Our 6-Day Rongai Route offers both Standard and All-Inclusive Packages, allowing climbers to choose their preferred option. This is the only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, offering a unique perspective and fewer crowds.
We depart from Arusha and drive for 4-5 hours to Rongai Gate (6,400ft / 1,950m) near the Kenyan border. After registration, we start our trek through the forest to Simba Camp (8,530ft / 2,600m).
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Overnight at Simba Camp
We continue our trek through the Moorland Zone, gradually gaining altitude as we head to Kikelewa Camp (11,811ft / 3,600m). The landscape becomes more open, offering stunning views.
- Trekking time: 6-7 hours
- Overnight at Kikelewa Camp
Today’s hike is shorter but steeper as we ascend to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,160ft / 4,315m). Nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, this camp provides one of the most scenic overnight spots on the mountain.
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
This extra day allows for better acclimatization. We take a short hike to higher elevations before returning to Mawenzi Tarn Camp to rest. This improves the chances of a successful summit.
- Optional hike for acclimatization
- Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
We trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, reaching Kibo Hut (15,430ft / 4,703m). This is our final stop before the summit push. We eat early and rest in preparation for the midnight ascent.
- Trekking time: 5-6 hours
- Overnight at Kibo Hut
We begin our summit push at midnight, ascending to Gilman’s Point (18,652ft / 5,685m) before reaching the highest peak, Uhuru Peak (19,341ft / 5,895m). After celebrating, we descend to Horombo Hut (12,205ft / 3,720m) for a well-deserved rest.
- Summit ascent: ~7-8 hours
- Descent to Horombo Hut: 6-8 hours
- Overnight at Horombo Hut
We complete our descent to Marangu Gate (6,046ft / 1,843m), where we sign the Kilimanjaro National Park Register and receive a certificate of completion.
- Descent time: 5-6 hours
- Return drive to Arusha (~3 hours)
- Mid-afternoon arrival at the hotel
Congratulations! You’ve conquered Kilimanjaro’s 7-Day Rongai Route. 🎉
