7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai -Route
From
$1,800 / Person
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Duration
7 Days
Max People
28
Min Age
12+
Pickup
(JRO) Airport
Tour Overview
7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai -Route Overview
The 7-days Kilimanjaro Trek via the Rongai Route is one of the most unique and rewarding ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route approaches the mountain from the northern side, near the Kenyan border, and is known for its quieter trails, gradual ascent, and beautiful scenery. It is an excellent option for climbers who prefer a less crowded experience while still enjoying a steady and manageable climb.
The journey typically begins at the Rongai Gate, where climbers complete registration before starting their trek. The first day involves a gentle hike through farmland and pine forest, gradually transitioning into a more natural wilderness setting. Compared to other routes, the Rongai Route receives less rainfall, making the trail drier and often easier to navigate, especially during the rainy season. As the trek continues, hikers move into the moorland zone, where the landscape opens up and offers impressive views of the surrounding plains. The vegetation becomes less dense, and unique plants such as giant lobelias begin to appear. The gradual incline of the route helps climbers adjust to the increasing altitude, which is important for reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Midway through the trek, climbers reach higher elevations where the terrain becomes more rugged and alpine. The air is thinner, and temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. Despite these challenges, the route remains relatively steady and less steep compared to others, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
Before the summit attempt, climbers usually rest and acclimatize at a high camp, preparing both physically and mentally for the final ascent. Summit day begins in the early hours of the morning, with a challenging climb to Uhuru Peak. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a breathtaking experience, offering panoramic views and a deep sense of accomplishment. After the summit, the descent is typically made via the Marangu Route, allowing climbers to experience a different side of the mountain. The final days involve trekking down through moorland and rainforest zones until reaching the park exit. Overall, the 7-days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route provides a quieter, scenic, and well-paced Kilimanjaro trekking experience, making it an ideal choice for many adventurers.
Tour Include/Exclude
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Full Tour Itinerary
Tour Plan
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
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