Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days Itinerary

The 7-day Rongai Route offers a remote and scenic approach to Mount Kilimanjaro from the north. This route is less crowded and provides an extra acclimatization day to increase the chance of a successful summit. The journey takes you through pristine forests, open moorlands, and alpine deserts, culminating with a climb to the roof of Africa—Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.

Tour Highlights

• ✓ Remote and quiet trail with fewer climbers
• ✓ Gradual elevation gain for excellent acclimatization
• ✓ Scenic views of Kenya’s plains and Mawenzi Peak
• ✓ Extra acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
• ✓ Opportunity to summit Africa’s highest peak
• ✓ Expert mountain crew with full support

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Itinerary – Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days

Day 1 – Rongai Gate (1,950 m) to Simba Camp (2,750 m)

After breakfast, you will be driven to the Rongai Gate for registration. Begin your hike through cultivated farmland and pine forest. The trail gently climbs to Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone. Walking time: 3–4 hours.

Day 2 – Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,450 m)

Today’s hike is a steady ascent through moorland with incredible views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields. Arrive at Second Cave Camp for lunch and rest. Walking time: 3–4 hours.

Day 3 – Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)

Depart the Second Cave and head toward the Eastern side of the mountain. The trail becomes steeper, passing through open heathland. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp with impressive views of Mawenzi Peak. Walking time: 3–4 hours.

Day 4 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,300 m)

Short but steep ascent up grassy slopes into the alpine zone. Reach Mawenzi Tarn nestled beneath Mawenzi’s rugged spires. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring. Walking time: 3–4 hours.

Day 5 – Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn

A crucial day for acclimatization. Take a short hike around the camp to higher altitudes and return for rest. This day helps your body adjust to the thin air and increases summit success rate.

Day 6 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut, the base camp. The barren landscape is striking. Arrive early to rest and prepare for your nighttime summit push. Walking time: 4–5 hours.

Day 7 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Begin your summit attempt just after midnight. Trek to Gillman’s Point and continue to Uhuru Peak. Celebrate reaching the highest point in Africa. Descend back to Kibo for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for overnight. Total walking time: 12–14 hours.

Day 8 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,860 m)

Final descent through moorland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer to Moshi or Arusha. Walking time: 5–6 hours.