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Based on 100+ reviews

Kingse Safaris

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7 Days

Rongai Route

  • Overview
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
  • Includes & Excludes
  • Plan Your Safari

7 Days Rongai Route

The 7-day Rongai Route offers a quieter, scenic Kilimanjaro ascent starting from the northern side. Trekking through rainforests to alpine desert, it ensures gradual acclimatization and smoother elevation gains. After summiting Uhuru Peak, the descent via Marangu Route completes a full circuit, providing a peaceful and unique experience through diverse ecosystems.

  • Rainforest Trails
  • Colobus Monkeys
  • Moorland Views
  • Mawenzi Peak
  • Acclimatization Walks
  • Lunar Landscapes
  • Kibo Saddle Crossing
  • Uhuru Peak Summit
  • Gilman’s Point
  • Cloud Forest Descent
7 Days Rongai Route Climbing

Tour Summary & Map

Day 1 – Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)

Day 2 – Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

Day 3 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)

Day 4 – Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Day 6 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Day 7 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m) to Moshi

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)
Moshi to Rongai Gate (1,800m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)

Elevation Gain: 800m

After a 2–3-hour drive to the Rongai Gate, you’ll complete registration and start your ascent. Trek through lush rainforests, where you might spot black and white Colobus monkeys. A picnic lunch will be served along the way, and the day ends at Simba Camp, your first stop on this quieter northern route.

Overnight: Simba Camp

Rongai Gate
Rongai Gate
Rongai Route
Day 2 - Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
Kikelewa Camp
Kikelewa Camp
Kikelewa Camp
Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

Elevation Gain: 1,000m

Today’s trek takes you through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The trail is steep in the morning, offering incredible views of Mawenzi Peak. After reaching the second cave, a gentler path leads to Kikelewa Camp, a sheltered valley camp where you’ll rest for the night.

Overnight: Kikelewa Camp

Day 3 - Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)

Elevation Gain: 730m

This acclimatization day involves a short yet steep hike up to Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The hike offers stunning panoramic views and a sense of Kilimanjaro’s vast wilderness. Enjoy the scenery while adjusting to the altitude before returning to Mawenzi Tarn for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn

Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn
Day 4 - Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn
Acclimatization Walk & Return to Mawenzi Tarn

Spend the day acclimatizing with a morning walk to either the ridge or up the scree slopes of Mawenzi. The walk to the ridge offers views of the lunar landscape, and the eerie site of a plane crash adds an interesting twist. Afterwards, return to Mawenzi Tarn for a hot lunch and rest.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn

Day 5 - Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Elevation Gain: 370m

Today, cross the barren, wind-swept saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, the summit cone. This section is exposed but offers incredible views. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, take the opportunity to rest and prepare for the challenging summit climb later that night. Enjoy a hot meal and a full briefing for the summit.

Overnight: Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut
Kibo Hut
Kibo Hut
Day 6 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Elevation Gain: 2,175m

Around midnight, begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The first 6 hours are spent climbing through steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point, before continuing on to the summit. After celebrating at the top, descend to Kibo Hut for a rest, then continue to Horombo Hut, where you will enjoy your final dinner on the mountain.

Overnight: Horombo Hut

Day 7 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m) to Moshi
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m) to Moshi

Elevation Loss: 1,890m

Descend through Kilimanjaro’s beautiful cloud forest to Marangu Gate. This 5-6 hour trek is a peaceful end to your journey, allowing you to reflect on your accomplishment. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.

Marangu Gate
Marangu Gate
Marangu Gate

Includes & Excludes

Include & Exclude
  • Park fees
  • All activities (unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labelled as optional
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Camping Equipment
  • Porterage
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Alcohol drinks
  • Rescue Fee
  • Climbing Gear
  • Sleeping Bag
7 Days Rongai Route

Mid Range

Luxury

Top Luxury

Plan Your Safari

Discover Africa's Best Mountain Packages

Mount Kilimanjaro offers several scenic routes to its summit, each varying in difficulty and duration. Popular paths include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit. These routes showcase diverse landscapes—from rainforest to alpine desert—culminating at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
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Discover Africa's Best Mountain Packages

Mount Kilimanjaro offers several scenic routes to its summit, each varying in difficulty and duration. Popular paths include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit. These routes showcase diverse landscapes—from rainforest to alpine desert—culminating at Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
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7 Days Rongai Route FAQs

How do I choose a Kilimanjaro tour operator?

Choosing the right Kilimanjaro Tour Operator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when hiking Africa’s highest peak.

It is often advised to look for a registered and experienced operator that has good reviews, professional mountain guides, and follows proper safety practices.

A good company should also take care of its crew, provide fair wages, reasonable porter loads, and appropriate meals. Don’t just go with the cheapest option.

A reliable operator provides superior support, high-quality equipment, and a safer experience on the mountain.

The cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro usually ranges between $2,000 and $5,000. This depends on the route, the number of days, whether the climb is group or private, and the services included.

Remember, cheaper companies may cut corners on staff welfare or safety equipment.

A reasonable price usually includes park fees, experienced guides, meals, tents, porters, and airport transfers.

Therefore, always ask for a detailed cost breakdown before booking.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons. January to mid-March and June to October offer the most stable weather and clearer views.

These months are ideal for achieving summit success and enjoying comfort. The long rains (late March to May) and short rains (November) make the trails slippery and reduce visibility.

While climbing during the rainy seasons is possible, it’s not ideal unless you’re prepared for wet, muddy, and more difficult conditions.

The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are known for beautiful scenery and good acclimatization. 

Machame is the most popular, offering a dramatic and varied landscape. 

Rongai is less crowded and drier, great for those seeking quiet trails. 

Marangu is the only route with hut accommodations, but it offers less time for acclimatization.

Hence, your choice should depend on your fitness, time, and comfort level with altitude.

Climbing Kilimanjaro should not be rushed. The longer you spend on the mountain, the better your chances of acclimatizing properly and reaching the summit safely.

Most climbers choose a seven or 8-day route. These extra days allow your body to adjust gradually to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes shorter than 6 days often lead to lower summit success and more health issues.

The weather on Kilimanjaro changes dramatically with altitude. You’ll experience five different climate zones, from tropical rainforest at the base to arctic conditions at the summit.

Days are warmer on the lower slopes (around 20–27°C / 68–80°F), while nights are much colder at higher altitudes.

Near the summit, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F), especially before sunrise. Be ready for sun, wind, rain, and freezing temperatures—all in one climb.

The essential items that are a must-have when climbing Kilimanjaro include:  waterproof hiking boots, thermal base layers, an insulated jacket, waterproof pants and jacket, gloves, a hat, a warm sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a daypack.

The support team carries your large duffel bag (up to 15 kg), while you have only a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a jacket. We always provide a complete Kilimanjaro Packing List.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you must be physically prepared by doing some intensive training for Kilimanjaro. The best way to train is by doing long-distance hikes with elevation gain while carrying a backpack.

Build your endurance 2–3 months before the trip with regular walking, stair climbing, strength training, and cardio.

Aim for 4–6-hour hikes at a steady pace. Most of all, get used to walking uphill and downhill for several days in a row.

Kilimanjaro is considered a non-technical mountain, but the high altitude can be risky. Good operators take safety seriously. Trained guides monitor your health every day using pulse oximeters and ask questions to check for signs of altitude sickness. Oxygen cylinders, first-aid kits, and emergency evacuation plans are standard. If you climb with an experienced team and follow their advice, the climb is safe and well-managed.

If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Budget operators often cut costs by paying porters unfair wages, overloading staff, using worn-out gear, or skipping proper meals and safety checks. These practices are not just unethical; they also affect your overall experience. Reputable companies charge more because they take care of their team, use better equipment, and focus on your safety and success.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

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"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

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Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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