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7 Days Rongai Route

7 Days Rongai Route

Trip Overview

Climb from the north, find silence—where wilderness surrounds and every step brings the summit within reach.

The Rongai Route is the only trail ascending from the remote northern side of Kilimanjaro, starting close to the Kenyan border and rising high ‘Above the African Plains’, offering a fantastic sense of wilderness. Rongai lies in the rain shadow of the mountain, meaning your hike is less likely to be affected by adverse weather. From early in the trek Kibo, the summit cone, looms dramatically overhead. Our itinerary includes an acclimatisation day, since the topography on this side of Kilimanjaro does not lend itself to climbing high and sleeping low. Camp below the imposing jagged peak of Mawenzi and enjoy a relaxed morning before undertaking an acclimatisation hike. You cannot fail to be awe inspired as you cross the vast, open saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Physically the route is considered easier than some trails, until you reach the high camp where there is a marked increase in difficulty as you climb steeply to the crater rim. Scramble over Jamaica Rocks and pop out on the rim at Gilman’s Point. Descent is via the Marangu Route.

7 Days Rongai Route
7 Days Rongai Route
7 Days Rongai Route
7 Days Rongai Route

Highlights

  • Remote northern-side approach
  • Less crowded, peaceful trail
  • Unique views of Mawenzi Peak
  • Cross a dramatic alpine saddle
  • Summit via Gilman’s Point

At a glance

  • 6 Nights
  • Kilimanjaro
  • Trekking

Download Full Rongai Route Itinerary

Get a detailed day-by-day guide with trail distances, elevation gains, and camp descriptions—perfect for preparation, sharing, and understanding your Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour before it begins.

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 73 km
  • Duration: 6 or 7 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Summit Success Rate: Middling

Replanting native trees to restore Kilimanjaro’s fragile ecosystem.

Offsetting carbon footprint by funding renewable energy projects.

Creating fair jobs and supporting local mountain communities.

Details Itinerary

Arrival & Briefing

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met and transferred to Moshi. Your Kilimanjaro head guide will come to the hotel for a full briefing, equipment checks and to help you hire anything additional you need.

Trek Day 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to Simba Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)

Elevation Gain: 800m/2,500ft

This morning you will drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the Rongai Nalemoru Gate near the Kenyan border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain and is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro.

Overnight: Simba Camp

Trek Day 2 : Simba Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,000m/3,400ft

Day two of trekking takes you through Kilimanjaro's moorland. During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead. The morning is steep and here you may begin to feel the altitude. You can stop to rest and explore at the first cave. Lunch is often eaten close to the second cave. The afternoon is gentler as you contour across the moorland to camp in a sheltered valley at Kikelewa or the third cave. This is a long day with a trekking time of 6-7 hours.

Overnight: Kikelewa Camp

Trek Day 3 : Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,800ft) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft)

Elevation Gain: 730m/2,400ft

This day is an acclimatisation day, allowing you to hike in the morning and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep, but you are rewarded with superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn

Trek Day 4 : Acclimatisation Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today you can have a lie in, as you will be staying at Mawenzi Tarn for a second night and therefore do not need to pack! The morning will be spent on an acclimatisation walk. Dependent upon how you are feeling this can be a steep walk up the scree slopes towards the peak of Mawenzi, or a gentler climb to the ridge or the lunar desert, visiting the eerie site of a plane crash. Return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and afternoon of rest.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn

Trek Day 5 : Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Huts Camp (4,700m/15,400ft)

Elevation Gain: 370m/1,200ft

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle between Kibo, the summit cone, and Mawenzi today, to arrive at the high camp. The crossing is exposed and can be very windy, but spectacular. Kibo Huts Camp is situated directly below the summit cone, giving spectacular views over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi and upwards to the climb that lies ahead. After lunch and a full summit briefing, spend time resting in preparation for your summit attempt.

Overnight: Kibo Huts Camp

Trek Day 6 : Kibo Huts (4,700m/15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,195 m/3,940ft

Elevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ft

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m). The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes the hike long and tiring. After summit celebrations you will descend to Kibo Huts. You will eat here before continuing your descent to Horombo Huts campsite. This will seem surprisingly fast. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Overnight: Horombo Huts

Trek Day 7 : Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft) to Moshi

Elevation Loss: 1,890m/6,200ft

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. This trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred back to Moshi.

Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)

Departure or Onwards Travel

Today you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your flight.

Included & Excluded

  • Park Fees
  • Camping Fees
  • Rescue Fees
  • Head Guide
  • Assistant Guides
  • Cook, & Porters’ Salaries
  • All Food & Drinking Water
  • Tents
  • Emergency Oxygen
  • Transport To/From Park Entry Gate & 18% VAT Tax
  • Accommodation in Moshi including dinner & breakfast pre-climb and complimentary celebration dinner from African Scenic Safaris and breakfast post climb; two airport transfers.
  • Hiring of personal equipment including clothing, sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc.
  • Tipping to your crew. (The standard recommendation is USD$20 per day to the head guide, $12 per day per assistant guide, $12 per day to the cook and $5-7 per day per porter)
  • Private Toilet upon request
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • spending money
  • any drinks and lunches in Moshi

Trip Map

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Other Route Options

Climb not to escape life, but to find moments where life feels incredibly alive and real.

Explore alternative Kilimanjaro routes designed for different experience levels, scenery preferences, and acclimatisation comfort. Every route gives a unique perspective of the mountain, through forests, moorlands, and alpine zones, while increasing your chances of a successful and rewarding summit experience.

What Our Guests Say

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Hannah W
Hannah W / Sep 2022

The best company out there!

African Scenic Safaris were Amazing. We were a large group of students who climbed Kilimanjaro with them and went on a safari in Tarangire National Park.

Johanna S
Johanna S/ Apr 2025

Great experience on Safari.

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

Gabriella M
Gabriella M/ Feb 2025

Amazing experience

We relied on African Scenic Safaris for organising a 5 days safari. Nembris provided us with suggestions for the itinerary through Serengeti.

Popular Questions Answered

Remote trails raise real questions—clarity helps you climb stronger, steadier, and more confidently toward the summit.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via the 7 Days Rongai Route is quieter, scenic, and unique—but it’s natural to have questions. This section brings clarity to altitude, route features, fitness prep, and more.

The Kilimanjaro climb along the Rongai Route is not too hard. Early on, it's easier on the body, but summit night is still hard, especially on the steep hills before Gilman's Point.

Yes. Because this path is in Kilimanjaro's rain shadow, it is the best choice for climbs in April or November.

After a calm climb, summit night includes a steep climb to Gilman's Point, which is hard on the body but beautiful at sunrise.

Yes. The extra day at Mawenzi Tarn to get used to the altitude helps you get ready for the higher peak push.

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