7 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Although it’s gaining popularity, it still sees low traffic, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an alternative to the crowded Marangu Route, a more remote hike, or a climb during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
The Rongai Route requires a minimum of six days, with seven days recommended. While the scenery may not be as varied as on the western routes, Rongai compensates by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp. The descent follows the Marangu Route. This moderately difficult route is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Tour Itinerary
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by Kermali Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to the Rongai Gate, the starting point of our trek. Here, you will meet your guides and porters, complete registration formalities, and embark on the journey. The trail begins in the lush rainforest, gradually ascending through picturesque scenery. Along the way, you may spot various species of flora and fauna endemic to the region. After approximately 4-5 hours of hiking, we will reach Simba Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
- Elevation: Start at 1,950m, end at 2,650m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 7 km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Today’s trek takes us further into the alpine desert zone. The trail winds through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As we gain elevation, you may start to feel the effects of altitude, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and pace yourself accordingly. After about 4-6 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Second Cave Camp, our accommodation for the night.
- Elevation: Start at 2,650m, end at 3,450m
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Moorland
Continuing our ascent, we’ll traverse across undulating terrain, passing through moorland dotted with unique plant species such as giant lobelias and senecios. The trail gradually gains elevation, providing stunning vistas of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak on clear days. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Kikelewa Camp, situated beneath Mawenzi Peak, where you’ll spend the night acclimatizing to the altitude.
- Elevation: Start at 3,450m, end at 3,600m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 6 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek involves a steady climb towards Mawenzi Tarn, nestled in a valley beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. As we ascend, you’ll notice the landscape transitioning into a barren lunar-like terrain, with dramatic rock formations and sweeping vistas. Take it slow and steady to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. By early afternoon, we’ll arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you can rest and admire the awe-inspiring surroundings.
- Elevation: Start at 3,600m, end at 4,330m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 7 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
With the summit in sight, we’ll embark on the final leg of our journey towards Kibo Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail ascends steadily across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, offering breathtaking views of the summit looming ahead. As we reach higher elevations, the air becomes thinner, making each step more challenging. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll have some time to rest and prepare for the summit push, which begins in the early hours of the next morning.
- Elevation: Start at 4,330m, end at 4,700m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 8 km
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is the culmination of your Kilimanjaro adventure as we embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We’ll start the climb in the early hours of the morning, following a steep and challenging trail illuminated by headlamps. As the sun rises, we’ll continue our ascent, taking breaks as needed to catch our breath and refuel. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views and a sense of achievement like no other. After celebrating our success, we’ll begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut, where we’ll spend our final night on the mountain.
- Elevation: Start at 4,700m, ascend to 5,895m, descend to 3,720m
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Distance: Approximately 20 km (8 km ascent, 12 km descent)
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
On our last day on the mountain, we’ll descend through the rainforest, retracing our steps back to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificates, commemorating your accomplishment. After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey up Kilimanjaro. Tonight, celebrate your achievements with a well-deserved dinner and restful sleep.
- Elevation: Start at 3,720m, end at 1,860m
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 20 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Say goodbye to the extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek. We’ll transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a thrilling wildlife safari or a peaceful vacation to Zanzibar.
Tour Route Map
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Tour Includes & Excludes
- Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
- Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
- Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
- Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
- Camping tables (On camping routes only).
- Solar lighting in dining tent.
- Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
- Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
- Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
- Altitude sickness checklist.
- Full trip and safety briefing.
- Fully stocked first aid kit.
- Wash basin for each climber at camp.
- Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
- Snacks upon arrival in camp.
- Drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn OR Sal Salinero Hotel depending on availability.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
- Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
- Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
- Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
- Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
- Camping tables (On camping routes only).
- Food resupply (Once on trek).
- Solar lighting in dining tent.
- Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
- Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
- Hyperbaric presuure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
- Chemical toilet (1 per every 5 pax).
- Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
- AED heart saving machine.
- Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
- Altitude sickness checklist.
- Full trip and safety briefing.
- Fully stocked first aid kit.
- Wash basin for each climber at camp.
- Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
- Snacks upon arrival in camp.
- VHF radios.
- Drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- Food resupply (once on trek).
- 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
- Private transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
- Park fees.
- Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
- 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
- Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
- 2 Foam camping mattresses for each client (On camping routes only).
- Camping chairs (On camping routes only).
- Camping tables (On camping routes only).
- Hot water bottle for sleeping bag.
- Personal porter for carrying day packs.
- Bottled water throughout the climb.
- Food resupply (Once on trek).
- Solar lighting in dining tent.
- Solar lighting in sleeping tent.
- Kilimanjaro Map for each client.
- Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
- Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
- Hyperbaric pressure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
- Chemical toilets (1 per every 5 pax).
- Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients. (B/L/D).
- AED heart saving machine.
- Souveniers for each client after the climb.
- Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
- Altitude sickness checklist.
- Full trip and safety briefing.
- Fully stocked first aid kit.
- Wash basin for each climber at camp.
- Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
- Snacks upon arrival in camp.
- VHF radios.
- Bottled drinking water and fruit juices.
- Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
- 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Airline tickets.
- Airport transfers.
- Airport taxes.
- Laundry.
- Insurances.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
- Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
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Words from Satisfied Customers
Posted on AnneVerified Amazing trek to the roof of Africa As a solo female traveler, I felt incredibly safe and supported during my trek up Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route with Kermali Tours & Safaris. James was an expert guide and the sense of friendship among the Kermali team made this journey empowering and inspiring.Posted on Audrey LVerified unforgettable experience!!! An unforgettable experience of a lifetime, thanks to Kermali Tours, and especially to our guides James and Cassian. With his experience, expertise, professionalism, and invaluable advice, James guided us safely up Kilimanjaro on this incredible adventure. The entire team of porters was fantastic, expertly organized and taking excellent care of us. A special mention goes to the chef and Emily who provided us with delicious meals for a week. Everything was meticulously planned, ensuring a safe and stress-free climb. Thank you to Kermali Tours and everyone who contributes to making this a fabulous and successful experience.Posted on amani nVerified Unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb via the Northern Circuit Route Kermali Tours & Safaris made our Kilimanjaro climb via the Northern Circuit Route an unforgettable experience. The off-the-beaten-path trek and the pristine landscapes together with the excellent hospitality of our guides Emily and Gabriel showcased Kermali's commitment to providing unique and less-traveled routes for adventure seekers.Posted on Lucas BoyardVerified Serengeti and Ngorongoro Classic Safari I cannot thank Kermali Tours and Safaris enough for the incredible experience they provided me with. From the moment I inquired about booking a Serengeti & Ngorongoro safari, their team was responsive and helpful, answering all of my questions and customizing the perfect itinerary for me. The safari itself was beyond anything I could have imagined. The landscapes were stunning, the wildlife was abundant, and our guide Godwin was exceptional. Kermali Tours and Safaris truly went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my Tanzanian safari was perfect, and I will cherish the memories for a lifetime.Posted on RichardVerified A truly unforgettable Experience I recently went on a safari with Kermali Tours and Safaris, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff was friendly and attentive, and our guide Godwin was exceptional. He had a keen eye for spotting wildlife and shared fascinating insights about each species we encountered. The accommodations were luxurious, and the meals were delicious, showcasing the local flavors. Kermali Tours and Safaris exceeded my expectations in every way, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an authentic Tanzanian safari experience.Posted on Mahediali NVerified Excellent Kilimanjaro Climbing 1. Climbing Kilimanjaro with Kermali Tours was an absolute highlight of my life. The beauty of the mountain combined with the expertise of our guides Nestor and Emily made for an unforgettable experience. Their knowledge of the terrain and their friendly demeanor made the journey both safe and enjoyable. I'm especially grateful for the breathtaking photos they captured along the way, immortalizing our adventure forever. The entire team, from the chefs who prepared delicious meals to the porters who tirelessly supported us, demonstrated a level of care and dedication that exceeded all expectations. Special thanks to the team for their encouragement during the challenging summit night. If you're considering climbing Kilimanjaro, look no further than Kermali Tours for an experience you'll never forget.Posted on Irfan PVerified Wildlife safari I can't say enough good things about Kermali Tours and Safaris. Every detail of our wildlife safari to the Tarangire National Park, Sereengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater was expertly planned and executed. Our guide Honest was not only an expert in wildlife but also in local culture, enriching our experience beyond our expectations. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the encounters with wildlife were truly awe-inspiring. Thank you for an incredible adventure!"Posted on Ally MVerified Excellent safari. A truly magical safari experience with Kermali Tours and Safaris! Every moment was filled with wonder and excitement as we explored the Tanzanian wilderness. Our guide Godwin’s passion for wildlife was evident in their informative commentary and ability to spot even the most elusive animals. The accommodations were luxurious, providing the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Thank you for an unforgettable journey!"Posted on Sonu MVerified Luxury in the wild. A Tanzanian safari with Kermali Tours felt like a journey into luxury amidst the wild. The precisely selected luxurious lodges, charismatic driver guide (Honest), gourmet dining, and exclusive game drives made our wildlife experience truly exceptional.Posted on Vasantbhai PVerified Better experience Absolutely amazing safari experience with Kermali Tours and Safaris! Our Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari was excellent and flawless. Our guide James was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about conservation, which added depth to our experience. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals were delicious. I would definitely book a safari again with Kermali Tours.