7 Days Rongai Route

Q: Day 2: Moshi to Rongai Gate and Hike to Simba Camp

Transfer to Rongai Gate: Approx. 2 hours.Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.Elevation Gain: From 1,950 meters (6,398 feet) at Rongai Gate to 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) at Simba Camp.Transfer to the Rongai Gate for park registration, then begin your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail gradually ascends to Simba Camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night in tent accommodations.

Q: Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.Elevation Gain: From 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) at Simba Camp to 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) at Second Cave Camp.Continue your trek to Second Cave Camp, ascending through the moorland zone. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Kibo peak. Spend the night at Second Cave Camp, with dinner and overnight in tents.

Q: Day 4: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.Elevation Gain: From 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) at Second Cave Camp to 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) at Kikelewa Camp.Ascend from Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp, passing through alpine desert landscapes and enjoying stunning views of the peaks. Kikelewa Camp offers a great opportunity for acclimatization and rest before the final ascent.

Q: Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.Elevation Gain: From 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) at Kikelewa Camp to 4,330 meters (14,200 feet) at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.Trek from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of Mawenzi Peak. The trail offers magnificent views of the rugged Mawenzi terrain and the surrounding landscapes. Spend the night at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you’ll have dinner and rest.

Q: Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Camp

Ascent to Uhuru Peak: 6-8 hours.Elevation Gain: From 4,330 meters (14,200 feet) at Mawenzi Tarn Camp to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak.Descent to Horombo Camp: 6-7 hours.Begin your summit attempt early in the morning, climbing through the night to reach Uhuru Peak just before sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Horombo Camp, passing through the changing landscapes from snow-capped peaks to alpine desert.

Q: Day 7: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

Descent to Marangu Gate: 5-6 hours.Elevation Loss: From 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) at Horombo Camp to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) at Marangu Gate.Complete your descent from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi, where you can celebrate your successful climb and relax. Overnight at your hotel or prepare for your onward journey.

Trek Details

TREK OVERVIEW

Experience the Rongai Route, a less-traveled path offering a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro. This seven-day trek provides a quieter, more remote journey compared to other routes, with stunning landscapes ranging from lush forests to arid deserts. Enjoy a gradual ascent, maximizing your chances of successful summit attempts and an unforgettable adventure on the roof of Africa.

SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Take the day to rest and prepare for the trek, enjoying a pre-trek briefing to go over the itinerary and gear. Overnight in Moshi.

Day 2: Moshi to Rongai Gate and Hike to Simba Camp

Transfer to Rongai Gate: Approx. 2 hours.
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
Elevation Gain: From 1,950 meters (6,398 feet) at Rongai Gate to 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) at Simba Camp.

Transfer to the Rongai Gate for park registration, then begin your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail gradually ascends to Simba Camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night in tent accommodations.

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Elevation Gain: From 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) at Simba Camp to 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) at Second Cave Camp.

Continue your trek to Second Cave Camp, ascending through the moorland zone. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Kibo peak. Spend the night at Second Cave Camp, with dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 4: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
Elevation Gain: From 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) at Second Cave Camp to 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) at Kikelewa Camp.

Ascend from Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp, passing through alpine desert landscapes and enjoying stunning views of the peaks. Kikelewa Camp offers a great opportunity for acclimatization and rest before the final ascent.

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
Elevation Gain: From 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) at Kikelewa Camp to 4,330 meters (14,200 feet) at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Trek from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of Mawenzi Peak. The trail offers magnificent views of the rugged Mawenzi terrain and the surrounding landscapes. Spend the night at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you’ll have dinner and rest.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Camp

Ascent to Uhuru Peak: 6-8 hours.
Elevation Gain: From 4,330 meters (14,200 feet) at Mawenzi Tarn Camp to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak.
Descent to Horombo Camp: 6-7 hours.

Begin your summit attempt early in the morning, climbing through the night to reach Uhuru Peak just before sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Horombo Camp, passing through the changing landscapes from snow-capped peaks to alpine desert.

Day 7: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

Descent to Marangu Gate: 5-6 hours.
Elevation Loss: From 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) at Horombo Camp to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) at Marangu Gate.

Complete your descent from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi, where you can celebrate your successful climb and relax. Overnight at your hotel or prepare for your onward journey.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Accommodation: Hut accommodations as specified in the itinerary.
Meals: All meals while on the trek.
Guide and Porters: Services of a professional English-speaking guide, assistant guides, and porters.
Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park fees and camping/hut fees.
Transfers: Round-trip transfers between Moshi and the Marangu Gate.
Equipment: Shared trekking equipment and supplies (e.g., cooking gear, mess tents).

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

International Flights: Airfare to and from Tanzania.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance (highly recommended).
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and other personal items.
Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and other staff.
Optional Activities: Any activities or excursions not included in the itinerary.
Visa Fees: Any visa fees required for entry into Tanzania.