- Leen Adventures
- Add-On Safaris
7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Duration
7 days
Max People
12+
Min Age
9+
Tour Type
Add-On Safaris
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. Known for its remote wilderness feel, gentler gradient, and low crowd density, this route offers a quieter, more scenic path to Africa’s highest peak. It is an excellent choice for trekkers looking for solitude, panoramic views, and a good chance of summit success.
Unlike the busier southern approaches, Rongai offers unspoiled views and unique perspectives, including the rarely seen northern slopes and the Mawenzi volcanic peak. The 7-day version includes a critical acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn to improve summit success rates. The final summit push follows the Kibo crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—a truly breathtaking reward for your effort.
With the support of a professional guide team, skilled porters, and a mountain chef, this trek balances comfort, safety, and adventure. If you want a quieter, less-traveled route to the top of Kilimanjaro, Rongai is the perfect choice.
Tour Highlights
Departure and Return Place: We begin and end at any hotel in Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map). Transfers are included.
Departure Time: Be ready by 7:00 AM for an 8:00 AM departure from Moshi on Day 1.
Return Time: Approx. 2:30 PM in Moshi on Day 7.
Dress Code: Technical hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, thermal wear, down jacket, gloves, rain gear, and a sun hat.
Customizations: Tailored private treks and group departures available. Luxury upgrades and add-on safaris can be arranged.
Extensions: Consider post-trek Serengeti safaris, Zanzibar beaches, or Ngorongoro Crater tours.
Season: Best months for trekking: January–March and June–October, with clearer skies and drier trails.
Support Team: Includes certified mountain guides, porters, and a cook. Daily health checks conducted.
What to Expect on Tour
Expect a challenging but spectacular trek through Kilimanjaro’s remote northern face, with changing scenery, low foot traffic, and breathtaking views. Your journey includes professional support, warm meals, high-altitude safety protocols, and a slower ascent profile for better acclimatization. From the peaceful forest start to the dramatic Mawenzi peaks and summit sunrise, this route promises solitude, beauty, and a life-changing achievement at Uhuru Peak.
Includes/Excludes
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- All meals on the hike
- 2-night accommodation in lodge.
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority.
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- International Flights.
- All items of a personal nature.
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal climbing gears
- Drinks and Beverage at Lodge during Safari
- Travel insurance we are highly recommends.
- Single Supplement (Single room) will be $150 per person.
- Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival).
📍 Day 1: Moshi – Rongai Gate (1,950m) – Simba Camp (2,625m)
After breakfast in Moshi, drive approximately 3–4 hours to the Rongai Gate on Kilimanjaro’s northeastern flank. Begin trekking through a beautiful forest trail rich in wildlife and birdlife. You’ll arrive at Simba Camp, located on the edge of moorland, in time for dinner and overnight rest.
- Hiking Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain: +675 meters
- Accommodation: Simba Camp
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
Ascend steadily through moorland vegetation, enjoying clear views of Kilimanjaro’s icy summit and the Mawenzi Peak. The trail becomes rockier and more open as you climb to Second Cave Camp, where you’ll rest, have lunch, and enjoy views of the plains stretching to Kenya.
- Hiking Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +825 meters
- Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 3: Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)
Today’s trail leads toward the imposing Mawenzi Peak. You’ll hike gradually through grassy slopes and shrubs with fewer trekkers around. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp, located in a sheltered valley near a stream, where you’ll enjoy the alpine tranquility and prepare for the altitude to come.
- Hiking Distance: ~9 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +180 meters
- Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 4: Kikelewa – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Climb steadily up a short but steep trail toward Mawenzi Tarn, situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of Kilimanjaro’s most stunning campsites, set next to a small alpine lake. Spend the afternoon resting or taking a short acclimatization hike.
- Hiking Distance: ~6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain: +700 meters
- Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 5: Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn
Today is a rest and acclimatization day at high altitude. You’ll hike to higher elevations (up to 4,600m) during the day and return to camp for rest. This crucial day boosts your body’s adaptation and increases the chance of reaching the summit successfully. Enjoy spectacular alpine views of Mawenzi’s dramatic peaks and surrounding valleys.
- Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
📍 Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Cross the moon-like Saddle Desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This dry, barren landscape leads to Kibo Hut, your basecamp for the summit attempt. Arrive early afternoon, rest, hydrate, and have an early dinner before your midnight departure for the summit.
- Hiking Distance: ~9 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +370 meters
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
📍Day 7: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut – Moshi
Start your summit attempt around midnight, ascending via Gilman’s Point (5,685m) to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. After witnessing sunrise from the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and brunch. Continue down to Horombo Hut to meet your vehicle at Marangu Gate, then drive to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
- Hiking Distance: ~21 km total
- Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
- Elevation Gain: +1,195m, then -2,175m
- Accommodation: Not included (drop-off in Moshi)
- Meals Included: Lunch
Is the Rongai Route good for beginners?
Yes, Rongai is great for beginners with good fitness. It offers a gradual incline, fewer steep sections, and less traffic than other routes. The 7-day version includes an acclimatization day, which increases summit success and makes altitude gain more manageable. While no technical skills are needed, stamina and preparation are essential. Training with long hikes and cardio before your trek will boost your readiness for Kilimanjaro.
How many people are in the support crew?
Each trekker is typically supported by a team of 5–7 crew members, including a lead guide, assistant guide, cook, and multiple porters. This crew ratio ensures your gear is carried, food is prepared, and safety is maintained. They also handle campsite logistics, allowing you to focus on hiking and acclimatization. Larger groups may require even more support staff. Tipping the crew is customary and appreciated after the trek.
What is the weather like on Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route is generally drier than southern routes, especially during the rainy season. You’ll experience multiple climate zones: warm and humid rainforest, cool moorland, chilly alpine desert, and freezing summit conditions. Temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F) or lower at night near the summit. Bring layers, windproof outerwear, and a quality sleeping bag rated for alpine conditions. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for anything.
Are there toilets on the trek?
Basic long-drop toilets are available at all campsites. Many trekkers also rent a portable private toilet tent for extra comfort and hygiene, especially for summit night. Handwashing water is provided, but bringing your own sanitizer and biodegradable wipes is recommended. While facilities are simple, they are regularly cleaned and maintained by your support crew.
Do I need to bring my own food and water?
No. All meals are prepared by your mountain chef using fresh ingredients. Meals include hot breakfasts, packed lunches, and warm dinners. Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, etc.) can be accommodated with advance notice. You’ll receive boiled and filtered drinking water daily—just bring refillable water bottles or a hydration bladder. Staying hydrated is vital for altitude acclimatization.
How is altitude sickness managed on this route?
Altitude sickness is a concern on any Kilimanjaro route. To manage it, your guides perform twice-daily health checks using pulse oximeters and symptom monitoring. The 7-day Rongai itinerary includes an acclimatization day, which helps significantly. Guides carry emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit. If symptoms worsen, descent is initiated immediately. Trekking slowly, staying hydrated, and following your guide’s advice help reduce risks.
What happens after I reach the summit?
After reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for a final meal and celebration. The following day, you descend to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your official summit certificate. Our driver will return you to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and relaxation. We also offer optional massages or post-climb adventures like safaris or beach holidays.
Pricing
| Number of People | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,100 |
| 2 people | $1,250 |
| 3 people | $1,060 |
| 4 people | $940 |
| 5 people | $890 |
| 6–10 people | $840 |
Accommodation
| Tour Day | Budget Camping Package | Standard Package |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel | Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge |
| Day 2 | Lilac Campsite / Panorama Campsite | Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge |
Price
From
$3350
