Trip Overview

The Rongai Route is one of the easiest and least crowded routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

It begins on the northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border and offers a gradual ascent, making it an excellent choice for those seeking better acclimatization and higher success rates.

This 7-day itinerary includes an extra day for adaptation to altitude, increasing the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft).

• Starting Point: Rongai Gate (Nale Moru)

• Ending Point: Marangu Gate

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Success Rate: High

• Scenery: Varied landscapes with stunning views of Kenya’s plains

• Accommodation: Camping

Trip Highlight

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Day 3: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

Day 4: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Day 5: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

Day 6: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Day 7: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Day 8: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha

Day 9: Depart Arusha

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Arusha.

• A driver will meet you at the airport after immigration and customs. Look for a sign with written your name.

• The drive to Arusha takes a minimum of 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and opportunity to rent any necessary gear.

• Extra luggage not needed for the trek can be left at the hotel.

Meals Included: None
Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

• Drive to Nale Moru village (about 2 hours, including a permit stop at Marangu).

• Start the hike through maize and potato fields, then enter a pine forest.

• Gradual ascent through the forest, reaching the moorland zone with views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2,000m / 6,560ft → 2,650m / 8,700ft
Distance: 6km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodation: Simba Camp

Day 3: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

• Steady ascent with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields.

Elevation: 2,650m / 8,700ft → 3,450m / 11,300ft
Distance: 6km / 4 miles
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodation: Second Cave Camp

Day 4: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

• Trek across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.

• The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios.

Elevation: 3,450m / 11,300ft → 3,600m / 11,800ft
Distance: 9km / 5 miles
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

Day 5: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

• A steep climb up grassy slopes with excellent views.

• Vegetation disappears near the camp, which is situated beneath Mawenzi’s spires.

• The afternoon is free for rest or acclimatization.

Elevation: 3,600m / 11,800ft → 4,330m / 14,200ft
Distance: 6km / 4 miles
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day 6: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

• Cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo.

• Arrive at Kibo campsite at the base of Kibo crater wall.

• Rest in preparation for the summit attempt.

Elevation: 4,330m / 14,200ft → 4,750m / 15,600ft
Distance: 9km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodation: Kibo Hut Camp

Day 7: Kibo Camp to Summit, Descend to Horombo Hut

• Midnight to 2:00 AM: Start the summit climb on steep scree or snow.

• Reach Gilman’s Point (5,700m / 18,700ft) on the crater rim.

• Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft), the highest point in Africa.

• Descend to Kibo for lunch, then continue to Horombo Hut.

Elevation: 4,750m / 15,600ft → 5,895m / 19,340ft → 3,700m / 12,200ft
Distance: 6km / 4 miles up | 15km / 9 miles down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up | 4-5 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodation: Horombo Hut Camp

Day 8: Hike Horombo Hut to Trailhead, Drive to Arusha

• Descend through moorland to Mandara Hut, then through the forest to Marangu Gate.

• The lower elevations may be wet and muddy. Trekking poles and gaiters will help.

• A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 1 hour).

• Time for celebration!

Elevation: 3,700m / 12,200ft → 1,700m / 5,500ft
Distance: 20km / 12.5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest

Meals Included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Day 9: Depart Arusha

• If starting a safari, your guide will meet you at your hotel.

• Transfers to Kilimanjaro Airport can be arranged.

Meals Included: Breakfast