7- days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro
Tour Overview
7-day climbing Rongai Route is the only route to Kilimanjaro that originates from the northern slopes of the mountain. This area of the Mountain rarely sees an influx of hikers; it is, however, no less fascinating than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend it especially to those who appreciate hiking experiences that are solitary and secluded. The trip to the starting point-Nalemuru Gate-usually takes about 3-4 hours from the hotel.
Rongai is also the only route to Mawenzi, a volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro and the third-tallest peak of Africa. On the return leg, you pass via Marangu, so that you can experience both flanks of the mountain for the 7-day climbing Rongai Route
While the itinerary options for the 7-day climbing Rongai Route are six or seven days, the longer option is recommended for acclimatization and transition motivation. Arrive in Tanzania. Meals: Breakfast and dinner included. Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel, after which a professional guide will come for a briefing about the trek and an equipment check for any mountain gear you may lack. Finally, you will spend the night at your hotel.
Seasonal Months & Best Time to Travel
Highlighted months indicate the peak/optimal seasonal period for this tour.
Day-by-Day Summary
| Days | Main Destination | Accommodation | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Nalemoru Gate (1990m) | Camping at mountain | Full Board FB |
|
|
Simba Camp (2570m) | Camping at mountain | Full Board FB |
|
|
Kikelelwa Camp (3630m) | Camping at mountain | Full Board FB |
|
|
Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m) | Hut accommodation | Full Board FB |
|
|
Kibo Hut (4700m) | Hut accommodation | Full Board FB |
|
|
Summit (5,895m) | Hut accommodation | Full Board FB |
|
|
Marangu Gate (1860m) | No accommodation | Half Board HB |
Tour Quick Facts
Tour Class
Budget Tour :This safari includes comfort-focused hand-picked lodges and camps.
Group Type
Shared group tour : Join a group of other travelers. Max 20 people per vehicle.
Start Day
Can start any day :If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Customization
Can be customized :Request minor changes to accommodations and destinations.
Single Travelers
Suitable for single travelers : Solo travelers can join, requires a minimum of 1 people to run.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 10 years :Children and families are welcome under parental guidance.
Tour Rates & Pricing
Below are our rates for travelers visiting as a group. Discounts are available for larger parties, making group travel more affordable and enjoyable. Whether you are planning a family trip, a getaway with friends, or a special event with colleagues, our group rates are designed to offer better value while keeping the experience comfortable and convenient. Please contact us for more details on pricing, availability, and any special arrangements for your group.
- Per Person Pricing:All rates listed are per person and do not include international flights.
- Solo Travel: Solo travelers are welcome; however, the tour requires a minimum of 1 people to run.
- Age Requirements: Children aged 10 and above are allowed and discounted. Free entrance fees apply for children under 0 years old.
Please Note: All rates are subject to change based on availability, seasonality, and any updates to park fees, taxes, or tourism levies. We recommend contacting us directly to confirm pricing for your specific travel dates and group size.
Group Pricing Rates
| Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,307 | $1,910 | $1,804 | $1,711 | $1,672 | $1,672 | $1,672 |
Day by Day Experience
Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2570m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Tropical Rainforest
A guide and a mountain support crew will visit your hotel to meet you this morning, hold a very short briefing, and then take you by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020m/6627f). After the quick formalities for climbing permit acquisition and registration with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,671m/8612f). This day will have you trekking moderately through coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro’s northern slope. Don’t be in a rush; walk at a pace comfortable for you. Our professional mountain crew will have prepared everything necessary by the time you reach camp, erected tents, and begun preparing your dinner.
Nalemoru Gate (1990m)
Full Board FB
Camping at mountain
Wildlife to Spot
Simba Camp (2570m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3450m)
Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Continue descending into the moorland foothills to the second camp. Today, you will have a good view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields at the rim of the crater. Overnight at 2nd cave camp (3450m).
Simba Camp (2570m)
Full Board FB
Camping at mountain
3 - 2nd Cave Camp (3480m) to KikelelwaCamp (3630m)
Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Kibo, which is the highest of the three volcanoes forming the mountain, has yet another beautiful day and superlatively impressive views of eastern ice fields on the crater rims. The moorland zone is crossed on a shorter trail heading to the jagged peaks of Mawenzi (5140 m), taking 3 hours to reach Kikelelwa for lunch and overnight.
Kikelelwa Camp (3630m)
Full Board FB
Camping at mountain
Kikelelwa Camp (3630 m) to Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Trust you are prepared today for a short but steep ascent, which you will climb up grassy slopes that will reward you with stunning all-round views and a palpable sense of wilderness. In a rocky cirque situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, the campsite is situated. You have free time later in the afternoon that you can use to rest or to explore the surrounding areas as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m).
Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m)
Full Board FB
Hut accommodation
Mawenzi Tan Hut (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
You will cross the lunar desert between Kibo and Mawenzi, intending to reach the Kibo Hut. In the afternoon, you shall be lazing and having lunch in Kibo while preparing for the summit bid at midnight.
Kibo Hut (4700m)
Full Board FB
Hut accommodation
Summit Day
Distance covered: 22 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Start climbing at about 00:00. This stage is said to be the steepest and most challenging. Your guide will set a very standard pace for you (walk slowly). In the darkness, it will take 5 hours to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5685 m), where you will take a little rest while having a cup of tea and appreciating the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. You will continue for almost one hour to the world’s highest point, UHURU Peak (5895 m). You will be passing close to the spectacular glacier and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. After taking pictures at the top of Africa, you will start walking down to Kibo Hut for a short break and hot lunch before moving to Horombo Hut. Spend the night at Horombo Hut.
Summit (5,895m)
Full Board FB
Hut accommodation
Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Distance covered: 20 km
Approximate time taken: 7 hours
On the final day, you will hike from the heath and moorland zone to Mandara Hut (2700 m) for hot lunch and continue downhill through a tropical rain forest until you reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate where you will pick up your certificates for finishing the other park formalities, after which the car will take you to the hotel in Moshi, and you will enjoy a warm shower. Definitely time to celebrate!
Marangu Gate (1860m)
Half Board HB
What's Included
Included
- All applicable park entry fees as per the program.
- Government taxes & local levies.
- Service of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s); porters & cook
- Camping equipment like mountain tent, mattress, etc.
- Accommodation Type: Camping
- Transport from the hotel to the park gate and from the park gate to the hotel.
- Meals on Full board (Unless listed as an upgrade) on trek as indicated on the program
- Refreshments during the trek.
- Rescue fees, Emergency oxygen, Pulse oximeter, and First aid kit
- Guides and porters' accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
- Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
- Emergency oxygen during trek
- 24-hour support
Excluded
- International flights (From/to home) and domestic Flight
- Medical/luggage Insurance.
- Pre-& post climb accommodation (B&B)
- Pick up and drop off at the Airport
- Sleeping bag
- Tips (Tipping guideline: Guide $20, cooker $15, $10 porter pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, Visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Any extra orders at meals are not included. Set menu meals are part of the package.
- Portable flush toilet