Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days
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Route Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six recognized routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Most of these routes approach the summit from the south, while the Lemosho and Shira routes come from the west. The Rongai Route, however, stands out by approaching from the north.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days provides a quieter, more remote trekking experience. Since it’s less crowded, climbers can enjoy the wilderness, spotting wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo. This route sees less rain, offering clearer views of the summit. While the path is relatively flat, it lacks the “walk-high, sleep-low” strategy, so climbers should plan extra acclimatization days to avoid altitude sickness.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days is one of the easiest ways to climb Kilimanjaro. As the only northern approach, it descends along the Marangu Route. The summit night follows the same route as Marangu, heading around Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. The version described here includes a longer detour to Mawenzi Tarn, adding both challenge and beauty to the journey.
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and brought to The Bristol Cottages B&B for an overnight stay. Your head guide will meet you for a briefing, and gear check and arrange for you to rent any equipment you may require.
Tour Highlights
 
 Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Rongai Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
 
 Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
 
 Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
 
 Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hats, cold-weather jackets, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
 
 Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at a 3-star hotel (upgrades on request).
 
 Customizations: Can be customized upon request to meet travelers’s needs
  
 Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
  
 Trip Availability: All year round.
Included/Exclude
- Two-way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel accommodations before and after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group camping equipment
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Kilimanjaro licensed professional guides
- Hiking dedicated support crews
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
The journey begins with a drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate to secure the necessary summit permits. Afterward, we take a scenic road trip to the Rongai Gate trailhead. Along the way, we pass through lush corn and potato fields before starting a gentle ascent through forested areas. These forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys. By late afternoon, we reach Simba Camp, where you’ll settle in for your first night on the mountain.
The day begins with a morning trek, steadily ascending toward the Second Cave. As we continue, the trail takes us through the scenic moorland, offering stunning views of the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Leaving the main trail behind, we head towards Kikelewa Camp, our destination for the night. Upon arrival, you’ll settle in, enjoy a hearty meal, and rest in preparation for the next day’s adventure.
Rongai Cave to Second Cave
Elevation:Â 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance:Â 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time:Â 3-4 hours
Habitat:Â Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation:Â 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance:Â 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time:Â 3-4 hours
Habitat:Â Heath
Today’s hike is short but steep, taking us along a grassy slope surrounded by a vast wilderness. As we ascend, the environment shifts dramatically, transitioning into the Alpine Desert zone with its strikingly different landscapes. Our campsite, Mawenzi Tarn, is nestled in the rugged, jagged areas of Mawenzi. Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore the captivating surroundings, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation:Â 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance:Â 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time:Â 3-4 hours
Habitat:Â Alpine Desert
Today is dedicated to acclimatization as you spend the entire day hiking around Mawenzi Ridge. The ridge offers stunning landscapes, with panoramic views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This day not only helps your body adjust to the altitude but also allows you to explore the area’s unique terrain to its fullest. After a rewarding hike, we return to Mawenzi Tarn to prepare camp and rest for the journey ahead.
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation:Â 14,160 ft -14,400 ft
Distance:Â 2 km/1 mile
Hiking Time:Â 1-2 hours
Habitat:Â Alpine Desert
Today's trek takes us to Kibo Hut, located at the base of the Kibo Crater Wall, within the alpine desert zone. The trail is steady and offers breathtaking views as we make our way across the saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, we spend the remainder of the day relaxing, hydrating, and preparing for the challenging summit night ahead. Make sure to rest well as the next day marks the highlight of your adventure!
Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation:Â 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance:Â 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time:Â 5-6 hours
Habitat:Â Alpine Desert
In the early hours of the morning, we begin our final ascent to the summit. This section is the most physically and mentally demanding, as the cold and wind can be intense. With determination and frequent short breaks, we make our way through the darkness to Stella Point (18,900 ft). Here, you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over Mawenzi Peak—a truly magical moment.
From Stella Point, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and the pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro adventure. After celebrating your incredible achievement and capturing summit photos, we begin our descent. We return to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and lunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut. In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and rest well after a long but rewarding day.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation:Â 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance:Â 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time:Â 6-8 hours
Habitat:Â Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation:Â 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance:Â 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time:Â 4-5 hours
Habitat:Â Heath
On the final day of our adventure, we embark on a long trek downhill through the lush tropical rainforest. The descent offers a last opportunity to take in Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes and possibly spot some wildlife.
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, we sign out at the park headquarters and collect our well-deserved summit certificates—green for Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak achievers. A Youth Adventures vehicle will be waiting to transport us back to the comfort of your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your incredible journey.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation:Â 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance:Â 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time:Â 5-7 hours
Habitat:Â Rain Forest
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