7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
- Accommodation Style: Mid-range
- You Visit: Kilimanjaro
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest and most scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, boasting a high success rate. Unlike busier trails, this route begins on the mountain’s northern side, near the Kenyan border, offering a quieter and more remote trekking experience. The descent follows the Marangu Route on the southern slopes, allowing trekkers to enjoy diverse perspectives of the majestic mountain.
The journey to the trailhead takes approximately 3 hours from Moshi, passing through charming villages and lush coffee plantations, with a brief stop in Marangu to register climbing permits.
For those traveling from Kenya, the Rongai Route can also be accessed via Amboseli National Park, with a total travel time of about 2 hours, including border formalities. Note: Advance copies of passports are required for a smooth crossing.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park (Rongai Gate) – Hike to Simba Camp
After a scenic 2-hour drive to the charming village of Nale Moru (including a permit stop in Marangu), we’ll register and prepare our porters before beginning the trek. The trail winds through maize and potato fields before entering a serene pine forest. As we ascend gently, the forest thins, revealing stunning views of the Kenyan plains as we reach Simba Camp on the edge of the moorland.
Elevation: 2000m (6560ft) → 2635m (8645ft)
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Hike from Simba Camp to Second Cave
Today’s steady ascent leads us to Second Cave, offering breathtaking views of Kibo Peak and the Eastern Ice Fields along the crater rim.
Elevation: 2635m (8645ft) → 3487m (11,440ft)
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Hike from Second Cave to Third Cave
We continue our journey across the moorland, gradually climbing to Third Cave as the landscape transitions into semi-desert terrain.
Elevation: 3487m (11,440ft) → 3939m (12,913ft)
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Day 4: Hike from Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Today’s trek takes us to Kibo Hut at the base of Kibo’s crater wall. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and preparation for the challenging summit push ahead.
Elevation: 3939m (12,913ft) → 4700m (15,466ft)
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Summit Day! Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
We begin our ascent at midnight under a starry sky, trekking steep scree slopes to Gilman’s Point (5700m) on the crater rim. From here, we push onward to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa! After celebrating with photos, we descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4700m (15,500ft) → 5895m (19,340ft) → 3700m (12,200ft)
Distance: 6km (ascent) / 15km (descent)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours (ascent) / 5–6 hours (descent)
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Moorland
Pro Tip: The summit climb is demanding—take it slow (“pole pole”), stay warm, and keep a positive mindset!
Day 6: Hike from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Drive to Moshi
Our final descent takes us through moorland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. A vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi for a well-earned celebration!
Elevation: 3700m (12,200ft) → 1905m (6250ft)
Distance: 19km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Forest
Congratulations—you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro! 🎉
Included in the Package:
✔ All park entry fees & crater service fees
✔ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✔ 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up roof
✔ All meals as specified (B, L, D)
✔ 2 nights mid-range lodge accommodation
✔ Bottled drinking water
✔ Government taxes
Excluded:
✖ International flights & visas
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Tips for guides & lodge staff
✖ Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
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