The Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro (7 days)
Where you'll be
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? The Rongai Route is perfect for those looking to experience Kilimanjaro’s quieter side while enjoying stunning landscapes.
This unique route offers open views of the Kenyan plains and the mighty Kibo Peak as you make your way to the summit over the course of seven exhilarating days. With fewer crowds and an extra day for acclimatization, this trek offers a fantastic opportunity for adventurers to connect with nature and challenge themselves on Africa’s highest peak.
6 days | ~6 km (~4 miles) | Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Cancellation flexibility
What you'll do
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
- Elevation: 2,000m (6,560ft) to 2,635m (8,645ft)
- Distance: ~8 km (~5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- After registering at the Rongai Gate on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border, you’ll hike through fields and forests. You might spot some wildlife, and your first night is spent at Simba Camp, just past the forest.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
- Elevation: 2,635m (8,645ft) to 3,450m (11,320ft)
- Distance: ~7 km (~4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- The trail leads through moorland with increasingly open views of the Kenyan plains and Kibo Peak. The ascent is gradual, and you’ll spend the night at Second Cave with more stunning views.
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
- Elevation: 3,450m (11,320ft) to 3,600m (11,810ft)
- Distance: ~9 km (~5.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- The terrain becomes steeper as you head toward Kikelewa Camp. You’ll pass giant groundsels and other unique alpine flora. This is a tougher day, but the views become more impressive as you gain elevation.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 3,600m (11,810ft) to 4,330m (14,210ft)
- Distance: ~6 km (~3.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Today’s hike is shorter but steeper as you climb to Mawenzi Tarn, located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is spent acclimatizing and resting near the scenic tarn.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4,330m (14,210ft) to 4,703m (15,430ft)
- Distance: ~8 km (~5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- You’ll cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape becomes barren and windswept as you approach Kibo Hut, where you’ll rest and prepare for the summit push.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and down to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4,703m (15,430ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) and back down to 3,720m (12,200ft)
- Distance: ~19 km (~12 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (Summit: 6-8 hours, Descent: 4-6 hours)
- You’ll begin the summit attempt around midnight, ascending the steep scree slope to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, you’ll push on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, you’ll descend to Kibo Hut for a rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,200ft) to 1,879m (6,200ft)
- Distance: ~20 km (~12.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- On the final day, you’ll trek through the moorland and rainforest zones as you descend to Marangu Gate. You’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate before being driven back to your hotel.
The 7-day Rongai Route gives you an extra day for acclimatization, increasing your chances of a successful summit.
All of our guides are experts and locals
Things to know
Less Crowded: The Rongai Route is known for being quieter and less trafficked compared to other routes, offering a more peaceful hiking experience.
Wildlife Spotting: The early part of the trek, near Rongai Gate, passes through farmland and forests where you may encounter wildlife like monkeys, antelopes, and various bird species.
Gradual Ascent: The Rongai Route offers a more gradual ascent, which can be helpful for acclimatization. However, altitude sickness is still a concern, so it’s important to go slow and stay hydrated.
Diverse Landscapes: You’ll experience a variety of terrains, from lush rainforests to barren lunar landscapes and dramatic moorlands. Each day offers a different view of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems.
Summit Night: The final push to Uhuru Peak begins around midnight, making it a challenging ascent in the dark, with cold temperatures and high altitude. Be prepared for a tough but rewarding climb.
Dual Descent: The descent takes you along the Marangu Route, providing a different view and environment as you head down through the lush rainforest.
Weather: The weather on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable. Pack for both hot daytime temperatures and freezing conditions at night, especially on the summit attempt.
Physical Preparation: The Rongai Route, while considered easier than some, still requires a good level of physical fitness due to long hiking hours and altitude.
Accommodations: You will camp each night along the trail, so expect to sleep in tents. Be ready for rustic conditions, but with stunning views under the stars.
Summit Certificate: Upon completing your trek, you’ll receive a summit certificate at Marangu Gate, celebrating your achievement of reaching the roof of Africa!
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