7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Kilimanjaro From a Quieter Side
The Rongai Route offers a distinctly different approach to Kilimanjaro, beginning close to the Kenyan border on the mountain’s northern side. With fewer trekkers than some of the more popular southern routes, it appeals to climbers looking for a quieter and more remote journey.
The trail begins through forest and open countryside before climbing gradually towards Kilimanjaro’s rugged upper slopes. As the journey progresses, views towards Kibo and Mawenzi become increasingly dramatic.
Our 7-day itinerary includes time for acclimatisation before continuing towards Kibo, where the final summit attempt begins.
After reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the route descends on the opposite side of the mountain via Marangu, allowing you to experience contrasting landscapes during the ascent and descent.
CLIMB RATES
The Mountain Awaits.
DAY 01
Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
Your journey begins with a transfer around Kilimanjaro towards the Rongai trailhead on the mountain’s northern side.
After registration and preparations, meet your mountain team and begin walking through the lower slopes. The trail gradually climbs through forest and increasingly open vegetation as you settle into the rhythm of the mountain.
Compared with Kilimanjaro’s busier approaches, Rongai often feels noticeably quieter from the very beginning.
Arrive at Simba Camp for your first night beneath Kilimanjaro.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 02
Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp
After breakfast, continue steadily upwards through increasingly open moorland.
As elevation increases, vegetation becomes lower and the enormous scale of Kilimanjaro begins to reveal itself. On clear days, views towards Kibo accompany sections of the trail.
The gradual ascent brings you to Second Cave Camp, where you spend the afternoon resting and adjusting to the increasing altitude.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 03
Second Cave Camp → Kikelewa Camp
Today the route continues across Kilimanjaro’s quieter northeastern slopes.
The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you move towards the distinctive peak of Mawenzi, creating a very different mountain atmosphere from the open lower slopes.
The day’s controlled ascent provides further time for your body to adapt before reaching Kikelewa Camp.
Settle into camp surrounded by increasingly dramatic high-altitude scenery.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 04
Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp
After breakfast, the trail climbs more steeply towards Mawenzi.
As you gain altitude, vegetation becomes sparse and the terrain increasingly dramatic. Eventually reach Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the rugged spires of Mawenzi Peak.
This is one of the most atmospheric camp locations on the Rongai Route.
The relatively shorter trekking day allows time for rest and, depending on conditions and your guide’s plan, an additional acclimatisation walk may be undertaken during the afternoon.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 05
Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut
Leave Mawenzi behind and cross the broad alpine saddle separating Mawenzi from Kibo.
The vegetation virtually disappears as you enter a stark high-altitude desert dominated by volcanic terrain and enormous skies.
Your destination is Kibo Hut, positioned beneath Kilimanjaro’s summit cone.
After arriving, eat, hydrate and prepare your equipment for the final ascent. Your guide will provide a summit briefing before you attempt to get some early rest.
The climb towards Uhuru Peak begins around midnight.
OVERNIGHT
ELEVATION
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 06
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
Wake late in the evening and prepare for the most challenging stage of the journey.
Under darkness, begin the slow climb towards Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. The combination of cold temperatures, altitude and steep terrain makes progress deliberately slow.
Eventually reach Gilman’s Point at approximately 5,685 metres.
From here, continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, begin the long descent back towards Kibo before continuing down the mountain to Horombo Hut.
By evening, you will have descended thousands of metres from the summit into a considerably warmer environment.
OVERNIGHT
SUMMIT
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
DAY 07
Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
Your final day follows the Marangu trail down through Kilimanjaro’s changing vegetation zones.
Descend through moorland before eventually returning to the lush rainforest of the lower slopes.
Continue past Mandara and towards Marangu Gate, where the trek officially ends.
After completing the park formalities and saying goodbye to your mountain team, meet your driver for the transfer back to your hotel.
FINISH
TREKKING TIME
HABITAT
MEALS
What's Included
- All Park Fees
- Professional Kilimanjaro mountain guides
- Rescue fees
- Mountain tents and camping equipment as specified
- Porters and mountain support crew
- Mountain cook and prepared meals during the trek
- Drinking water while on the mountain
- Transfers to & from the gate
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Ready for Kilimanjaro?
Approach Kilimanjaro from its remote northern slopes, trek beneath Mawenzi and work your way towards the highest point in Africa.