7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Route via Rongai
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7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Route via Rongai Overview
The Rongai Route is the only trail approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It offers a more remote and less crowded trekking experience, passing through pristine wilderness and diverse ecological zones. The descent is via the Marangu Route, giving climbers the advantage of experiencing both sides of the mountain.
This route is ideal for those seeking a gradual ascent and stunning views of the Mawenzi peak and vast plains below.
Itinerary at Glance
- Day 1: Arrival in Moshi / Arusha
- Day 2: Moshi – Rongai Gate (1,950m) – Simba Camp (2,600m)
- Day 3: Simba Camp – Second Cave (3,450m)
- Day 4: Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
- Day 5: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
- Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
- Day 7: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
- Day 8: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate (1,970m) – Moshi / Arusha
Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to Moshi hotel. Briefing, gear check, and dinner included. Overnight stay before starting the adventure early the following morning.
Day 2: Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
Drive to Rongai Gate. Begin trek through rainforest and farmland with wildlife sightings. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive Simba Camp. Dinner and overnight stay under mountain skies.
Day 3: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
Hike through moorland with scenic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Picnic lunch along trail. Arrive Second Cave Camp. Dinner and overnight stay. Rest and acclimatize.
Day 4: Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp
Continue climbing gradually through open moorlands. Stunning views of surrounding landscapes. Picnic lunch provided. Arrive Kikelewa Camp for dinner and overnight. Evening acclimatization walk optional for climbers.
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Steady climb through alpine terrain toward Mawenzi Tarn. Picnic lunch during trek. Beautiful scenery near Mawenzi Peak. Dinner and overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp with mountain reflections.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut
Cross alpine desert landscapes toward Kibo Hut. Picnic lunch included. Arrive at camp, rest, and prepare for midnight summit attempt. Dinner and overnight stay at Kibo Hut.
Day 7: Summit Uhuru Peak – Descend to Horombo Hut
Begin midnight summit attempt. Reach Gilman’s Point, then Uhuru Peak for sunrise views. Descend to Kibo, continue to Horombo Hut. Dinner and overnight after successful summit celebration.
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Full board on the mountain (3 meals daily)
- Drinking water
- Camping and cooking equipment
- Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Pre- and post-climb accommodation
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, poles, etc.)
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
- Personal expenses and additional meals not listed
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