ITINERARY OVERVIEW
The Rongai Route is one of the less-travelled paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing trekkers to enjoy a more secluded and quieter experience. This 7-day climb is carefully crafted to maximize acclimatization, providing you with ample time to adjust to the increasing altitude. From lush rainforests to stark alpine deserts, this route offers a diverse and visually stunning experience. Each day’s journey will challenge you physically and mentally as you climb through different habitats, culminating at the summit, Uhuru Peak, on day 7.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Description: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. This day is dedicated to relaxation and preparation for the climb. Your guide will provide a pre-climb briefing, discuss the trekking schedule, and ensure your equipment is in order.
- Elevation: 0m
- Distance: 0 km
- Hiking Time: 0 hrs
- Habitat: No trekking, city accommodation
Day 2: Nalemoru Gate → Simba Camp
- Description: Your journey begins with a drive to the Nalemoru Gate, where your trek officially starts. Today’s hike takes you through dense rainforest, where the air is thick with moisture, and the sounds of birds and monkeys echo through the trees. After an easy and gradual ascent, you’ll arrive at Simba Camp, which offers your first night of camping on the mountain.
- Elevation: 2364m → 2671m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
- Habitat: Montane rainforest, lush with vegetation and wildlife
Day 3: Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp
- Description: Today, you’ll hike through the moorland zone, where the terrain becomes more open and the forest gives way to shrubs and grasses. The trek is moderately strenuous, and you’ll have views of Kilimanjaro’s towering summit in the distance. Second Cave Camp provides incredible vistas of the surrounding plains and peaks.
- Elevation: 2671m → 3450m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland, with an increase in altitude and rocky terrain
Day 4: Second Cave → Kikelelwa Camp
- Description: On this day, you continue your climb into higher moorland. The landscape becomes more barren, with sparse vegetation and rocky outcrops. The trail is a bit steeper, but the effort is rewarded with incredible views of the mountain and surrounding areas. Kikelelwa Camp is perched at an ideal location for acclimatization, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Elevation: 3450m → 3600m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine moorland, characterized by small shrubs and hardy plants
Day 5: Kikelelwa → Mawenzi Tarn Hut
- Description: The day starts with a short but steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, located beneath the Mawenzi Peak. This section of the climb crosses a wide, rocky terrain and offers spectacular views of the jagged Mawenzi spires. The terrain is rocky and rugged, with an increasingly barren feel as you approach the alpine desert.
- Elevation: 3600m → 4315m
- Distance: 3 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine desert, a barren landscape with dramatic rock formations
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut
- Description: Today, you’ll trek across the Saddle, a vast, barren plateau between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. This part of the route is more exposed, offering fantastic views of the summit in the distance. The journey to Kibo Hut is long but relatively gentle, setting you up for your summit attempt. It’s essential to rest early, as the next day’s climb will begin in the early hours.
- Elevation: 4315m → 4720m
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine desert, rocky terrain, and barren plains
Day 7: Summit Day – Kibo → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
- Description: The final day starts with a midnight ascent towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. As dawn breaks, you’ll see the incredible views of the surrounding glaciers. From there, you’ll make the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, you’ll descend to Horombo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Marangu Gate for the final part of the trek.
- Elevation: 4720m → 5895m → 3720m
- Distance: 21 km total
- Hiking Time: 11–14 hrs
- Habitat: From snow-capped summit (Uhuru Peak) to alpine desert and tropical montane forest
PACKAGE
Package Inclusions
Travel Handbook
Included in Package
Airport Pick up and drop off
Pre and Post Trek Hotel accommodation
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and taxes
Q-4 season mountain tents
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals per day whilst on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Excluded in Package
International flights
Traveler’s insurance
VISA
Drinks outside safari
Tipping (we recommend from $10 per person per day)