9 Days Tour – 7 Day Hike Rongai Route
Rongai Route Overview
The Rongai Route is one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and less crowded approaches, beginning on the remote northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border. Unlike the more popular southern routes, Rongai offers a quieter trekking experience, making it ideal for climbers who prefer solitude and unspoiled landscapes.
This route is known for its gradual ascent profile, which allows for steady acclimatization and is well suited to both first-time climbers and those seeking a less demanding path to the summit. The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems, from cultivated farmland and montane forest to open moorland and the stark alpine desert near the summit.
Rongai is also the only Kilimanjaro route that approaches the mountain from the north, offering unique views of the rugged Mawenzi Peak and wide panoramic vistas across the plains of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. As the route joins the Marangu descent, climbers benefit from well-maintained huts during the final stages of the trek.
Due to its drier climate, the Rongai Route is particularly suitable during the rainy seasons and is considered one of the more reliable routes for summit success year-round. It combines comfort, wilderness, and steady progression, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced Kilimanjaro experience.
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, recover from your journey, and prepare for the adventure ahead. A full trek briefing and equipment check will be conducted in the evening.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Simba Camp (Rongai Route)
After breakfast, you will drive to Nalemuru Gate on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro for registration. The trek begins through farmland and forest with gentle gradients, leading gradually to Simba Camp, your first campsite on the mountain with beautiful views across the Kenyan plains.
Accommodation: Simba Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Today you continue ascending steadily through open moorland, with expansive views and unique vegetation. The trail becomes slightly steeper as you approach Second Cave Camp, a scenic resting point that supports further acclimatization.
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
The landscape opens into wide alpine slopes as you continue your ascent. The route today offers stunning views of Mawenzi Peak while leading you to Kikelewa Camp, beautifully situated in a sheltered valley beneath the rugged cliffs.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A shorter but steeper climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is dedicated to acclimatization, light exploration, and soaking in the spectacular alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
You traverse the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, entering the alpine desert zone. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you will rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Summit Day to Horombo Hut
Around midnight, you begin your ascent toward Gilman’s Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. You will then be transferred back to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Rongai Route adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 4,110 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 3,188 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 2,889 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 2,857 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 2,809 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 2,670 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 2,582 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 2,518 per person
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and prepare for your trek, with briefing and equipment checks conducted in the evening.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Simba Camp (Rongai Route)
After breakfast, drive to Nalemuru Gate on the northern side of Kilimanjaro for registration. Begin your trek through forest and farmland, ascending gradually to Simba Camp where you enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Simba Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
The trail becomes steeper as you pass through moorland vegetation with sweeping views of the Kenyan plains. You continue climbing steadily to Kikelewa Camp, a beautiful campsite nestled beneath Mawenzi Peak.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A shorter but steeper climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is dedicated to acclimatization and relaxation with spectacular alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
You traverse the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, entering the alpine desert zone. Arrive at Kibo Hut where you rest early and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Summit Day to Horombo Hut
Around midnight, you begin your ascent to Gilman’s Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Horombo Hut to Moshi
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel for a well-deserved shower and relaxation.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Rongai Route adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 9,025 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 6,426 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 5,890 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 5,610 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 5,547 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 5,439 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 5,153 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 5,335 per person
BOOK THIS TREK
Price Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during your trek
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Price Inclusions
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge for advance and balance (3.5% per payment)