Rongai Route
5-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route
Valid
Year Through
Duration
5 Days | 4 Nights
Destinations
House of West Kili, Rongai Gate, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelelwa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Hut, Horombo Hut and Marangu Gate
Pick Up
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop Off
Kilimanjaro International Airport
“Discover Kilimanjaro’s Northern Trail with Serenity and Stunning Views”
Best Time to Trek:
The best time to trek Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These months offer clear skies, better trail conditions, and a higher chance of a successful summit.
Trek Highlights
Experience the peaceful and less crowded Rongai Route, the only northern approach to Kilimanjaro. This 5-day trek showcases diverse landscapes, from lush montane forests and moorlands to the vast alpine desert and glacier-capped summit. Enjoy panoramic views of Amboseli National Park and the expansive wilderness as you make your way to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). With expert guides, gradual acclimatization, and full support from our local team, Social Adventure Safari offers you a rewarding journey to Africa’s rooftop.
Full Itinerary
Arrival Day – Welcome to Tanzania!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the Social Adventure Safari team will greet you and transfer you to House of West Kili.
Settle into your comfortable accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner while receiving a comprehensive briefing about your trek to prepare you for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: House of West Kili (Bed, Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Distance: Approx. 8 km | Habitat: Montane Forest
After pickup from your hotel, you’ll drive to Marangu Park Gate for registration formalities before transferring to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your expert guide and porters, then start your gentle trek from Nale Moru village, passing maize fields and ascending through pine forests. Tonight’s camp at Simba features basic facilities with scenic surroundings and fresh mountain air.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp (2,600m) to Kikelewa Cave (3,600m)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Begin the day trekking steadily upward into the moorland zone toward Kikelelwa Cave. As you climb, breathtaking views start to open up, reinforcing the majesty of this great mountain. Water is available from a stream near camp, and your campsite offers a perfect spot to rest and refuel.
Overnight: Kikelelwa Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Kikelelwa Cave (3,600m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m) via Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Hiking Time: 7-10 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek takes you through the alpine desert on the east side of Kibo, crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After several hours of steady ascent, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut where you’ll spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for your summit push. Enjoy a peaceful evening with warm meals in this remote setting.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Time: Approx. 8 hours ascent, 6 hours descent | Distance: 6 km ascent, 21 km descent | Habitat: Rocky scree & snow summit
Rise around 23:30 for tea and biscuits before starting your final ascent under the stars. Traverse steep, rocky terrain to Hans Meyer Cave and onward to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. The last push leads across snowfields to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut to relax after your long day.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,980m) – Return to House of West Kili
Hiking Time: ~6 hours | Distance: Approx. 27 km | Habitat: Forest
After a hearty breakfast, descend through moorland and forest to Marangu Gate. Celebrate your successful climb with your crew through song and dance, then receive your official summit certificate—green for Gillman’s Point or gold for Uhuru Peak. Transfer back to House of West Kili for a shower, dinner, and a restful night.
Accommodation: House of West Kili (Bed & Breakfast)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure Day – Farewell Tanzania
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure with Social Adventure Safari.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, you have the option to extend your trip—choose a thrilling wildlife safari in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, or unwind with a beach relaxation escape in Zanzibar. Let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to arrange the perfect extension for you!
