The Rongai Route 6 & 7 Days

Here’s a thrilling 6 or 7-day itinerary for conquering Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route, a hidden gem famed for its gentle ascent, cozy hut accommodations, and jaw-dropping views from the quieter northern side, Opt for the 6-day adventure if you’re ready to charge up in style, or stretch it to 7 days for that sweet extra acclimatization boost, giving your body more time to soak in the altitude and max out your summit swagger!

6 Days Route
7 Days Route

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,625m)

Elevation: 1,950 m (6,398 ft) to 2,625 m (8,612 ft)
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Start your Kilimanjaro quest at Rongai Gate, tucked near the Kenya-Tanzania border, where the adventure kicks off with a bang! You’ll climb through a lush montane forest, buzzing with life—keep an eye out for cheeky colobus monkeys swinging overhead. After a chill 3-4 hour trek, you’ll roll into Simba Camp at 2,625 meters, ready for a hearty dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)

Elevation: 2,625 m (8,612 ft) to 3,450 m (11,319 ft)
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Wave goodbye to Simba Camp as the trail tilts upward, swapping dense forest for the wide-open moorland zone. The 3-4 hour hike dishes out killer views of Kibo Peak, looming like a giant in the distance, with the landscape stretching out endlessly around you. You’ll crash at Second Cave Camp at 3,450 meters, soaking in the wild beauty of this rugged terrain.

Day 3: Second Cave (3,450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

Elevation: 3,450 m (11,319 ft) to 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Day three’s a breather—a shorter 3-4 hour jaunt to Kikelewa Camp at 3,600 meters, perfect for letting your body settle into the altitude. You’ll wander through more moorland, gawking at the quirky plants that dot this otherworldly zone. It’s a laid-back day with big rewards, ending with a cozy night at camp to recharge for the climb ahead.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) to 4,330 m (14,206 ft)
Distance: ~5 km (3.1 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

The trail turns steep today as you push toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,330 meters, nestled beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. This 3-4 hour trek shifts into alpine desert mode, with the air thinning and the views cranking up to epic. After settling in, take an optional stroll around camp to stretch your legs and acclimatize—it’s all about prepping for the summit push!

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Elevation: 4,330 m (14,206 ft) to 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Distance: ~9 km (5.6 miles)
Duration: 5–6 hours

Strap in for a 5-6 hour trek across the Saddle, a stark, moon-like stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks that’ll leave you speechless. The alpine desert vibes are full-on as you climb to Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters, your summit launchpad. Rest up and fuel up here—the midnight summit grind is just hours away, and you’ll need every bit of grit you’ve got.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Elevation: 4,700 m (15,420 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
Distance: ~21 km (13 miles)
Duration: 12–15 hours (7–8 hours ascent, 5–7 hours descent)

It’s go time! Kick off at midnight, battling steep scree for 7-8 hours to hit Gilman’s Point at 5,685 meters, then power along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s rooftop at 5,895 meters. After summit selfies and a victory cheer, descend to Kibo Hut for a quick breather, then keep dropping down to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters. It’s a marathon 12-15 hour day, but the high is worth every step.

Day 7 (Optional Descent Day): Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)

Elevation: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 1,860 m (6,102 ft)
Distance: ~20 km (12.4 miles)
Duration: 5–7 hours

Your final leg’s a 5-7 hour descent from Horombo Hut, winding through moorland and plunging back into lush forest as you head to Marangu Gate at 1,860 meters. The trail’s a victory lap—time to soak in the journey and swap tales with the crew. At the gate, snag your summit certificate, give yourself a pat on the back, and celebrate crushing Kilimanjaro!

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,625m)

Elevation: 1,950 m (6,398 ft) to 2,625 m (8,612 ft)
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Lace up your boots and launch your Kilimanjaro adventure at Rongai Gate, where the forest welcomes you with open arms. The gentle 3-4 hour hike winds through dense montane woods, alive with rustling leaves and the occasional glimpse of wildlife scampering about. You’ll land at Simba Camp at 2,625 meters, your first cozy stop for dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)

Elevation: 2,625 m (8,612 ft) to 3,450 m (11,319 ft)
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Say farewell to Simba Camp as you climb steadily through the open moorland, where the forest fades and Kibo Peak struts into view like a mountain superstar. This 3-4 hour trek serves up breathtaking panoramas that stretch for miles, landing you at Second Cave Camp at 3,450 meters—a perfect perch to soak in the wild and unwind for the night.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp (3,450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

Elevation: 3,450 m (11,319 ft) to 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Hit the trail for a 3-4 hour jaunt through rolling moorland, where the vistas keep getting better and the air feels crisper. You’ll weave past funky vegetation and into a stunning valley, arriving at Kikelewa Camp at 3,600 meters. It’s a chill spot to kick back, breathe deep, and let your body ease into the altitude with a relaxed evening ahead.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

Elevation: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) to 4,330 m (14,206 ft)
Distance: ~5 km (3.1 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Things get steep today as you power up to Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,330 meters, tucked under the jagged drama of Mawenzi Peak. The 3-4 hour climb shifts into alpine desert territory, with the landscape turning stark and stunning. Drop your gear and soak in the surreal surroundings—it’s your last stop before the summit push.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Elevation: 4,330 m (14,206 ft) to 4,700 m (15,420 ft)
Distance: ~9 km (5.6 miles)
Duration: 5–6 hours

Strap in for a 5-6 hour trek across the Saddle—a windswept, barren stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo that feels like walking on the moon. The alpine desert vibes hit hard as you climb to Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters, your summit staging ground. Crash early and fuel up—the midnight summit push is looming, and you’ll want every ounce of energy ready to roll.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Elevation: 4,700 m (15,420 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,100 m (10,171 ft)
Distance: ~25 km (15.5 miles)
Duration: 10–14 hours (6–8 hours ascent, 4–6 hours descent)

It’s go time! Launch at midnight, grinding up steep scree for 6-8 hours to hit Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters—Africa’s rooftop. After epic views and a victory cheer, descend all the way to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters in one long, 10-14 hour haul. It’s a beast of a day, but the high of summiting keeps you flying down the trail.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Elevation: 3,100 m (10,171 ft) to 1,640 m (5,381 ft)
Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles)
Duration: 3–4 hours

Your final 3-4 hour trek from Mweka Camp takes you through lush forest to Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters — a sweet victory lap. Snag your summit certificate, swap high-fives with the crew, and hop a ride back to Moshi. You’ve just crushed Kilimanjaro — time to celebrate!

Lets Start Planning

Price Included:

Two nights accommodation in Hotel
Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
Qualified guides with mountain crew
National park fees
18% VAT on tour fees and services
All camping equipment; mountain tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats
Transport
Rescue fees
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
Pulse oximeter
First aid kit
Emergence oxygen
Clean filtered water through the trek
Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority