Kilimanjaro Trekking
7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE
7 Days Trekking, Rongai Route
- Destinations
- Nalemoru - Simba Camp - Kikelelwa cave - Mawenzi Tarn - Kibo Campsite - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Camp and Marangu Gate
Rongai route is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes, and it has become an increasingly popular route in recent years. This route is located on the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animal species.
This route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes.
The route merges with the Marangu Route for the summit climb. The descend follows the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you will able to see Kilimanjaro from many viewpoints.
Tour Day by Day
Day 1:
Pick up from the International Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to the hotel in Arusha.
Day 2:
After breakfast, we pick you up from the hotel and transfer you in our car to the Marangu park gate for registration. Continue for approximetaly 2 ½ hours by car to the Rongai trailhead. Our hike will begin from the village of Nale Moru. We will pass through maize fields and then climb gently through a pine forest sheltering a variety of wildlife, including the Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey.
The Simba campsite that we are heading to , is on the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views of the Kenyan plains. We will be have dinner and overnight at Simba camp .
Altitude: 2650m
Hiking time: 3 hours
Day 3:
Today we begin our ascent to the “Second Cave”, where we will rest and have our lunch enjoying the superb views of Kibo and the ice fields on the crater rim. We will continue hiking towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where we camp in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves.
Altitude: 3600m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 4:
Our hiking starts in the moorlands and moves into alpine desert. We will continue up to Lava Tower from where the trail descends into Barranco Valley. The vegetation becomes richer in this area, which is called the “Garden of Senecias”. Huge Senecio and shorter lobelia plants are present all around. We will reach Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight. Tonight’s camp is one of the most stunning of the mountain with an impressing view of Kibo right above us.
Altitude: 3950 m
Hiking time: 5 hours
Day 5:
Today we begin hiking on easy angled scree slopes. Our path continues – crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. We will stay at Kibo campsite for dinner and a good rest, preparing ourselves for the final ascent.
Altitude: 4703
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 6:
We will wake up at around 12am to begin for our final ascent towards Uhuru Peak. We will hike slowly on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point at 5681m. We will stop for a short rest to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.
We will continue our hike passing by spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs in the summit area. We have reached Uhuru peak at 5895m. the highest point of Africa! After enough time to enjoy οur achievement, we start our descent back to Kibo for lunch and a short rest and then continue down the Marangu route for dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp.
Altitude: 5896m – 3720m
Hiking time: 14 hours
Day 7:
On our last day, we descend steadily through the moorland. We will have a short break for lunch at the Mandara Hut and continue through a lush rain forest till we reach Marangu gate. There, a certificate attesting your success in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will be awarded to you. Our car will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and reward you with a celebration dinner.
Altitude: 1980m
Hiking time: 6 hours
- Arusha / Moshi: Hotel, Lodge
- simba cave: Simba Cave Camp
- Kikelelwa Cave: Kikelelwa Camp
- Horombo: Horombo Camp
Are you Interested?
For Trekking you can contact us either by filling in the booking form or by email at info@activetanzania.com or if you prefer, call us by phone or WhatsApp on +255 682 675 792 or +255 784 605 785. We will be happy to hear from you.
- Programs
- Book this tour
- Trekking Tips
- Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?
- Prepare for Climbing Kilimanjaro
- Gear Do I Need to Climb Kilimanjaro?
- How do I Train to Climb Kilimanjaro?
- How Can I Prepare for Kilimanjaro’s High Altitude?
- What Are the Entry Requirements for Tanzania?
- Should I Get a Medical Check Up Before Climbing Kilimanjaro?
- What Vaccinations, Immunizations and Medications Do I Need?
- Do I Need Travel Insurance?
- Where Do the Kilimanjaro Climbs Begin?
Are you Interested?
For safaris you can contact us either by filling in the booking form or by email at info@activetanzania.com or if you prefer, call us by phone or WhatsApp on +255 682 675 792 or +255 784 605 785. We will be happy to hear from you.
Optional Extensions
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Pre-Trip Extension, 7 Days
Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia island – Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania – Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days
Chimpanzee Tracking – Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days