7 Day – Kilimanjaro trek via Rongai Route

Loading available options...

Overview

  • Duration:9 days 8 nights
  • Travelers:1 - 21 guests
  • Tour Type:Private tour
  • Language:All Languages
The Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, offers a quieter, less crowded trek with gentle slopes and stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi. This 9-day itinerary includes gradual acclimatization, overnight camps with full support from guides and porters, and scenic landscapes ranging from forest to alpine desert. The journey culminates at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending via the classic Marangu route.
Read more

Highlights

  • Reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa
  • Trekking through five distinct climate zones in one journey
  • Breathtaking views of glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and wide savannah plains
  • Spectacular sunrise at the summit
  • Opportunity to spot unique flora and fauna found only on Kilimanjaro

Includes/Excludes

  • Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
  • Camping or hut fees
  • Government taxes and rescue fees
  • Professional mountain guides
  • Professional Cooks & Porters
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Treated drinking water
  • Summit certificate
  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and meet your Altezza Travel representative for transfer to your hotel. Settle into cozy rooms with hot water, Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool. In the evening, attend a briefing to review your itinerary, check your equipment, and learn essential tips for high-altitude trekking.

Day 2: Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp

After breakfast, meet your guide and support crew, then drive to Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m / 6,627 ft) to complete climbing permits and registration. Begin trekking through coniferous forests along Kilimanjaro’s northern slope, maintaining a steady pace. Hike approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) over 3 hours to reach Simba Camp (2,671 m / 8,612 ft), where tents are prepared and dinner is served. Drink plenty of water and monitor for altitude-related discomfort.

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Trek 8 km (4.9 miles) over roughly 3 hours from Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,450 m / 11,318 ft). The route is moderate and scenic, allowing time to rest upon arrival. After lunch, take a short 2.5 km (1.5 miles) acclimatization hike toward Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m / 11,909 ft) with a 100 m altitude gain, then return to Second Cave Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Second Cave Camp to Kikilewa Camp

After breakfast, trek 5 km (3.1 miles) over 3 hours to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m), enjoying panoramic views of Kibo Volcano. The afternoon is a relief day for rest and acclimatization. Guides will check each climber’s health in the evening and provide instructions for the next day’s hike to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Day 5: Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Begin early with a trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315 m / 14,156 ft) at the base of Mawenzi Volcano. Hike approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) over 4 hours. After lunch and rest, undertake a short acclimatization hike (2 km / 1.2 miles) up to Mawenzi Volcano (4,510 m / 14,796 ft) and return to camp. Dinner and overnight follow at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

Trek 9 km (5.5 miles) over 5 hours from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Summit Camp (4,720 m / 15,482 ft) across rocky semi-desert terrain. Upon arrival, rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of sleep.

Day 7: Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

Depart around midnight from Kibo Camp (4,720 m / 15,482 ft) to climb Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). Trekking is strenuous due to altitude, even though the gradient is moderate. Climbers are paired with guides to monitor pace and health. After reaching the summit, enjoy glacier views and descend to Kibo Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and overnight. This day covers 21 km (13 miles) over roughly 12 hours.

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After breakfast, descend approximately 19 km (11.8 miles) over 6 hours to Marangu Gate (1,970 m / 6,462 ft). Celebrate your achievement with the climbing crew and receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to your hotel for rest, showers, and relaxation.

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. Late check-out is available for evening flights at an additional fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Kilimanjaro climb suitable for first-time climbers?

Yes. This Kilimanjaro climbing tour is suitable for first-time climbers with a reasonable level of fitness. No technical mountaineering experience is required, as the climb is a guided trek.

When is the best time to book a Kilimanjaro climbing tour?

The best time to book a Kilimanjaro climb is during the dry seasons, from January to March and June to October. Booking early is recommended to secure preferred dates and routes.

How do I prepare for a Kilimanjaro climb after booking?

After booking, you should follow a training plan, review the provided packing list, and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.

What are my chances of reaching the Kilimanjaro summit?

Summit success rates depend on route choice and acclimatization time. Tours lasting 7 days or more offer higher success rates, especially when guided by experienced local mountain crews.
from$ 2,250 /person
Date
1
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
2
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Apply
Guest

You can select between 1 to 21 travelers in total.

AdultAge 13+
-+

Please select guests

Apply
Make enquiry

You might also like...