the moorland zone with views over the plains.

Simba Campe

Day 2: Simba Camp - Second Cave

Kilimanjaro

Today’s hike is a steady ascent through heath and moorland, with clear views of Kibo’s icy summit and the open savannah stretching to Kenya. The vegetation begins to thin as you gain elevation, and the air becomes crisper. You’ll take your time adjusting to the altitude with a slow, steady pace. The day ends at Second Cave Camp, a good spot for early acclimatization.

Second Cave Camp

Day 3: Second Cave - Kikelewa Camp

Kilimanjaro

Leaving Second Cave, you head east and hike gradually through semi-desert terrain, passing small valleys and occasional giant groundsels. The hike is shorter but steeper than the previous day, giving you time to rest and acclimate in the afternoon. As you near Kikelewa Camp, the scenery becomes more dramatic with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak’s jagged spires. The remote setting offers a peaceful and wild mountain experience.

Kikelewa Camp

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Tarn

Kilimanjaro

Today’s route ascends more sharply through alpine desert and rocky terrain. You’ll hike up grassy slopes and ridges, entering a high-altitude zone with incredible views. By mid-afternoon, you reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, beautifully tucked beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, ideal for rest and acclimatization.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn - Kibo Hut

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, you cross the broad Saddle, a dry, lunar landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This stretch is long, open, and exposed, with minimal vegetation and growing winds. It’s a key acclimatization day and requires a slow, steady pace to conserve energy. By afternoon, you reach Kibo Hut, where you rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak

Kilimanjaro

Your summit push begins at midnight, hiking by headlamp up steep switchbacks through scree and volcanic rock. After reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685 m), you continue along the crater rim to the true summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly before descending back to Kibo for a meal and short rest. You then continue down to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.

Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Kilimanjaro

Your last day is a gradual descent through moorland and lush rainforest, rich with birdlife and natural beauty. The trail leads down to Mandara Hut and eventually to Marangu Gate, where your hike officially ends. You’ll receive a summit certificate and say farewell to your mountain crew. A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration

No accommodation

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