Rongai Route Climbing 10 Highlights
- - Quiet northern approach with fewer crowds
- - Scenic farmland and pine forest start
- - Panoramic views of Kibo Peak from Second Cave
- - Unique alpine vegetation at Kikelewa Camp
- - Mawenzi Tarn Hut beneath jagged cliffs
- - Crossing the lunar desert to Kibo Hut
- - Uhuru Peak achievement at 5,895m
The Rongai Route Climbing experience is one of the most unique approaches to Mount Kilimanjaro,
beginning from the northern side near the Kenyan border. Known for its quiet trails, diverse scenery,
and gradual acclimatization, this 8‑day itinerary offers trekkers the perfect balance of adventure and
safety. Covering approximately 75 km, climbers traverse farmland, rainforest, alpine desert, and
lunar landscapes before reaching the Uhuru Peak summit at 5,895m.
Itineraries Expand all
-
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive in Arusha, meet your mountain guide, and check climbing gear. Spend the evening preparing
for your Rongai Route Climbing adventure. Overnight stay in Arusha.- Hotel: The Charity Hotel Arusha.
- Meals: Dinner.
-
Day 2: Arusha – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
Drive to Rongai Gate (1,950m) and begin trekking through farmland and pine forest. Hiking distance:
8 km, hiking time: 6–7 hours. Arrive at Simba Camp (2,600m) with views of Kenya’s plains.- Stay: Simba Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
-
Day 3: Simba Camp – Second Cave
Trek across moorland terrain with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. Hiking distance: 6–7 km, hiking
time: 6 hours. Overnight at Second Cave Camp (3,450m), with attractions including volcanic rock
formations and open landscapes.- Stay: Second Cave
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
-
Day 4: Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp
Continue through valleys and alpine vegetation. Hiking distance: 9 km, hiking time: 6–7 hours. Arrive
at Kikelewa Camp (3,600m), surrounded by giant lobelias and groundsels.- Stay: Kikelewa Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
-
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut
A steep but shorter trek leads to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330m). Hiking distance: 5–6 km, hiking time:
4–5 hours. Attractions include dramatic views of Mawenzi Peak’s jagged cliffs and alpine lakes.- Stay: Mawenzi Tarn Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
-
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. Hiking distance: 9–10 km, hiking time: 5–6 hours.
Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m), the base camp for summit night. The barren landscape offers a surreal
trekking experience.- Stay: Kibo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
-
Day 7: Kibo Hut – Summit Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Summit day begins at midnight. Trek steep scree slopes to Gilman’s Point (5,681m), then continue to
Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Hiking distance: 15 km, hiking time: 10–12 hours. Attractions include sunrise
views over Africa from the summit. Descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for overnight rest.- Stay: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
-
Day 8: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha
Descend through rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,800m). Hiking distance: 18 km, hiking time: 5–6
hours. Collect your summit certificate before returning to Arusha, completing your Rongai Route
Climbing adventure.- Stay: The Charity Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Trip Includes & Excludes
- Accommodation as per option selected
- Professional and knowledgeable driver guide services
- Transport in a customized mini safari van.
- Optional activities, boat ride, and cultural tour experience
- Personal travel insurance
- Tipping to safari crews
Gallery
Availability
TZ-6920
- Best price guaranteed.
- No booking fees.
- Professional local guide.
Leave a review