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Rongai Route 7 Days

Rongai Route 7 Days

Arrival

Arusha

Departure

Arusha

Duration

7 Days

This is a 7-day Rongai route itinerary variation with an extra day for acclimatization. Gradually sloping towards the summit, Uhuru Peak, the Rongai route begins from the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enduimet Adventure Safaris recommends this route for climbers that have no previous climbing experience in higher altitudes and first-timers with little or no mountaineering experience.

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Trip Highlights

  • On your way to the summit using the Rongai Route, you will traverse a variety of vegetation and climate zones starting with the rain forests on the lower altitudes, then moorlands, grassy slopes, alpine deserts as you climb higher, and tropical rainforests as you descend the mountain, on your way down towards the Marangu  Gate.
  • The Rongai Route is scenic and has less traffic from climbers making it perfect for private Kilimanjaro climbing and intimate groups.
  • To combat the high altitude sickness problem, we recommend that you add an extra day for acclimatization when planning the Rongai route.

Essential trip information

TRIP Itinerary

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Tour Timeline

  • 1
    Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

    Distance: 6km

    Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

    Habitat: Montane Forest

    You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for about 5 hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, we take the first hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.

    Especially interesting is that the Rongai route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate. Furthermore the Rongai route is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

  • 2
    Day 2 : First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

    Distance: 9km

    Walking Time: 6-7 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

    Hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times. During the hike, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

  • 3
    Day 3 : Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

    Distance: 6km

    Walking Time: 4 hours

    Habitat: Moorland

    This more leisurely acclimatization day starts with a morning hike followed by a rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

  • 4
    Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Campsite

    Habitat: Alpine Desert

    This iss an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise you hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

  • 5
    Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

    Distance: 4km

    Walking Time: 3 hours

    Habitat: Alpine desert

    Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you stunning uninterrupted views of your final destination.

  • 6
    Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

    Distance: 6 km ascent/16km descent

    Walking Time: 6-8 hours

    Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

    Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Hike by the light of your flashlight for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.

    The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes about two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

  • 7
    Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

    Hiking time: 6 – 8 hours

    Distance: 20km

    Walking Time: 5-7 hours

    Habitat: Moorlands

    After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to your hotel.

If you liked our 7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trekking, you may also like our other MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING PACKAGES.

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Essential trip information

TRIP Inclusions

This Tour Includes

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation at Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro wonders Hotel
  • Mountain Equipment, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tents, Porters, Guides and Chef
  • Tents, Table and Chairs, Food utensils and so on.
  • All Park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters

This Tour Excludes

  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodation in Arusha
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Gratuity
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

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