7-Days Rongai route

Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking – Rongai Route Itinerary

Route Type: One of the quietest routes, approaching from the north (near Kenyan border)
Recommended For: Trekkers who prefer solitude and drier hiking conditions
Unique Feature: Only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north side

The 6-day itinerary skips the acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn (Day 4)

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Start Elevation: 1,950m
End Elevation: 2,625m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane forest
Activities:
Drive from Moshi/Arusha (about 4 hours) to Rongai Gate via Marangu.
Begin trek through pine forest and rainforest.
Spot monkeys and birds along the way.
Overnight at Simba Camp.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Start Elevation: 2,625m
End Elevation: 3,450m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Activities:
Gradual ascent with wide views of the plains.
Trek through moorland with distant views of Kibo cone.
Overnight at Second Cave Camp.

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Start Elevation: 3,450m
End Elevation: 3,630m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Activities:
Steeper climb today, with rewarding views of Mawenzi Peak.
Reach Kikelewa Cave Camp, a small, sheltered spot.
Afternoon rest or acclimatization hike nearby.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Start Elevation: 3,630m
End Elevation: 4,330m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert
Activities:
Short but steep climb to a spectacular camp at the base of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second peak.
Afternoon acclimatization walk highly recommended.
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

❗If on the 6-day itinerary, you skip this acclimatization day and go straight to Kibo Hut (long day).

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Start Elevation: 4,330m
End Elevation: 4,700m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert
Activities:
Cross the lunar-like Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Reach Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit.
Early dinner and rest before midnight summit push.

Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Start Elevation: 4,700m
Summit: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
End Elevation: 3,720m
Distance: ~21 km (up & down)
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Activities:
Start trekking at midnight with headlamps.
Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m), then Stella Point, and finally Uhuru Peak.
Enjoy sunrise from the highest point in Africa.
Descend all the way to Horombo Hut for overnight.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Start Elevation: 3,720m
End Elevation: 1,870m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland & rainforest
Activities:
Final descent through lush rainforest.
Receive certificates at Marangu Gate.
Transfer back to hotel in Moshi/Arusha for rest and celebration.

Accommodation:

Camping at all campsites (Simba, Second Cave, Kikelewa, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo, Horombo)
Large dome tents with sleeping mats
Dining tent with chairs and table
All equipment carried by porters