7 Days Rongai Route
Places You'll See
Tour Overview
The Rongai Route is a tranquil, lesser-traveled path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, starting from Nale Muru near the Kenyan border and ending at Marangu Gate. This 7-day climb features a gradual ascent, ideal for acclimatization, and offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts. Trekkers will encounter a variety of wildlife, including colobus and blue monkeys, forest elephants, and a rich array of birdlife in the rainforest zone. As the trail ascends through the moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones, sightings of sunbirds, hyraxes, unique flora like Giant Groundsels and Lobelias, and hardy birds such as the Alpine Chat and White-necked Raven become highlights. The serene and scenic journey through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones, coupled with lower traffic and rich biodiversity, makes the Rongai Route a memorable and rewarding adventure.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP
- Distance:Â 7 km / 5 mi
- Duration:Â 3-4 hours
- Habitat:Â Rainforest
- Elevation:Â 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 638m
Depart from Moshi and drive for 4-5 hours through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After permits are issued, begin your trek through beautiful wooded scenery and winding trails. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Simba Camp, near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offers spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP
- Distance:Â 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
- Duration:Â 5-6 hours
- Habitat:Â Moorland
- Elevation:Â 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 852m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, continue along the moorland terrain on a consistently ascending path. You’ll enjoy terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as you approach the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELEWA CAMP
- Distance:Â 5.95 km / 3.7 mi
- Duration:Â 2-3 hours
- Habitat:Â Semi Desert
- Elevation:Â 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12,057ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 188m
After breakfast and packing, continue the steady ascent across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hike brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 4: KIKELEWA CAMP- MAWENZI TARN
- Distance:Â 3.75 km / 2.3 mi
- Duration:Â 3-4 hours
- Habitat:Â Semi Desert
- Elevation:Â 3675m/12,057ft to 4302m/14,114ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 627m
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surrounding area for acclimatization.
DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT
- Distance:Â 8.9 km / 5 mi
- Duration:Â 4-5 hours
- Habitat:Â Alpine Desert
- Elevation:Â 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 412m
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Huts at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on summit night.
DAY 6: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT – HOROMBO HUTS
- Distance Up:Â 4 km / 2.5 mi
- Duration Up:Â 5-7 hours
- Distance Down:Â 15.75 km / 9.8 mi
- Duration Down:Â 5-6 hours
- Habitat:Â Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation Up:Â 4750m/15,580ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 1145m
- Descent to:Â 3721m/12,208ft
- Altitude Lost:Â 2174m
Start early, between midnight and 2 a.m., for the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest here. The remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak may involve snow. After celebrations and photos at the summit, begin your steep descent to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE
- Distance:Â 20 km / 12.5 mi
- Duration:Â 6-7 hours
- Habitat:Â Rainforest
- Elevation:Â 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
- Altitude Lost:Â 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Continue the descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you will be leaving them here. Return to Marangu Gate to receive your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Tour Price Inclusion and Exclusion
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks