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8 Days Rongai Route,

The Rongai Route offers a unique and less-traveled path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border, this route provides drier conditions and exceptional views that other routes don’t offer. The Rongai Route is ideal for those seeking a quieter trek with excellent acclimatization time and diverse scenery—from rainforests and alpine desert to rugged, lunar landscapes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. After settling in, you’ll have a pre-trek briefing to go over last-minute gear checks and discuss the climb with your guide.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
  • Elevation: 915 m (3,000 ft)

 

Day 2: Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
After breakfast, drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border to begin the trek. Hike through lush rainforests with chances to spot wildlife, gradually ascending to Simba Camp for the night.

  • Elevation: 1,950 m to 2,650 m (6,398 ft to 8,694 ft)
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

 

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Continue the ascent through moorland, with a gradual trail that allows for great views and steady acclimatization. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak as you approach Second Cave Camp.

  • Elevation: 2,650 m to 3,450 m (8,694 ft to 11,319 ft)
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

 

Day 4: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
The trail becomes steeper as you trek through heather and moorland, eventually reaching the stunning Kikelewa Camp. With fewer crowds and scenic landscapes, this day allows for a peaceful climb with gorgeous views.

  • Elevation: 3,450 m to 3,600 m (11,319 ft to 11,811 ft)
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland

 

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
After breakfast, ascend steadily to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of Mount Mawenzi. This high-altitude campsite offers amazing views and a unique atmosphere below Kilimanjaro’s jagged peaks.

  • Elevation: 3,600 m to 4,330 m (11,811 ft to 14,206 ft)
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

 

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
A gradual ascent across the alpine desert brings you closer to Kibo Hut, the base camp for summit night. Rest here and prepare for an early morning start to the summit.

  • Elevation: 4,330 m to 4,700 m (14,206 ft to 15,420 ft)
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

 

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Begin the final summit push around midnight. After a challenging ascent, reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s summit. After celebrating, descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.

  • Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m to 3,720 m (15,420 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,204 ft)
  • Hiking Time: 12-15 hours (total for ascent and descent)
  • Habitat: Arctic and alpine desert

 

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Return to Moshi
Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll complete registration and receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration dinner.

  • Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,860 m (12,204 ft to 6,102 ft)
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Trip Highlights:

  • Quiet and scenic ascent on the remote north side of Kilimanjaro
  • Opportunity to spot wildlife on lower slopes, including colobus monkeys
  • Diverse ecosystems from lush rainforests to barren landscapes
  • Stunning summit approach from the iconic Uhuru Peak

Safari Inclusive & Exclusive

WHATS INCLUDED?

  • Transport to and from Moshi/Arusha to the trail head

  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping /huts fees, rescue fee and Value Added tax (VAT)

  • Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters

  • Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only

  • Camping tents

  • S;eeping pads

  • Mess tents, table, chairs and lanterns

  • Fresh and nutrition meals on the mountain

  • Breakfast at the hotel

WHATS EXCLUDED?

  • Airfares and departure taxes. Read more about reaching Kilimanjaro
  • Personal gear. Here is the recommended gear list
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cooks. Read more
  • Entry visa for Tanzania.
  • Vaccinations.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Dinner at the hotels before and after the climb.
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