Rongai Route
7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route
Valid
Year Through
Duration
7 Days | 6 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
“Explore Kilimanjaro’s Remote 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
Join Social Adventure Safari on the tranquil Rongai Route, the only trail approaching Kilimanjaro from the northern side. This less-crowded path offers spectacular wildlife sightings, scenic vistas of Kenya’s plains, and excellent acclimatization opportunities.
Perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet rewarding climb, the Rongai Route balances moderate challenges with expert support, culminating in the unforgettable summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Full Itinerary
Arrival Day – Welcome to Tanzania!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the Social Adventure Safari team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to House of West Kili.
Your expert guide will conduct a full briefing and gear check to ensure you are fully prepared for the trek. Any missing equipment can be rented conveniently on this day. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge to rest and prepare for your adventure.
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
Transfer to Marangu Gate for registration, then continue to the remote Rongai Trailhead. The trek starts from Nale Moru Village, ascending gently through maize fields, pine forest, and lush greenery. Reach Simba Camp, a peaceful site with basic amenities including toilets and benches. Nearby water is accessible for convenience.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave (3,450m)
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Enjoy a relaxed pace to Second Cave to aid acclimatization. Upon arrival, savor a hot lunch and spend the afternoon resting and adjusting to the altitude. Prepare for the upcoming stages of your climb.
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelelwa Cave (3,600m)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Continue ascending to Kikelelwa Cave Camp with increasingly stunning mountain views. Water is available from nearby streams, though you may need to walk downhill to reach it. Spend the night preparing for the next climb.
Overnight: Kikelelwa Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorland
A steeper climb leads to Mawenzi Tarn Camp nestled beneath the jagged Mawenzi peaks. This scenic camp is ideal for acclimatization and exploration amid breathtaking surroundings.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut, where rest and acclimatization prepare you for the summit push. Relax and gather your strength for the final ascent.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 8 hours ascent, 6 hours descent | Distance: Approx. 27 km | Habitat: Rocky Scree & Ice Summit
Start just before midnight with tea and biscuits. Climb steep rocky paths to Hans Meyer Cave and Gillman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak for panoramic summit views and celebrations. Descend to Kibo Hut for rest and continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,980m) – Return to House of West Kili
Hiking Time: 6 hours | Distance: Approx. 27 km | Habitat: Forest
Descend through forested trails to Marangu Gate, sign the register, and receive your summit certificate (green for Gillman’s Point or gold for Uhuru Peak). Transfer back to House of West Kili for a well-deserved shower and rest.
Accommodation: House of West Kili (Bed & Breakfast)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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!
