7 Days Rongai Route

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Tour overview

A 7-day climb of the Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a unique and less-traveled trek from the northeastern side of the mountain, providing stunning views and varied landscapes along the way.

Rongai route provides an unforgettable adventure through diverse landscapes, culminating in a sunrise summit bid on Africa’s highest peak. It’s important to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and listen to your body throughout the climb. With proper preparation and determination, you can conquer Kilimanjaro and experience the wonder of its majestic summit.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 7-day climb of the Rongai Route:

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Start at the Rongai Gate (1,950 meters/6,398 feet), where you’ll register with park authorities and begin your trek.
Hike through lush rainforest, spotting diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Arrive at Simba Camp (2,650 meters/8,694 feet), your first overnight stop. Set up camp, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

Continue ascending through the rainforest, gradually leaving the treeline behind.
Trek through moorland, with views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Arrive at Second Cave (3,450 meters/11,319 feet), your overnight stop. Take in the panoramic vistas and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Trek through the alpine desert terrain, with occasional steep sections and rocky terrain.
Ascend gradually, crossing several ridges and valleys.
Arrive at Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters/11,811 feet), situated on a scenic plateau. Rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Continue ascending through the alpine desert, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak.
Trek along the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, passing through unique landscapes.
Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 meters/14,206 feet), your overnight stop. Rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitude.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Ascend further towards Kibo Peak, passing through rugged terrain and high altitude desert.
Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 meters/15,420 feet), your basecamp for the summit push. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.

Day 6: Summit Day (Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut)

Begin the summit attempt in the early hours of the morning, usually around midnight.
Trek up steep and challenging switchbacks on the rocky scree slope, ascending to Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters/18,638 feet) on the crater rim.
Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa.
Descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and meal, then continue descending to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters/12,205 feet) for the night.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Descend through the moorland and rainforest zones, enjoying the scenic views.
Arrive at Marangu Gate (1,860 meters/6,102 feet), where you’ll receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement.
Transfer back to your accommodations in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro climb.