This is a 7 days Rongai route itinerary variation with an extra day for acclimatization. Gradually sloping towards the summit, Uhuru Peak, the Rongai route begins from the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Journeys recommends this route for climbers that have no previous climbing experience in higher altitudes and first timers with little or no mountaineering experience.
Book Today
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The Rongai Route may offer an almost level slope, but its main disadvantage is that climbers are more likely to suffer from altitude sickness (AMS) because it does not follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule strictly that is needed for acclimatization. In order to combat the high-altitude sickness problem, we recommend that you add an extra day for acclimatization when plying this route.
Days 7 Days | Difficulty Medium |
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7K /4.3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFORES
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m.
Departing from Moshi a 4–5-hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful, wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft
Altitude gained: 852m.
After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELEWA CAMP: 5.95KM/3.7MI | 2-3HRS | SEMI DESERT
Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft
Altitude gained: 188m.
After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 4: KIKELEWA CAMP- MAWENZI TARN: 3.75KM/2.3MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT
Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft
Altitude gained: 627m.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
DAY 5: MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT: 8.9KM /5MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 412m.
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent on Summit Night.
DAY 6: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m.
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m.
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 7: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary.
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Portable Private Toilet and Porter
Quality Imported Equipment's
EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required, and you should ask for Recommendation.
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early decent from the mountain $150 per room
- Mountain
Mount Kilimanjaro
- Duration
7 Days
- Height
5895 m
- Success Rate
80%
RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS
English 
Italian