7 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is one of the most scenic and least traveled paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Accessing the mountain from the northern side near the Kenyan border, this route offers breathtaking views of wilderness, has a gradual acclimatization rate, and provides a real sense of adventure.
This standard itinerary of trekking is for 7 days and offers comfort, safety and the services of the best guides that provide you with the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the Roof of Africa.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to Arusha.
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1,950 m) to Simba Camp (2,600 m).
Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m).
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m).
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700 m).
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—Descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,970 m)—Return to Arusha.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to Arusha.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our team of professional drivers from Nyumbu Beyond Journeys and will be transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha, a quaint town located at the base of Mount Meru. At the hotel you will be briefed by your mountain guide, who will explain the climbing process, check your gear, and confirm you are ready for the trek ahead. You will spend the day relaxing, wandering through the gardens or taking in the views of the surrounding scenery before enjoying a wholesome evening meal and a peaceful night’s rest to prepare for the adventure ahead on Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Standard hotel in Arusha (bed and breakfast included)
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1,950 m) to Simba Camp (2,600 m).
Start your adventure with breakfast around your new camping area (Simba Camp). You will drive to the Rongai Gate near the Tanzanian-Kenyan border. This is a 3-4-hour-long drive and while on the drive you will have the opportunity to see rural villages, coffee farms, and mountains. At the Rongai Gate, you will sign in with park authorities, meet your mountain crew (porters and cook), and begin your trek.
You will start walking through a beautiful pine forest that is home to colobus monkeys and colorful birds. The trail gradually climbs, making this an easy ascent as we head towards Simba Camp just at the edge of the moorland. When you arrive, camp staff will set up your tents and enjoy a hot dinner under the stars.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Simba Camp
Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m).
Today, we will continue on our trek after breakfast through moorland with amazing views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We will continue to hike through the Second Cave (3,450 m) for a snack and a chance to take some pictures and video. After the cave, the trail steadily ascends to Kikelewa Camp, which is located in a sheltered valley dotted with lush vegetation and fresh mountain streams. The higher elevation facilitates the acclimatization process your body will start to go through to prepare for the higher altitude soon to come. Once you arrive at camp, you will be able to enjoy the warm meal and take in the relaxing atmosphere of the mountains.
Hiking duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m).
This is a short but steep hike that will take you through rougher terrain as you arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful campsite directly beneath the jagged spikes of Mount Mawenzi. The air is cooler, and the altitude is beginning to affect you. When you arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, you will have lunch, and the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or to head out and explore the ridges around you to acclimatize. The view is spectacular; Mawenzi towers above you, and the plains extend beyond. After dinner, get to bed early.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700 m).
On this day, after a filling breakfast, you will begin the trek across the saddle, which is a wide, barren stretch of alpine desert connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The saddle is dry and exposed, but it provides excellent views of both summits.
The hike is gradual, leading you to Kibo Hut, which serves as the base camp for Uhuru Peak and your final ascent. You will arrive in the afternoon, where you can take a break, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Your guide will give you a rundown this afternoon on the details you will need to know for this long and demanding, yet rewarding, section of the climb.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—Descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
The day begins at approximately midnight with you waking for the climb to Uhuru Peak, a journey supported with headlamps. You will gradually make your way up the steep slopes to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) in time for sunrise. From there, you will continue around the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa.
As the sun rises over the endless plains below, you will witness one of the most stunning views the earth has to offer. Take pictures, relive your achievement, and then start your descent to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and rest.
Hiking time: 12–14 hours (round trip)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,970 m)—Return to Arusha.
After breakfast, commence marching back down through the beautiful montane-covered forest back to Marangu Gate, where your climb officially ends. You will sign out of the gate with the park authority and receive your hard-earned summit certificate.
Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha, where you will be able to relax and enjoy a hot shower, reflecting back on your amazing experience on Kilimanjaro.
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
End of 7 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Rongai Route
What is Included:
Airport transfers (arrival and departure).
Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before and after climb).
All fees and park government taxes.
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
Meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs)
Drinking water and hot drinks on the trek
Rescue expenses and emergency first-aid kit
What’s not Included in the Package.
International flights and Tanzania visa costs
Personal climbing equipment (sleeping bags, boots, jackets, poles)
Travel insurance and medical insurance
Tipping guides, porters, and cooks
Additional hotel nights before and/or after the climb Alcoholic beverages and personal spending
