8-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro

The 8-day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro is a less crowded and more remote route up Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins on the northern side of the mountain and offers stunning views of the Kenyan plains.

On the first day, trekkers start at the Rongai Gate and hike through farmland and pine forests to the first campsite, Simba Camp. The second day takes trekkers through the moorland to the second campsite, Kikelewa Camp. On day three, the trail passes through the Mawenzi Tarn Hut campsite and up to the Mawenzi Ridge, providing breathtaking views. Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn, with the option of a day hike to Mawenzi Peak.

The fifth day takes trekkers up to the Kibo Hut campsite, where they prepare for the early morning summit attempt on day six. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, trekkers descend to the final campsite, Horombo Hut. The last day takes trekkers through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate, where they sign out and receive their certificate.

The Rongai Route is a good option for trekkers who prefer a quieter and more scenic route. It also has a higher success rate due to the longer acclimatization period. We insist that you book with us

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kilimanjaro International Airport

DEPARTURE TIME

Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

	Porterage Rescue fee Park fees (For non-residents) All activities (Unless labeled as optional) All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade.) Camping equipment A professional driver or guide All transportation (Unless labeled as optional) All Taxes/VAT Round-trip airport transfer Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

NOT INCLUDED

Climbing gear
International flights (from or to home)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Tips (Tipping guideline: US$10.00 per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Arrival in Tanzania

You’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and be transferred to your hotel for the night in Moshi or Arusha.

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Rongai Gate, where you’ll register and begin the hike. The first day is a relatively easy walk through the rainforest to the first campsite, Simba Camp, which sits at an elevation of 8,700 feet (2,650 meters).

Simba Camp to Second Cave

Today’s hike is also relatively easy, with a gradual ascent through the moorland zone. You’ll reach the Second Cave campsite, which sits at an elevation of 11,300 feet (3,445 meters).

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

The hike today is steeper, as you ascend into the alpine desert zone. You’ll pass the Third Cave and then descend into the Kikelewa Cave campsite, which sits at an elevation of 11,800 feet (3,590 meters).

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Today’s hike takes you up to Mawenzi Tarn, which sits at an elevation of 14,160 feet (4,315 meters). The hike is challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the views are spectacular.

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Today’s hike is the longest and most challenging, as you ascend to Kibo Hut, which sits at an elevation of 15,450 feet (4,700 meters). You’ll reach the hut in the early afternoon and rest up for the summit push.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo

Hut You’ll wake up in the middle of the night and begin the final push to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which sits at an elevation of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The climb is challenging and takes several hours, but the sunrise views from the summit are breathtaking. After taking in the views and celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back down to Kibo Hut and then continue down to Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi/Arusha

After breakfast, you’ll begin the final descent to Marangu Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates. You’ll then be driven back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate your accomplishment.