7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route

OVERVIEW

The 7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai Route offers a unique and less-traveled path to Africa’s highest peak. Approaching from the northern side near the Kenyan border, this route provides a drier, quieter trek with stunning views and diverse scenery. Ideal for those seeking solitude and a more gradual ascent, Rongai is known for its steady climb and excellent chances of spotting wildlife. The route joins the Marangu path for the final summit push to Uhuru Peak. With experienced guides and a well-paced itinerary, this adventure is perfect for trekkers looking for a scenic and off-the-beaten-path Kilimanjaro experience.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

The journey begins with a drive to the Rongai Gate (1,950m) on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. After registration and a short briefing, the trek starts through farmland and pine forest. The path is gentle and gradually ascends to Simba Camp (2,625m), where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.

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Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Today’s hike continues through open moorland with sweeping views of the plains below and Kilimanjaro’s eastern ice fields. The trail steadily ascends to Second Cave Camp (3,450m), where you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize while enjoying views of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak.

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Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

The route veers southeast toward Mawenzi, offering a steeper but scenic climb. You’ll pass through shrubland before reaching the small, sheltered Kikelewa Camp (3,630m). The surrounding views begin to open up, and the air gets noticeably thinner, marking your steady ascent toward higher altitudes.

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Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

A short but steep climb leads to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m), nestled in a stunning location beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. This is a key acclimatization day, and the afternoon is free for rest or short hikes around the tarn. The scenery here is among the most dramatic on the mountain.

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Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

The trail crosses the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, leading to Kibo Hut (4,700m) at the base of the summit route. This stretch is dry and desolate, with incredible views of both peaks. After an early dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the midnight summit push.

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Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

You’ll begin the final ascent around midnight, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After enjoying the summit, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for your final night on the mountain. The descent is long and demanding but incredibly rewarding.

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Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Your final day takes you down through the moorland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,870m). Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate the completion of your incredible 6-day journey along the Rongai Route.

COST FOR 2025

2 people 3 people 4-6 people
December to April $9,290 per person $10,200 per person (2 rooms) $9,420 per person

What’s included?

  • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Airport transfers
  • Pick up from hotel to Airport for flight
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters

What’s not included?

  • All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc.
  • International airfare & flights
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa and Passport fees

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