Kilimanjaro Trekking

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route – 7 Days

Destinations

Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro

Duration

10 Days

Max Altitude

5,895m

The Rongai Route is the only route that climbs Kilimanjaro from the north, starting close to the Kenyan border. The northern slopes receive less rain than the south, which makes Rongai a good choice in the wetter months, and the trail is far quieter than the southern routes. A night beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi at Mawenzi Tarn helps acclimatisation before the summit, and the descent follows the Marangu Route on the other side of the mountain.

At a Glance

Days in country: 10 days: 3 transition days in Arusha (before and after the hike) and 7 days on Kilimanjaro
Lodging: Arusha: Premium or Premium Plus. On Kilimanjaro: North Face all-season mountaineering tents, one person in a 2-person tent and two people in a 3-person tent
Price per person: On request
Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) via Gilman's Point, from Kibo Hut

Why Choose the Rongai Route

Quiet, remote trails on the drier northern side
A good option in the rainy seasons
Mawenzi Tarn camp beneath the spires of Mawenzi
Gentle gradients and a descent on the other side of the mountain

Trek Route

Arusha

Mount Kilimanjaro

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Simba Camp 2,625 m 8 km 3–4 hrs hiking

A long drive from Arusha around the mountain to the Rongai trailhead near the Kenyan border. The trail climbs gently through farmland and pine forest to the first camp on the edge of the moorland.

Second Cave Camp 3,450 m 6 km 3–4 hrs hiking

A steady climb across open moorland, with views back over the plains of Kenya and ahead to Kibo and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.

Kikelewa Camp 3,600 m 6 km 3–4 hrs hiking

Head across the moorland towards Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp, set in a sheltered valley among giant groundsels. A short day that helps acclimatisation.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp 4,330 m 4 km 3–4 hrs hiking

A short, steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn, a small mountain lake beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. An afternoon acclimatisation walk is recommended.

Kibo Hut 4,700 m 8 km 4–5 hrs hiking

Cross the lunar landscape of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to Kibo Hut at the foot of the summit cone. An early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.

Horombo Hut 5,895 m / 3,720 m 6 km up, 15 km down 12–14 hrs hiking

Set off around midnight up the steep switchbacks to Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then follow the rim to Uhuru Peak as the sun rises. Descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Arusha 1,860 m 20 km 5–6 hrs hiking

Descend through moorland and rainforest on the Marangu Route to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate, say goodbye to the crew and drive back to Arusha to celebrate.

Included

✓Airport transfers and all ground transportation, including coach, bus, taxi and mini van
✓In-country airfare as detailed in the tour
✓Toyota Land Cruiser with extended cab and pop-up top for game viewing, with fuel, licensing and maintenance
✓Up to 4-5 people per Land Cruiser
✓National Park daily fees for travelers, cruiser and staff
✓Lodging (double occupancy) with breakfasts, lunches and dinners
✓Bottled water during transportation
✓Additional tours as detailed in the tour: side tours, hiking tours, cultural immersion experiences and town tours
✓Driver, guide, park ranger, baggage porter and maid staff salaries and tips
✓Preparation booklet and optional Zoom group meetings to prepare each traveler
✓Mount Kilimanjaro hike with daily National Park fees for clients and crew
✓Crew of 5 per trekker (instead of 3), including crew salaries, payroll taxes, VAT and crew tip
✓Personal chef, all meals on the mountain, boiled or filtered water
✓North Face 4-season tents, sleeping pads and pillows, all camping equipment for the crew
✓Private mobile toilet and private mobile shower
✓$100 permit to summit from Kosovo, the highest base camp
✓Safety gear: first aid kit, oximeter and emergency oxygen

Not Included

✕Round trip airfare to and from Tanzania
✕Tanzanian visa ($100, purchased on arrival)
✕Travel, flight and emergency evacuation insurances
✕Over-the-counter medications, prescriptions and vaccinations (Tanzania requires none to enter)
✕Mountain gear for Kilimanjaro or items specific to other tours
✕Souvenirs
✕Meals at airports
✕Alcoholic beverages, unless mentioned in the tour
✕Spa treatments and laundry service