7‑Day Rongai Route
Number of Days:
7 Days | 6 Nights
Area to Visit:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Number Of Pax
2 - 100 Pax
Tour Overview
The 7‑Day Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the drier, less‑traveled northern side near the Kenyan border. Favoured for reliable weather, gentle gradients, and light foot traffic, Rongai offers a quieter wilderness feel with excellent views toward Amboseli and the plains of Kenya. The itinerary includes a valuable acclimatisation day and positions you for a summit attempt via Kibo, typically cresting at Gilman’s Point before traversing to Uhuru Peak. Comfortable camps, professional guiding, and a calm pace make Rongai ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, conservative elevation gains, and strong summit prospects without the crowds common on southern approaches.
Why Choose the Rongai Route?
Driest approach with reliable conditions and fewer crowds
Gentle gradients and steady acclimatisation profile
Panoramic views over Kenya’s plains and Amboseli
Unique wilderness feel on northern slopes
High success rate with seven carefully staged days
Tour inclusions
- Services of a professional tour guide
- Transport
- Entrance fees
- All the activities in the itinerary
- Fuel
- Drinking water while on the safari
- Full board accommodation
Tour exclusions
- Tips
- Optional activities not detailed in the itinerary
- Visas or air tickets
- International flights
- Laundry services
- Items of personal nature
- Beverages and drinks
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
Begin your trek at Nalemoru Gate, walking through farmland and lush pine forest. Enjoy sightings of local wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The trail is gentle, providing a great warm-up for the days ahead. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Simba Camp, located near the edge of the moorland zone. Here, enjoy your first evening under the stars with your team while your guides brief you about the journey ahead. Dinner and overnight camping offer a comfortable rest to prepare you for the gradual climb to higher altitudes in the coming days.
Day 2 – Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Today’s trek is a steady ascent through open moorland with stunning views of Kibo and the surrounding plains. The trail offers clear skies and diverse flora, making it perfect for photography. With a moderate pace, you’ll adjust to the altitude while enjoying the serene environment. Lunch is served on the trail before reaching Second Cave Camp. Once at camp, take time to relax and explore the surroundings or join your guide for a short acclimatisation hike. After dinner, rest and prepare for a slightly more challenging climb tomorrow as you move higher up the mountain.
Day 3 – Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Your journey continues with a gradual climb across the moorland. As you gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and the vegetation transitions to alpine zones. The day’s trek rewards you with panoramic views of the rugged landscape and Mawenzi Peak looming ahead. Lunch is served en route before arriving at Kikelewa Camp. This camp is quieter and provides breathtaking views of the wilderness. Spend your afternoon exploring the area or resting for tomorrow’s climb. Evening brings a warm meal and a briefing from your guides to ensure you are well-prepared for the next stage of the trek.
Day 4 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
This day features a shorter but steeper hike as you head toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The trail ascends sharply, testing your endurance while offering dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Reaching Mawenzi Tarn, you’ll find the camp nestled in a beautiful valley beneath Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is perfect for rest or short acclimatisation hikes, essential for preparing your body for higher altitudes. Dinner is served in camp, followed by an evening of relaxation as you admire the star-filled sky above. This serene spot provides a calm environment to recharge for the days ahead.
Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Acclimatisation Day)
Today is dedicated to acclimatisation, crucial for increasing your chances of summit success. A gentle hike to a higher elevation allows your body to adapt to the thinner air while enjoying stunning vistas of the rugged Mawenzi peaks and vast plains below. Return to camp for a hearty lunch and spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear for the summit push. The quiet and calm of Mawenzi Tarn make it a memorable stop on your journey. After dinner, enjoy a detailed briefing from your guides on the next stages of the climb.
Day 6 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Leave Mawenzi Tarn and trek across the lunar-like Saddle, a barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain here is stark and dramatic, with little vegetation but endless views of the mountain slopes and summit. The steady ascent leads you to Kibo Hut, your final base before the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and eating a light meal in preparation for the long night ahead. Early to bed is crucial as your summit bid will begin around midnight. This day is all about mental and physical preparation for reaching Africa’s highest point.
Day 7 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
Summit day begins in the early hours, under a sky filled with stars. The steep ascent to Gilman’s Point is challenging but rewarding as dawn breaks. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where breathtaking sunrise views await. Celebrate your achievement with photos and quiet reflection before descending to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch. After regaining energy, continue down to Mweka Camp, where the air is warmer and thicker. Enjoy a hearty dinner and well-earned rest after this unforgettable accomplishment on Mount Kilimanjaro.