Rongai Route (7 Days)
Trek Highlights
Quiet, drier northern approach with fewer crowds and big-sky views.
Great choice in the short rains; trails are less muddy than southern routes.
Crosses diverse zones: forest, heather, alpine desert, and arctic summit.
Includes key acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn beneath jagged Mawenzi.
Ascend Rongai, descend via Marangu, creating a varied traverse of the mountain.
🗓️ Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Moshi Arrival
Arrive in Moshi for pre-climb briefing, gear check, and overnight.
Meals: — Overnight: Moshi
Day 2: Rongai Gate (≈1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,650m)
Drive to the far north. Register at the gate and trek 3–4 hrs through quiet forest and heather to Simba Camp.
Meals: L, D — Overnight: Simba Camp (tents)
Day 3: Simba → Second Cave (3,450m)
Steady ascent with views of Mawenzi. Lunch at camp; optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon. 4–5 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Day 4: Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp (3,650m)
Traverse open moorland to Kikelewa by mid-afternoon. Short rest and optional walk up nearby slopes. 3–4 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Day 5: Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)
Short but steeper climb to the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn nestled beneath Mawenzi’s spires. Afternoon acclimatization hike. 3–4 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,720m)
Cross the high alpine desert saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Early dinner and rest before summit night. 4–5 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Kibo Hut (camping area nearby if used)
Day 7: Summit – Kibo → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo (3,720m)
Begin around midnight via Gilman’s Point (5,685m) to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend to Horombo for hot meals and recovery. 12–16 hrs trekking total.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Horombo Hut/Camp
Day 8: Horombo → Marangu Gate → Moshi
Final descent through heather and forest to Marangu Gate for certificates and transfer to Moshi.
Meals: B, L — Overnight: —
Booking Safari
Kilimanjaro park fees, rescue fee, and government taxes
Camping (mountain tents & mess tent) or designated huts where applicable on descent
All meals on the mountain (B, L, D) + safe drinking water
Professional licensed guides, cook, and porter team
Private transfers: Moshi ↔ Rongai/Marangu Gates
Pulse oximeter checks & first-aid kit
Pre/post-climb hotel in Moshi if booked with your package
International or domestic flights & visas
Travel/medical insurance (mandatory for high altitude)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, down jacket, etc.)
Hotel nights/meals in Moshi not specified
Tips for guide, cook, and porters
Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry, souvenirs)