Rongai Route – 8 Days / 7 Nights Kilimanjaro Trek
Overview
This route offers trekkers plenty of advantages, making it a very appealing option for those looking for a unique experience on Africa’s tallest peak.
Due to its remote nature, the Rongai Route is among the least visited of all of the trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Those who choose this path will experience peace and quiet for much of the trek, encountering few other climbers prior to reaching the Kibo Camp, at which point the trail merges with the Marangu Route for the final push to the summit.
TOTAL PRICE FOR SOLO TRAVELLER $ 3292
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 2 PEOPLES $ 2372
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 3 PEOPLES $ 2554
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 4 PEOPLES $ 2072
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 6 PEOPLES $ 1630
Starts at:
$3,292.00 Per Person
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro / Transfer to Rongai Gate
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by your experienced Tanzanian guide and transferred toward Rongai Gate, located on Kilimanjaro’s northern side. The drive offers views of rolling hills, small villages, and lush farmland, providing a scenic introduction to northern Tanzania. Upon arrival, enjoy a pre-trek briefing covering safety protocols, equipment checks, and itinerary details. Overnight accommodation will be at a comfortable lodge near Rongai Gate, giving you time to rest and acclimatize before the trek begins. Dinner will feature a nutritious, energy-packed meal to prepare your body for the climb. In the evening, soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere and clear starlit skies, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Rongai Gate – Simba Camp (Approx. 4–5 hours, 1,950m → 2,750m)
After an early breakfast, your trek officially starts at Rongai Gate, entering lush forests and scattered farmland. The trail gradually ascends, offering your first glimpses of Kilimanjaro’s summit from the northern approach. Along the way, stop for breaks to hydrate, photograph, and enjoy the abundant birdlife. By midday, arrive at Simba Camp, a serene campsite surrounded by highland scenery. Afternoon activities include short acclimatization walks, relaxation, and enjoying the crisp mountain air. Dinner is served in camp, accompanied by a briefing on tomorrow’s trek and tips for successful acclimatization, preparing you for the days ahead.
Day 3: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp (Approx. 5–6 hours, 2,750m → 3,600m)
Today’s trek takes you deeper into alpine forest and moorland, with unique flora including giant heathers and lobelias dotting the landscape. The trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the Kenyan plains to the north and the Shira Plateau to the west. Along the way, your guide provides insights into Kilimanjaro’s ecology, wildlife, and geology, enhancing the educational aspect of the trek. By afternoon, you will reach Second Cave Camp, a campsite situated at the edge of the moorland zone. This camp allows for rest, hydration, and light acclimatization walks nearby. Dinner is served early, and your guide prepares you mentally for the more challenging terrain ahead.
Day 4: Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Caves Camp (Approx. 6–7 hours, 3,600m → 4,200m)
The trek today ascends through alpine desert terrain, leaving the forest behind and revealing dramatic mountain vistas, glaciers, and volcanic rock formations. Frequent stops allow for photography, hydration, and altitude adaptation, crucial for summit preparation. By afternoon, you will arrive at Kikelewa Caves Camp, a spacious campsite nestled among rocky ridges. Take a short acclimatization hike to nearby ridges for breathtaking views of the northern approach and surrounding plains. Dinner is served in camp, followed by a briefing on tomorrow’s trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, emphasizing pacing, hydration, and safety. The clear night sky offers a spectacular opportunity for stargazing in the high alpine environment.
Day 5: Kikelewa Caves Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Approx. 5–6 hours, 4,200m → 4,750m)
Today’s trail gradually ascends through sparse vegetation and rugged volcanic rock, providing dramatic high-altitude scenery. Along the way, your guide highlights unique geological features and the history of Kilimanjaro’s formation, enriching your experience. By midday, arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated in a remote alpine area with stunning views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and taking short walks to help your body adjust to the thin air. Enjoy tea or light snacks while absorbing the breathtaking landscapes of glaciers and volcanic ridges. Dinner is served early, followed by a summit briefing and preparation for the midnight departure.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Hut (Approx. 4–5 hours, 4,750m → 4,700m)
The trail descends slightly from Mawenzi Tarn Camp before reaching Barafu/Kibo base, the final camp before the summit. The surrounding landscape is stark alpine desert with minimal vegetation, highlighting the mountain’s rugged beauty. Arrive at Kibo Hut, where tents or dormitory accommodations provide rest and hydration before the summit push. Your guide conducts a detailed briefing on clothing, pacing, and summit safety, ensuring every climber is prepared mentally and physically. Dinner is served early, focusing on high-energy meals to sustain you during the long night ascent. Sleep for a few hours before the midnight departure to Uhuru Peak, ensuring maximum energy for the climb.
Day 7: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Kikelewa Caves Camp (Approx. 10–11 hours, 4,700m → 5,895m → 4,200m)
The summit trek begins around midnight, trekking through cold, quiet alpine desert under the stars toward Stella Point and ultimately Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Witness the sunrise over Africa, a breathtaking reward for the overnight climb. After reaching the summit, celebrate with photos, reflection, and the joy of accomplishment. Carefully descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and refreshments, then continue down to Kikelewa Caves Camp. Dinner and overnight stay at camp provide comfort and recovery, allowing your body to rest after the strenuous climb. The descent also gives a final chance to take in the dramatic landscapes and volcanic formations of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.
Day 8: Kikelewa Caves Camp – Rongai Gate – Departure
After a nutritious breakfast, complete the trek back to Rongai Gate, passing through moorland and forested sections of the mountain. Upon arrival, you will receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, celebrating your incredible achievement. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha, reflecting on the stunning views, the journey’s challenges, and the camaraderie formed with guides and fellow climbers. The scenic drive includes farmland, villages, and rivers, easing your return to lower altitudes. Upon arrival, relax at a lodge or hotel, with optional spa services or celebratory meals. This concludes your Rongai Route Kilimanjaro adventure, leaving you with memories, photos, and stories to cherish for a lifetime.
