8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Rongai Route.
The Rongai Route, located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is one of the least visited and, therefore, the most tranquil and scenic routes to base camp. It begins closer to the Kenyan border and offers a beautiful wilderness experience on a quieter trail with a gentle ascent to allow for acclimatization.
The 8-day standard package is a popular trip that provides the best chance for anyone looking to summit, while allowing you to experience the natural beauty and cultural immersion all around. Each day provides a different experience and landscape ranging from dense rainforest to alpine deserts leading to a stunning view of Uhuru Peak’s snow-covered summit.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1 – Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Your Accommodation in Arusha.
Day 2: From Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2600m).
Day 3: From Rongai Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3600).
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) and then Horombo Hut (3,700 m).
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,860 m).
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1 – Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport to Your Accommodation in Arusha.
Your journey starts with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Once checked in, you will meet with your mountain guide for a complete briefing, during which time your guide will review the trek plans, review your gear, and check your preparedness for trekking on Kilimanjaro. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax, eat meals, and rest before the upcoming adventure.
Day 2: From Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2600m).
After breakfast, you will drive through rural villages and farmlands to reach Rongai Gate on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. After registrations are settled, your trek begins. First you will walk through a beautiful forest area and may see colobus monkeys, and common birds. With an ascent, the forest will open into moorland that provides stunning views of the plains of Kenya below.
After about 4-5 hours walking, you will arrive at Simba Camp located at the edge of moorland zone, which usually is a bit cooler, and the sometimes night skies are full of stars that provide for a peaceful first night on the mountain.
Day 3: From Rongai Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3600).
Today you will trek continues up into the moorland zone when you will see the views get wider and more dramatic. You will pass the Second Cave which is a great spot for photos and a short rest break. The landscape opens up providing clear views of Kibo Peak, which is the main summit cone.
The ascent is slow but steady while your body adapts to the increased elevation. After approximately 6 hours of walking, you will arrive at Kikelewa Camp, which is a nice campsite situated in a protected valley surrounded by giant groundsels and mountain flora. You’ll have a hot meal and sleep under the stars.
Day 4 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m).
This is one of the most beautiful sections of the entire Rongai Route. After breakfast, you will leave Kikelewa and steadily climb up a ridge and approach the dramatic pinnacles of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second high summit. The air becomes thinner and vegetation changes to alpine desert.
After 4–5 hours of trekking you will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is spectacularly located in a cirque below the spires of Mawenzi. You’ll have the afternoon to relax or take a short acclimatization hike around the area. The view from this camp is spectacular, and the evening sun on Mawenzi Peak will be a memory never to be forgotten.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700 m).
On Day 5, you will cross the Saddle, a large, lunar-like alpine desert situated between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trails are relatively mild, albeit lengthy; therefore, you will have ample opportunity to enjoy the fantastic landscapes. The afternoon on this section is often windy and dry. You will enjoy a stunning vantage point to see both summits.
After 5 to 6 hours, you will arrive at Kibo Hut, which is the last camp before your summit attempt. Kibo Hut is located directly below the steep final ascent to the crater rim. You will enjoy an early supper and retire fairly quickly after dinner to rest for your summit endeavor, which you will begin just after midnight.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and then Horombo Hut (3,700 m).
Day 6 consists of the most difficult and rewarding day of trekking. You will awaken in the middle of the night and begin your final ascent, all while it is a star-filled sky. The elevation gain is slow and steady while you switchback through scree and ice on your way to Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) at the crater rim. From this point, it will be another 1 to 2 hours along the ridge to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) the highest point in Africa.
Reaching Uhuru Peak, with the sun coming up over the glaciers, is a life-changing moment. After some photos and celebrations, we will start our descent back down to Kibo Hut for a short rest, before continuing down to Horombo Hut to spend our last night on the mountain.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,860 m).
After breakfast, we will descend through the moorland and into the forest. The trail is lush with plant life, abundant bird life, and running streams. It is a long distance but then pleasant walk back to Marangu Gate, where your trekking team will await you to congratulate you on a great successful climb. You will receive your summit certificate, a proud reminder of your Kilimanjaro summit.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, and delicious meal, and well-earned rest.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, basing on your flight schedule, you may choose to relax at your hotel, or explore the town before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. This will conclude your amazing 8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Rongai Route
End of 8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Rongai Route.
Package Inclusions.
Transfers to and from the airport.
pre-and post-climb accommodation.
Licensed Mountain guides, cooks, and porters.
All camping and park entrance fees.
All meals during the climb (full board).
Water for drinking while on the mountain.
All mountain tents and equipment.
Oxygen cylinder and first aid equipment.
Kilimanjaro climbing certificate upon completion
Standard Package Exclusions.
International flights and Tanzania visa fees.
Medical and travel insurance.
Personal climbing gear (climbing boots, jackets, sleeping bags).
Gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks.
Soft drinks and alcohol.
Post-climb accommodation.
