7 days Rongai Route

Overview

Take the path less traveled to explore the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Discover the thrill of camping on the world’s highest freestanding mountain.
Climb to a breathless 5,895 meters in elevation to reach the magnificent Uhuru Peak.
Reap the benefits of local expertise from the Kilimanjaro climbing experts at Chale Tanzania Safaris.

While there are many options to consider when it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, our seven-day Rongai Route itinerary stands apart from the pack. While it shares some of the same awe-inspiring views as the mountain’s more frequently traveled paths, the Rongai Route is distinguished by its low crowd density, gradual degree of ascent, and geographical location—it’s the only path to Uhuru Peak which approaches Kilimanjaro from its northern face. The route also passes through genuine wilderness on this side of the mountain, offering trekkers the rare opportunity to see large animals like buffalo, zebra, or even the odd elephant. Chalema Tanzania Safaris recommends the RongaiRoute for hikers who appreciate an authentic sense of adventure as they climb to the summit of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.

Please note: Chalema Tanzania Safaris can also arrange for a six-day Rongai Route itinerary for travelers with less time to spend on the mountain.

tour plans

Day 1 – Arrival.

Welcome to Tanzania, home of the tallest point on the African continent! You won’t be able to see Mount Kilimanjaro itself when you arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, but you’ll get your first glimpse of the mountain when your driver from Chalema Tanzania Safaris meets you at the airport and takes you to Moshi. This small town serves as the gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, and you’ll be able to feast your eyes on the world-famous mountain from your poolside seat at the Parkview Inn. Enjoy the rest of the day unwinding and enjoying the hotel’s fabulous amenities—tomorrow, your adventure on the Rongai Route begins in earnest.

Day 2- RONGAI GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7K /4.3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFORES.

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft

Altitude gained: 638m

We’ll depart from Moshi this morning and drive to the Rongai Gate to register with the local authorities before beginning our Kilimanjaro trek. Our hiking team will set out from here, leaving fields of coffee and corn at our backs and venturing into the forest lying close against the mountain’s lower slopes. While the forest is drier here on the mountain’s northern face, keep your eyes peeled—there are plenty of animals moving about in the treetops, including the especially gorgeous black-and-white colobus monkey. After about four or five hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at our first campsite of the Rongai Route. Simba Camp is situated near what locals call Rongai First Cave: a distinctive overhang of rock that marks the end of our first day on the mountain.

Day 3 – SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11440ft

Altitude gained: 852m

On the second day of the Rongai Route trek, we’ll depart from Simba Camp and traverse a pleasant landscape of wild heather and colorful flowers. Getting an early start on today’s hike will allow us to avoid the worst of the heat from the rising sun as we trek across this exposed section of the trail. Magnificent views of Kilimanjaro are the order of the day, including Kibo: the highest of the mountain’s three volcanic cones. But our path will actually turn towards the second-highest summit, Mawenzi. We’ll trek across expansive moors in this direction before arriving at Second Cave Camp.

Day 4 -SECOND CAVE CAMP – KIKELEWA CAMP: 5.95KM/3.7MI | 2-3HRS | SEMI DESERT

Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3675m/12057ft

Altitude gained: 188m

Today’s trail leads through vast alpine deserts of surpassing beauty, but we’ll only be on our feet for about two or three hours in total. As we ascend to greater and greater heights, it’s important to allow our bodies the time they need to gradually adjust to the increased altitude. Today therefore serves as an acclimatization day, affording us the opportunity to enjoy some gentle exercise while we grow more familiar with the challenges of trekking at high elevation. Before long, we’ll find ourselves arriving at Kikelewa Camp, where we’ll pitch our tents and settle in for the remainder of the day. We’ll treat ourselves to a delicious meal and enjoy the uniquely windy ambience of Kilimanjaro’s sweeping moorlands before turning in for the night.

Please note: on the abbreviated six-day version of our Rongai Route itinerary, the third and fourth days may be combined into one longer day of trekking.

Day 5 -KIKELEWA CAMP – MAWENZI TARN: 3.75KM/2.3MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT

Elevation: 3487m/11440ft to 4302m/14114ft

Altitude gained: 627m

No one ever said that climbing Kilimanjaro would be easy, but today you’ll begin to just how high we’ll be climbing. Our day begins with a steep ascent; the going is tough but short, and the dramatic angle of the climb means that you’ll get to enjoy fabulous views each step of the way. We’ll set up our tents at Mawenzi Tarn, an especially beautiful campsite near a small lake. Today’s section of the Rongai Route should only take us about four hours to complete, so we’ll have the entire afternoon at our disposal. Whether you choose to spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the alpine surroundings, you’re sure to enjoy camping in this scenic spot.

Day 6 – MAWENZI TARN – KIBO HUT: 8.9KM /5MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 4714m/15,466ft

Altitude gained: 412m

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to bid farewell to the tranquil surroundings of Mawenzi Tarn and head off in the direction of Kilimanjaro’s summit. Our path leads directly across the wide alpine desert known locally as the Saddle, which lies between Mawenzi and Kibo. We’ll trek across this dry, rocky landscape for approximately five or six hours before arriving at the base of Kibo itself. We’ll set up camp here and enjoy an early dinner before retiring to our tents for the evening. It’ll be important to get plenty of rest tonight—tomorrow is the day we climb to the very top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 7 -KIBO HUTS – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUTS: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Elevation: 4302m/14,114ft to 5895m/19,341ft

Altitude gained: 721m

Descent to 3721m/12,208ft

Altitude lost: 2174m

Are you ready for the big day? We’ll wake up at midnight and enjoy a hot tea in the nighttime solitude of the mountain before setting off to climb Kilimanjaro at last. We’ll take our time as we ascend in the dark, arriving at the lookout of Gilman’s Point to watch the sun dawn across the highlands of Tanzania. This vantage point offers tremendous views, but we’ve still got an hour to go before we reach the summit of the mountain and the culmination of the Rongai Route trek. When we arrive at Uhuru Peak, you’ll be standing at 5,895 meters above sea level: the highest point on the African continent. When we’re ready to move on, we’ll connect with the Marangu Route and begin our descent to the Horombo Huts, where we’ll spend our last night on Kilimanjaro.

Day 8 – HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft

Altitude lost: 1816m

We’ve nearly reached the end of our seven-day Rongai Route itinerary, but there’s still one more day to enjoy trekking across the wild expanses of Kilimanjaro. As we descend from the heights of the mountain, we’ll return to the montane rainforest which characterizes Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, endemic butterflies, and lots of colorful birds flitting through the forest canopy. Our trek comes to an end when we reach the Marangu Gate to Kilimanjaro National Park. It’s finally time to kick the dust and mud from our boots and make the short drive back to Arusha, where we’ll enjoy luxury accommodations at the Pazuri Inn.

Day 9 – (Departure):

You’ll wake up this morning feeling rested and relaxed, knowing that you’ve successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route. You’ve experienced a crowd-free trail teeming with wildlife, ascended to spectacular heights, and captured memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re leaving Tanzania today, we’ll bring you back to the Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your flight. If you’d like to make additional travel arrangements like an authentic East African safari or Tanzanian cultural experience, we’ll be happy to get you started. Thank you for choosing Chalema Tanzania Safaris!

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Tour Includes / Excludes

Included

Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary.
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters).
Airport Transfers.
Drinking water and Full Board meals.
Rescue Fees and Emergency Evacuation Coverage with AMREF.
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder.
Professional, English and French speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide.
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast).
Meals according to the itinerary.
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT.
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages.
Gate Transfers.

Excluded

Flights.
Travel Insurance (Required).
Medication.
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Visa fees.
Gamow Bag.
Tips for porters and mountain crew.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain.

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