7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route
$ 2,400
$ 1,900
- Adult
- Child
The 7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route ascends from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the Tanzania-Kenya border. This route preserves a sense of unspoiled wilderness, making it one of the more remote trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike other routes, Rongai offers trekkers a unique experience, featuring fewer climbers and greater opportunities for solitude.
As you embark on this adventure, you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet that accompanies the trek. For much of the journey, you may find yourself alone, enjoying nature’s beauty without the hustle and bustle of crowds. However, as you approach Kibo Camp, the trail merges with the popular Marangu Route for the final summit push.
The Rongai Route features a slow and steady climb, allowing hikers to acclimatize at a comfortable pace. This approach not only simplifies the trek but also significantly boosts your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Plus, the final day before summiting is shorter, giving you time to rest and recuperate.
Another benefit of the Rongai Route is its dry conditions, particularly during the rainy season in April and May. Most rainfall occurs on the southern side of Kilimanjaro, ensuring you stay drier and warmer. Additionally, wildlife enthusiasts may spot Colobus Monkeys in the early days of the trek, enhancing the experience.
While some may argue that the scenery lacks the dramatic variety found on other routes, the Rongai offers tranquility and beauty in its own right. You can choose between a 7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route or opt for a private 6 or 7-day climb, with the shorter option not including an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn.
For more information on climbing routes, check out our Kilimanjaro treks, safaris, and Zanzibar tours.
Duration
7 Days
6 Nights
Tour Type
Luxury
Language
English, Germany, Spain
Popular Features
Can Be Customized
Can Start Any Day
First time Africa travellers
Private Tour
Suitable For Solo Travelers
Travel Itinerary
Expand/Close
Day 0
Arrive in Arusha or Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or similar to begin your 7-day Rongai Route trek, where you will be met by Tranquil Kilimanjaro representatives. Transfer to Kill Wonders hotel and meet with your climbing manager and guide for a thorough briefing and equipment check. Kili Wonders other recommended accommodation options is where you’ll spend the night.
- 3 Hours
- Breakfast
Day 1
Rongai Gate to First Cave/Simba Camp
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest To begin your 7-day Rongai Route trek, we drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate after a sumptuous breakfast to obtain permits before transferring to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The trail passes past maize and potato fields before slowly ascending through the woodland, home to a variety of species including the black and white colobus monkey. Overnight in a tent at 9,300 feet altitude in the First Cave Camp (Simba Camp). Simba Camp is adjacent to First Cave and offers a spectacular view of Kenya’s plains. Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – First Cave/Simba Camp
- 4 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 2
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Heath This morning, we start with a steady ascent to Second Cave. We continue walking over moorland, abandoning the main track for a narrower road that leads to Mawenzi’s jagged peaks, before spending the night at Kikelewa Cave. Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Kikelelwa Camp
- 4 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 3
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Day 3 of the 7 day Rongai trek is a short but hard ascent up a grassy slope. The views of the wilderness region are just breathtaking. The terrain changes considerably when we leave the heath zone and enter the Alpine Desert zone. At Mawenzi Tarn, our camp is nestled under the jagged spires of Mawenzi. You may spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the neighborhood. Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft Distance: 2 km/1 mile Hiking Time: 1-2 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft Distance: 2 km/1 mile Hiking Time: 1-2 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert This is an additional acclimatization day that may be spent trekking on Mawenzi Ridge. The inspiring vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi are part of the distinctive scenery. After a brief exploration of the region, we return to Mawenzi Tarn for camp. Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 5 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 5
Marwenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Between Mawenzi and Kibo, we steadily rise and finally pass the lunar desert of the “Saddle.” Kibo Hut, our camp, is located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Once we arrive, we will rest and eat an early dinner in order to prepare for the summit day. Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Kibo Hut Camp
- 5 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 6
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath We start our ascent to the peak quite early in the morning (about midnight). This is the trek’s most psychologically and physically demanding section. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold may be brutal. We climb for many hours in the dark, taking frequent but brief stops. You’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular dawn you’ll ever see rising over Mawenzi Peak from Gilman’s point (18,600 feet). Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. We descend to Horombo Hut after a few moments of taking in the African plains and your success. Later that evening, we have our final meal on the mountain and a well-deserved rest. Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Horombo Hut Camp
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Day 7
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km/12 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest We start our ascent to the peak quite early in the morning (about midnight). This is the trek’s most psychologically and physically demanding section. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold may be brutal. We climb for many hours in the dark, taking frequent but brief stops. You’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular dawn you’ll ever see rising over Mawenzi Peak from Gilman’s point (18,600 feet). Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. We descend to Horombo Hut after a few moments of taking in the African plains and your success. Later that evening, we have our final meal on the mountain and a well-deserved rest. Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Camping – Horombo Hut Camp
- 6 Hours
- Breakfast
Want to read it later?
Download this tour's PDF brochure and start your planning offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s clarify your confusions. Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions which most of our client asks.
Have a question in mind
Looking for more info? Send a question to the property to find out more.
What should I do to get ready for the Rongai route?
Any physical exercise you can undertake before to your climb will make it more fun. Whether you’re going for the Uhuru Peak or a shorter trek, how hard you train will be determined by your goals.
When is the best time to climb the Rongai route?
The Rongai trail is accessible all year, however, it may be rainy and chilly, necessitating the use of waterproof clothing. Consider climbing during the months of January and March and June and October. The rainiest months are April, May, and November.
What should I bring with me and what equipment do I require?
While some trekking trip providers may provide some equipment, there are a few must-haves, such as waterproof clothing, a headlamp, sunglasses, proper hiking boots, personal medication, a non-disposable water bottle, and a cap or beanie, to name a few.
What climbing skills are required for the Rongai route?
Mount Kilimanjaro welcomes hikers of all fitness levels and abilities, but if you want to reach the summit, you’ll need to prepare ahead and train hard. To minimize altitude sickness and to enjoy your experience climbing Kilimanjaro, consider adding extra time to your plan. Find out more.
Do You Provide Oxygen On Your Climbs?
We carry emergency oxygen on all our climbs, for use when someone is suffering from a serious altitude-related illness. In this event the guide would ask you to descend since this is the only way to recover; however, oxygen can help people feel better during the descent, therefore making evacuation easier and safer.
Do You Carry A Hyperbaric Chamber (Gamow Bags)?
We don't carry Gamow bags. This is because for altitude the best treatment is descent; either on foot, stretcher or by helicopter; dependent upon the severity of the situation and which means of evacuation is accessible given location and weather. A Gamow bag creates an artificial environment where the air pressure is increased, simulating descent; however, it cannot be moved once a person is inside as pressure must be maintained. This makes it practically impossible to descend. Once removed from the bag the casualty is back in the same situation as before. It is therefore only really useful if a casualty is unable to descend for some reason. In all other cases starting the descent as soon as possible is preferable. Since Kilimanjaro is a freestanding mountain, different from the Himalayas, it is relatively straight forwards to descend without having to climb higher over mountain passes. There are only a few places where any ascent would be necessary to evacuate. If you would still prefer to climb with a Gamow bag this can be arranged at an extra cost.
Can I Hire Equipment?
We will send you a comprehensive equipment checklist, including items available for hire, upon inquiry. Prices are for the duration of the climb, not per day, and costs can be paid in USD$ cash at your briefing. All equipment is of good quality, however, we advise bringing your own walking boots, socks, and base layer clothing, as these will inevitably be a better fit than items you hire.
What Type Of Sleeping Mattresses Do You Have Available To Hire?
Mattresses are closed-cell foam, approximately 7cm thick with a heavy-duty cover, insulating you well from the ground. If you plan to bring your own inflatable mattress, it’s worth investing in a good quality one as cheaper versions are prone to leaks and punctures. Premium climbs include mattresses as part of the package price.
What Should I Wear On Summit Night?
Our equipment list includes everything you need for summit night and will give you the flexibility to adjust layers according to the temperature. When you start climbing on summit night you may not be that cold, but the temperature drops considerably through the night, even more so if you are exposed to the wind. Once the sun rises you need to take layers off again.
Our guides recommend the following:
- Lower Body: warm socks; thermal leggings; thick walking trousers/fleece trousers; waterproof trousers (for wind rather than rain).
- Upper Body: a short-sleeved base layer; long-sleeved thin base layer; long-sleeved mid layer; microfleece; warmer fleece; down jacket; hat & gloves.
Do I Need To Bring A Water Filter Or Anything To Purify Water?
No! We use either a Katydyn filter or water purification tablets to treat the water, making it safe for you to drink. You do not need to bring these yourself. Since the tablets are usually chlorine-based, there can be a slight lingering taste in the water. You can bring neutralizing tablets, electrolytes or flavored cordial/squash to cover the taste.
What Kind Of Food Will I Eat?
Our cooks prepare three hot, nutritious meals daily, as well as snacks and afternoon tea.
Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other special meals can be provided. Please let us know in advance. If you would like more details or a sample menu, please ask.
What Is The Temperature Of Kilimanjaro?
At the base of the mountain, average temperatures are 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C) throughout the year. On the summit, temperatures range from -10 to 23°F (-23 to -5°C) with windchill. Weather is changeable, and you should be prepared for these extremes. Your guide will help you decide on appropriate clothing in a detailed daily briefing.
Why Do I Need A Briefing And Equipment Check?
Once you are settled in Moshi your head guide will come to meet you for a full mountain briefing. They will check your equipment and help hire anything additional you might need. Whilst we realize some people have a lot of hiking experience, for many of our climbers this is not the case. It’s also a chance to meet other climbers in your group. During the briefing, your guide will discuss plans and logistics for the first day of your climb, amongst other important information to help you prepare.
How Does The Tipping Process Work?
Our crew all receive fair salaries; however, they also rely on the income they receive from tips. Our tipping guidelines are in line with KPAP and are recommended guidelines only. Below are standard tipping recommendations to be split between everyone in your group. We prefer you to distribute tips to crew members individually and directly at a ceremony held at the end of your climb. It is a good idea to bring some notes in lower denominations to assist with splitting funds. We will provide a tipping guide with specific crew numbers at your briefing, with envelopes to help you separate money into individual amounts.
In order to help you calculate a rough total tipping amount, we work with ratios of at least one guide per two clients and approximately four porters per client. Please remember porters carry food, gas, tents, etc. in addition to your personal luggage.
Beyond your climb, you will find people helping you with various other tasks. For example, there may be a porter at the airport to help carry your bag to the vehicle. At the lodge, someone may help bring your bags to your room. Whilst tipping is not culturally expected in these situations, it is appreciated and is worth having some USD$1 notes available for this.
| Head Guide: | USD$20 per day |
| Assistant Guide(s): | USD$12 per day |
| Cook(s): | USD$12 per day |
| Porters: | USD$5-7 per day |
Tour Terms & Conditions
- All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
-
Single supplements may apply.
- Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
-
Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently. Please treat all pricing as a guide only
-
Required to pay 30% upon confirmation which is fully refunded if the booking is cancelled 61 days prior to arrival.
-
The remaining balance of 70% to be paid 45 days prior to arrival.
-
Funds can be paid through Credit Cards and bank Transfers