8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route
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Price:
$1250.00
Duration
7 Days
People:
21
Tour Overview
The Rongai Route offers a unique Kilimanjaro experience, approaching the mountain from the quieter northern side near the Kenyan border. Over 7 days, this itinerary combines scenic landscapes, gradual acclimatization, and a rewarding summit experience. Starting at Nale Moru, trekkers pass through moist rainforest that gradually opens into dry northern slopes, heathlands, and high-altitude rocky terrain, providing a diverse range of ecosystems and spectacular views.
This route is ideal for those seeking a less crowded climb while enjoying panoramic vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, wildflowers, and unique high-altitude flora such as giant senecios. The trek includes crucial acclimatization stops at camps like Second Cave and Third Cave, maximizing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft). The final descent through rainforest to Marangu Gate completes the journey, leaving climbers with a profound sense of achievement and unforgettable memories of Africa’s highest summit.
What Included
Park fees
All activities
All accommodation
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
Clean, purified drinking water
Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tour Plan
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Day 1: Nale Moru – Simba Camp (Entering the Northern Slopes)
The adventure begins with a drive through villages and coffee plantations to Nale Moru, where you meet your porters and guides. The trail starts through moist rainforest, gradually opening onto the drier northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. After a picnic lunch, we hike 4–5 hours through forest and heather to Simba Camp (2,835m / 9,300ft), which offers spectacular views over the plains of Kenya. -
Day 2: Simba Camp – Second Cave (Heathlands and Mawenzi Views)
Today’s trek climbs steadily through heathland filled with wildflowers, heathers, and rocky paths. Along the way, enjoy views of Kibo Peak and the east-facing glaciers on the crater rim. After lunch, a narrower trail leads toward Mawenzi and Second Cave, nestled in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant senecio plants. -
Day 3: Second Cave – Third Cave (Acclimatization Day)
This day is reserved for acclimatization to improve summit success and reduce altitude sickness risks. Spend the morning resting and enjoying the scenery. Around lunchtime, trek 3–4 hours along a narrow path across heathlands toward Third Cave, gaining gentle elevation while taking in views of the jagged Mawenzi peaks. -
Day 4: Third Cave – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (Rocky Highlands and Panoramic Views)
We trek 4–5 hours to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, ascending a short but steep grassy slope that rewards you with panoramic vistas. The heathlands give way to rocky terrain, scattered with volcanic boulders, and the camp sits in a spectacular valley below the towering spires of Mawenzi. -
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts (Crossing The Saddle)
Today we cross the almost lunar landscape known as The Saddle, connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. The 6–8 hour trek brings us to Kibo Huts (4,700m / 15,430ft) at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. This is the preparation camp for the summit, allowing climbers to rest, organize gear, and get an early night before the midnight ascent. -
Day 6: Summit Day – Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak, Descent to Horombo Huts
The summit push begins around midnight with a light meal. Trek through rocky terrain to Gilman’s Point (5,756m / 18,885ft) at dawn, then continue along the crater rim to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Kibo Huts for lunch and continue down to Horombo Huts (3,715m / 12,205ft) for overnight rest. -
Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha
The final day is a descent of 5–7 hours through rainforest to Marangu Gate (562m / 1,843ft). Here we enjoy lunch, bid farewell to our mountain crew, and drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and celebratory dinner, completing the Rongai Route climb.
