7-Day Rongai Route – Tour Overview:

The Rongai Route is known as one of the easiest and most enjoyable paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a high success rate and a more peaceful trekking experience. Starting from the remote northern side near the Kenyan border, this route receives far fewer climbers, making it perfect for those seeking a quiet and scenic ascent.

Your journey begins with a picturesque 2.5-hour drive from Moshi, passing through charming villages, lush coffee plantations, and the famous Marangu Gate where climbing permits are registered. The route provides diverse landscapes—open farmland, forest, moorland, rugged alpine desert, and breathtaking glaciers near the summit.

Unlike other routes, Rongai approaches from the north and descends via the Marangu Route, allowing trekkers to enjoy different views of Kilimanjaro on the climb up and down. It's also accessible from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, making it an ideal option for travelers coming from the Kenyan side.

Whether you choose a private trek—available on any day of the year—or prefer to join one of our scheduled group departures, the Rongai Route offers a fantastic combination of beauty, success, and serenity. For the ultimate Tanzania experience, pair your Kilimanjaro climb with one of our unforgettable wildlife safaris.

Tour Highlight:

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha city

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp (BLD)

Day 3: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave (BLD)

Day 4: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (BLD)

Day 5: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (BLD)

Day 6: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (BLD)

Day 7: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut (BLD)

Day 8: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi (B)

Day 9: Depart Arusha city (B)

9-Day Rongai Route – Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport → Transfer to Arusha city

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will meet you after immigration and customs—look for a sign with Superior Kilimanjaro and Safaris and/or your name. The drive to Moshi takes a minimum of 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Later today, enjoy a pre-trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide. This is the perfect time to check rental equipment, ask questions, and organize your trekking bags. Extra luggage may be safely stored at your hotel.

If time allows, we recommend adding an extra rest day in Arusha city before starting your trek.

Meals: None
Mid-Range Accommodation: Mvuli Lodge or Outpost Lodge

Day 2: Drive to Rongai Gate (Nale Moru) → Hike to Simba Camp (BLD)

Begin the morning with a scenic drive to the village of Nale Moru. The trek starts through farmlands of maize and potatoes before entering peaceful pine forest. As you ascend, the landscape opens into the moorlands with sweeping views across the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m / 6560ft → 2650m / 8700ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Simba Camp

Day 3: Simba Camp → Second Cave (BLD)

Today features a steady ascent with beautiful views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields. The path is gentle and provides excellent acclimatization.

Elevation: 2650m / 8700ft → 3450m / 11,300ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Second Cave Camp

Day 4: Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp (BLD)

Continue across open moorland, trekking toward the rugged peaks of Mawenzi. Your campsite sits in a scenic valley dotted with giant Senecio plants—an iconic feature of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude zones.

Elevation: 3450m / 11,300ft → 3600m / 11,800ft
Distance: 9 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Kikelewa Camp

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn (BLD)

Enjoy a short but steep climb that rewards you with outstanding panoramic views. The trail leaves vegetation behind as you approach the stunning Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the towering Mawenzi spires. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring for acclimatization.

Elevation: 3600m / 11,800ft → 4330m / 14,200ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (BLD)

Cross the stark, high-altitude desert of the Saddle, a broad lunar landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo Hut, where you will rest and fuel up for tomorrow’s summit push.

Elevation: 4330m / 14,200ft → 4750m / 15,600ft
Distance: 9 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Kibo Hut Camp

Day 7: Summit Day – Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut (BLD)

Your summit attempt begins between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascend steep scree and switchbacks to reach Gilman’s Point (5,700m). From here, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Kibo for rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4750m / 15,600ft → 5895m / 19,340ft → down to 3700m / 12,200ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi up + 15 km / 9 mi down
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent; additional 4–5 hours descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Horombo Hut Camp

Day 8: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Drive to Moshi (B)

Descend through moorland to Mandara Hut, then into lush rainforest toward Marangu Gate. Expect muddy sections—trekking poles and gaiters help greatly. At the gate, receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi. Time to celebrate!

Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft → 1700m / 5500ft
Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodation: Chanya Lodge

Day 9: Depart Arusha city (B)

If starting a safari today, your safari guide will meet you at your hotel. Otherwise, we can arrange your transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Included  & Excluded

What’s Included

• Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook

• All meals and purified drinking water during the trek

• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Tents and camping gear

• Pre- and post-climb hotel accommodation

• Airport and trailhead transfers

• Emergency oxygen and first aid kit

What’s Not Included

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Tips (approx. $350–$400 per climber)

• Personal trekking equipment (available for rent)

• Extra hotel nights if needed

• Portable toilet (available on request)

• Bottled and alcoholic beverages

Price Range per person