7 Days Rongai Route
A Trekking That Stays With You Forever
Experiences On the Untouched Tanzania Tour
The 7-day Rongai Route provides a gradual ascent, allowing better acclimatization and increasing summit success. Starting from Kilimanjaro’s northern side, it offers remote, scenic trails with fewer climbers. The extra day at Mawenzi Tarn aids in acclimatization before crossing the Saddle to Kibo. The descent follows the Marangu Route. With drier conditions and varied landscapes, this route is ideal for a quieter trek.
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Highlights
Experience a less crowded scenic route. - Enjoy an extra acclimatization day.
- Cross diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
- Summit Kilimanjaro via Gillman’s Point.
- Descend through the lush Marangu route.
Map & Itinerary
Nights spent per location
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a La Pisada Africa Safaris representative will meet and transfer you to Springlands Hotel in Moshi. Settle in, enjoy a full board meal, and relax in preparation for the climb starting the next day.
Stay
Springlands HotelDay 2: Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp
After breakfast and a briefing, meet your guides and porters to prepare your equipment before departing for Rongai. The trek begins at Nale Moru village (1,950m), following a winding trail through farmland before entering the pine forest.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, including the striking Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. The forest thins as you approach the moorland zone, reaching your campsite at First Cave or Simba Camp (2,600m), offering expansive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation Gain: 1,950m to 2,600m
Distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest to moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay
First Cave CampDay 3: First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Begin a steady ascent towards Second Cave (3,450m), where breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields await.
After lunch, leave the main trail and traverse through open moorland towards the dramatic Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Kikelewa Campsite (3,600m), nestled in a sheltered valley with giant groundsels.
Elevation Gain: 2,600m to 3,600m
Distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay
Kikelewa CampDay 4: Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn
Spend the morning at leisure before a midday trek toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m). This steep climb offers sweeping mountain views and an increasing sense of wilderness as vegetation disappears. The rest of the day is free to explore or rest for better acclimatization.
Elevation Gain: 3,600m to 4,330m
Distance: 6km / 3.7mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay
Mawenzi TarnDay 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp
Cross the stark "Saddle," a lunar-like expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, as you ascend toward Kibo Camp (4,750m). The trail is dry and barren, offering dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Arrive in the afternoon and rest in preparation for the summit push.
Elevation Gain: 4,330m to 4,750m
Distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay
Kibo CampDay 6: Summit Night – Kibo to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo
Around midnight, start the steep and demanding ascent to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m). Rest briefly to witness a stunning sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,896m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Kibo for a short break before continuing to Horombo Camp (3,720m) for the night.
Elevation Gain: 4,750m to 5,896m
Elevation Loss: 5,896m to 3,720m
Distance: 19km / 12mi
Hiking Time: 11-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Stay
Horombo CampDay 7: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate
Descend through the moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first resting point of the Marangu Route.
Continue through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,830m), where you will receive your summit certificate before returning to Springlands Hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Elevation Loss: 3,720m to 1,830m
Distance: 20km / 12.5mi
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland to montane forest
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Stay
Marangu GateDay 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or continue with an optional safari extension.
Included / Excluded
included
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at Springlands Hotel – Full Board Basis
- All park fees
- National Park-approved guides and porters
- 18% VAT
- Accommodation on the mountain (Three-man Mountain tents used for two people only on all routes except for the Marangu Route as accommodation is in huts.) Stools, a mess tent and hot water for washing are provided on the mountain.
- Meals on the mountain
- Transport from Moshi at Springlands Hotel to the Starting point of the mountain and return to
- Moshi at Springlands Hotel
Excluded
- Tips to drivers, porters and guide
- Airport Transfers
- Visas
- Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Climbing gear – sleeping bags, shoes etc.
Price Table
| Non-Resident | Return Airport Transfers | Total per person | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2100 | 45 | 2,145 | - | - |
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