7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

7 days

An approach form the dry northeast (Kenya side) up to the flanks of Mawenzi (the oldest of the three Kilimanjaro volcanoes) into the great expanse of the barren saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo and finally up to the summit via the Marangu Route form 5+ days, but best done in 6 or 7 days. The descent route on Rongai is the Marangu Route which one day longer than other camping routes. This route is considered as one of the easiest routes with high success rate.

From: 1 700,00 $

7-day Rongai Route trek (approach from northeast Kenya side, descent via Marangu Route)

High success rate and considered one of the easiest Kilimanjaro routes

Arrival pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport with hotel accommodation in Arusha

English-speaking guides with daily briefings and equipment check before trek

All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner each trekking day)

Wildlife sightings possible (zebras, elephants, buffalo, monkeys) on early days

Summit attempt at midnight via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak (5895 m)

Certificates awarded upon completion at Marangu Gate

Itinerary

Day 0–1

Arrival in Arusha, trek from Nalemoru Gate through rainforest to Simba Camp.

Day 2–3

Ascend via moorland from Simba to 2nd Cave and onward to Kikelelwa Camp with views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Day 4–5

Climb to Mawenzi Tarn, cross the lunar saddle to Kibo Hut for summit prep.

Day 6–7

Midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, descend via Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate for celebration.

Day 0–1

Arrival & Trek Start

Day 0 – Arrival

Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport → transfer to hotel in Arusha.
Trek briefing & gear check with your guide.
Accommodation: The Charity Hotel (dinner included)

Day 1 – Nalemoru Gate (1,950 m) → Simba Camp (2,625 m)

Drive to Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border.
Gradual ascent through rainforest; possible wildlife sightings (zebra, elephants, buffalo, monkeys).
Accommodation: Simba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking Time: ~4 hrs

Day 2–4

Ascent to Mawenzi

Day 2 – Simba Camp → 2nd Cave Camp (3,450 m)

Moorland zone trekking with views of Kibo and eastern ice fields.
Accommodation: 2nd Cave Camp
Hiking Time: ~3 hrs

Day 3 – 2nd Cave Camp → Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 m)

Cross moorland towards jagged Mawenzi peaks.
Accommodation: Kikelelwa Camp
Hiking Time: ~4 hrs

Day 4 – Kikelelwa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330 m)

Short but steep climb up grassy slopes with panoramic views.
Afternoon rest or acclimatization walks beneath Mawenzi’s spires.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Hiking Time: ~4 hrs

Day 5–6

Across the Saddle to Summit Night

Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn Hut → Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Cross the barren “lunar” saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Hiking Time: ~5 hrs

Day 6 – Summit: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

Midnight start for the steepest, most demanding section.
Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) at sunrise, then Uhuru Peak (~1 hr more).
Descend via Kibo Hut for rest & lunch, then onward to Horombo Hut.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Hiking Time: ~15 hrs total

Day 7

Descent & Celebration

Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate (1,860 m)

Pass through heath/moorland to Mandara Hut for lunch, then tropical rainforest to park gate.
Certificate collection & transfer to hotel in Moshi for a well-earned warm shower and celebration.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Hiking Time: ~7 hrs