- Kilimanjaro Rongai Climb
7 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Experience Photo Gallery
Overview
Many favor Rongai for its gradual, steady slope. The north side is also much drier than the south, making it a popular choice during the rainy seasons. The 7-day itinerary adds a night at Mawenzi Tarn, which greatly improves acclimatization and summit success. The main drawback is that Rongai is less scenic than routes crossing more varied terrain. The descent follows the Marangu route, so you get a loop rather than a pure out-and-back.
Tour Plan
Arrival:
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi.
A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that says “MTB Adventure African Safaris” and/or your name.
There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.
If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.
Meals included: n/a
Accommodations in Arusha city
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp.
Drive to the wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours, including a stop at Marangu for permits). After signing in and preparing the porters, you start hiking on a wide path through maize and potato fields, then into pine forest. The trail climbs steadily but gently through forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. As the forest thins, you reach the first camp at the edge of the moorland zone, with wide views over the Kenyan plains.
Overnight: Simba Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave.
A steady morning ascent to the Second Cave, with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Overnight: Second Cave.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Follow a smaller path across the moorland toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite sits in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with superb views. You leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, set in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the area, which helps with acclimatization.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Hut.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut.
Cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the foot of the crater wall. The rest of the day is for resting before the very early summit start.
Overnight: Kibo Hut.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut.
Start very early, in the dark, with headlamps or flashlights. The climb up steep, heavy scree or snow leads to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (5,700 m / 18,700 ft), then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Take your summit photo, then descend, stopping at Kibo for lunch and a rest before continuing to Horombo. It will be very cold until you start descending, so keep all your warm layers on. This is the hardest part of the trek, with many switchbacks, so go “pole pole” (slowly) and keep an optimistic attitude.
Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, descend steadily through moorland to Mandara Hut, then through lush forest to the National Park gate at Marangu. The lower sections can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help. Shorts and a t-shirt are usually enough, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. Our vehicle meets you at Marangu Gate for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Meals: lunch and dinner.
Departure
est at the hotel, then transfer to the airport. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you have an evening flight, you can extend your stay for an extra fee.
Meals: breakfast.
INCLUDES:
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- Round-trip Kilimanjaro Airport transfers (shared)
- Certified, experienced, Guides for all routes
- Rescue fees (as required by national park)
- Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils
EXCLUDES:
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Sleeping bags and personal gear