Rongai Route
RONGAI ROUTE – 7 DAYS
- 10 days / 9 nights (7 days on the mountain)
- Kilimanjaro
Starting from the drier north side of Kilimanjaro at the village of Nalemoru near the Kenya border, the Rongai route follows less traveled trails allowing discriminating trekkers to distance themselves from the mountain’s busier routes and offers a great variety of fabulous vistas that most climbers never get to see. The route passes through lush farmland and pine and cypress forests before ascending into the rainforest where you may see troupes of black and white colobus monkeys. In the higher moorland zone we enjoy views of the Kenyan plains rich with game as we make a beeline for Mawenzi Peak with Mawenzi Tarn below. We cross the saddle to Horombo and then gain elevation to School Hut Camp. The final ascent passes the Hans Meyer Cave and reaches the crater rim at Gillman’s Point before following the rim path to the Kibo summit at Uhuru Peak.
Excellent year-round route. Because of less rainfall than other sides of the mountain, it is often used as a wet season route April through mid-June and November to December.
Less busy ascent trails on the northeast and east sides of the mountain, with lower probability of rainfall.
- Pass through lush farmland and pine and cypress forest on Day 1 of climb.
- Unique views few climbers see, including close-ups of Mawenzi Tarn and Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
- Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
- Route can be adjusted to 6-, 7- or 8-day climb.
GALLERY / PHOTOS
Start from $1912
ROUTE MAP
DISCOVER THE RONGAI ROUTE
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro with our detailed Rongai Route map. Known for its breathtaking scenery and less crowded trails, this route offers an unforgettable climb to the summit. Plan your adventure with confidence and experience the beauty of Tanzania like never before!
Daily Itinerary – Kilimanjaro Trek
Itinerary Overview
This trek covers 7 – 22 kilometers per day on mountain trails at elevations between 1,400 and 2,200 meters. The walking is strenuous, with steep and sometimes slippery trails. Expect challenging hikes due to the many ridges and valleys, but your guide will maintain a slow and steady pace suitable for your group. Trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Overnights are spent in comfortable camps with spacious walk-in tents (for 1-2 people or families). Enjoy locally-inspired meals served in a dining tent, prepared by our expert mountain cooks.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Arrival Day, Kilimanjaro
Day 2: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
Day 4: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Horombo Camp
Day 7: Horombo Camp to School Hut Camp
Day 8: School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Camp
Day 9: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate; Marangu, Kilimanjaro
Day 10: Moshi Town
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day, Kilimanjaro
Your trip leader will pick you up upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and bring you to Marangu, Kilimanjaro, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: Dinner (D)
Day 2: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
Enjoy a morning to rest and relax. Your trip leader will provide a climb orientation and equipment check. Later, embark on a guided tour around Marangu Villages, with opportunities to swim in the river and waterfall.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
After breakfast, we drive through Chagga villages before reaching the Nalemoru Gate. We start the climb through cultivated land, timber farms, and the verdant montane forest before reaching the moorland zone.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
A morning climb through moorland offers views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. After lunch, we head towards Kikelewa Valley and our campsite.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A short, steep climb leads us into the highland desert. We explore the unique setting of our camp, near a mountain lake below Mawenzi Peak.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Horombo Camp
A moderate acclimatization hike takes us through the North Corrie and across the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks before descending to Horombo Camp.
Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Horombo Camp to School Hut Camp
We ascend to the barren alpine desert, bypassing Kibo Huts to reach School Hut Camp. After an early dinner, we prepare for the summit attempt.
Overnight: School Hut Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Camp
A midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak via Gillman’s Point brings us to the summit of Kilimanjaro. After a brief stay, we descend via School Hut to Horombo Camp.
Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate; Marangu, Kilimanjaro
A final descent through lush montane forest leads to Marangu Gate. Enjoy a hot shower and a celebration meal.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Moshi Town
A day for rest and relaxation. Town tour included before transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals: B
Inclusions ✅
✔️ All accommodations for 10 days / 9 nights
✔️ All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔️ Bottled or filtered water, coffee, teas, and cocoa
✔️ Services of trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew
✔️ Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
✔️ All camping and dining equipment (excluding sleeping bag and pad)
✔️ Portable private toilet at all camps
✔️ Supplemental oxygen for emergency descents
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport and park gates
✔️ Guided Village walking tour
✔️ Guided town tour
Exclusions ❌
❌ Tips & gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks & alcohol
❌ Additional accommodations & meals due to airline schedule changes or inability to complete the climb
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare & airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Disclaimer
Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to adjust trip prices if affected by:
Inflation, fuel, labor, or material costs
Exchange rate fluctuations
Increased park fees (TANAPA), hotel/lodge rates, airline fares, or other service provider costs
Should these changes occur, additional payment may be required from the client.