7 days – Kilimanjaro Mountain Climb – Rongai Route
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It offers a quieter, less crowded climb and beautiful wilderness scenery. The route provides a gradual ascent and is ideal for those seeking a remote experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi or Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a briefing on the climb, equipment check, and final preparations. Enjoy dinner and rest in anticipation of the trek.
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Drive to Rongai Gate (1,950m) and begin the trek through farmland and pine forests. The trail is gentle and offers a good opportunity for acclimatization. Arrive at Simba Camp (2,625m) for dinner and overnight.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Continue the trek with a steady ascent, crossing the moorland. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. Arrive at Second Cave (3,450m) for lunch and a short rest. Proceed to Kikelewa Camp for dinner and overnight.
- Hiking time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 9 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Climb steadily up towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The trail offers stunning views and varied landscapes. Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,315m) situated in a sheltered spot beneath Mawenzi Peak. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is stark and barren, resembling a moonscape. Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m), where you will have an early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Start the final ascent at midnight to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
- Hiking time: 10-15 hours
- Distance: 22 km
- Habitat: Arctic
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, descend through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 20 km
- Habitat: Moorland and Rainforest
Includes:
- Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees for Kilimanjaro.
- Kilimanjaro camping fees.
- Return airport transfers.
- Concession fees for Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Hotel lodging the night before the climb, Bed and Breakfast (BB).
- Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb and back to the hotel on the last day.
- Night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
- Qualified mountain Spanish-speaking guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook.
- Salaries for mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Water for washing up daily.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro info pack.
Excludes:
- International flight tickets.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Tips to our crews.
- Travel insurance.
- Travel visa.
- Travel passport.
- Alcoholic drinks.
- Laundry.
- Sleeping bags and mattresses.