7- Day Rongai Trek- Mount Kilimanjaro
Highlights
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro through the scenic northern Rongai Route.
- Experience a quieter approach to Africa's highest mountain
- close to the Kenyan border.
- Walk through beautiful pine forests and open mountain landscapes.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak
- one of Kilimanjaro's most distinctive volcanic peaks.
- Explore the beautiful surroundings of Kikelewa Camp and Mawenzi Tarn.
- Cross the impressive high-altitude Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Experience the excitement of a night-time summit attempt.
- Reach Uhuru Peak at 5
- 895 metres
- the highest point in Africa.
- Watch the sunrise over the mountain from the summit area.
- Descend through the Marangu Route and experience a different side of Kilimanjaro.
- Enjoy the support of an experienced mountain crew throughout the adventure.
About this experience
The Rongai Route is one of the most beautiful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the northern side, close to the Kenyan border, and offers a different experience from the more popular southern routes. It is particularly appreciated for its quieter trails, relatively dry conditions and beautiful views across the surrounding northern plains.
Your adventure begins in Moshi, where our team will welcome you and prepare you for the climb. After a briefing and equipment check, we drive around the northern side of the mountain to Rongai Gate, where the actual trekking begins.
During the first days, you will walk through farmland, pine forest and open mountain vegetation before reaching Simba Camp. As you continue higher, the forest gradually gives way to beautiful moorland, where you can enjoy wide views of the surrounding landscape and the impressive peaks of Kilimanjaro.
One of the special features of this route is the view of Mawenzi Peak, the rugged and dramatic second-highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will pass Kikelewa Camp before climbing towards Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful mountain campsite situated beneath Mawenzi's impressive rocky towers.
The journey then continues across the high-altitude Saddle, a wide and open landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo Peak. This section gives you a real feeling of being high on the mountain, with a dry, rocky environment and incredible views in every direction. You will eventually reach Kibo Hut, your final camp before the summit attempt.
The most exciting part of the journey comes during the night climb. After resting and having an early meal, you will wake up around midnight and begin the demanding ascent towards Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue along the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
Reaching Uhuru Peak is an achievement you will always remember. You will have time to celebrate, take photographs and appreciate the incredible views before beginning the long descent towards Horombo Hut. The following day, you continue down through the mountain vegetation to Marangu Gate, where your climbing adventure comes to an end.
Your experience with Kiwia Africa Tours
At Kiwia Africa Tours, we want you to enjoy the entire experience, not just the summit. Our mountain team includes experienced guides, porters and a professional cook who will support you throughout the journey.
We organise your mountain transport, park arrangements, camping equipment and meals during the climb. Our guides will set a comfortable walking pace, monitor your condition and help you understand the changing mountain environment.
Your package also includes airport pickup and drop-off, together with two nights of hotel accommodation in Moshi: one night before the climb and one night after completing the trek.
We recommend this route for physically fit travellers who enjoy hiking and want to experience a quieter approach to Mount Kilimanjaro. Although the Rongai trail is generally considered less steep on its lower sections than some other routes, climbing to 5,895 metres is still physically demanding. Proper preparation and allowing your body to adjust to the altitude are very important.
Why choose the Rongai Route?
The Rongai Route gives you the opportunity to experience the northern side of Kilimanjaro, enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and descend on a different side of the mountain through the Marangu Route. You get to see different landscapes during your ascent and descent, making the journey even more memorable.
We take your safety and comfort seriously. Our team will support you from your arrival in Tanzania until you complete your climb. Reaching the summit depends on your health, altitude adjustment and mountain conditions, and our guides will always put your safety first.
Let's climb Kilimanjaro together!
If standing on the Roof of Africa is one of your dreams, Kiwia Africa Tours is ready to help you plan the adventure. Join our team for seven unforgettable days on Mount Kilimanjaro and take home a story worth telling for the rest of your life.
What's included
- Professional
- English-speaking mountain guides throughout the climb.
- Experienced mountain porters to carry camping equipment
- food and supplies.
- Professional mountain cook to prepare fresh meals.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park entrance and conservation fees.
- Mountain camping fees and applicable rescue fees.
- Six nights of mountain camping accommodation.
- Two nights of hotel accommodation in Moshi
- one before and one after the climb.
- Airport pickup and return transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your hotel.
- Transport from Moshi to the Rongai Gate and from Marangu Gate back to Moshi.
- All meals during the mountain trek
- including breakfast
- lunch and dinner.
- Drinking water during the climb.
- Quality mountain tents and camping equipment.
- Summit certificate for climbers who successfully reach the relevant summit point.
What's not included
- International and domestic flight tickets.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking
- medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- Tips for mountain guides
- porters and the cook.
- Personal trekking equipment such as hiking boots
- sleeping bags
- trekking poles
- gloves and warm clothing.
- Personal expenses such as laundry
- snacks
- additional drinks and souvenirs.
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
- unless specified in your hotel arrangement.
- Additional hotel nights before or after the two included nights.
- Personal medication and toiletries.
- Any additional services not specifically mentioned under What's Included.
Meeting point
Moshi hotel / agreed pickup location
Important information
- Info: Your adventure starts when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You will spend your first night at the hotel before meeting your mountain guide for a briefing and equipment check. The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side and descends through the Marangu Route. During the seven mountain days, you will spend six nights in mountain camps, with our cook preparing your meals and our porters carrying the main camping equipment. The mountain has several different climatic zones, so expect warm conditions in the lower forest, cooler temperatures in the moorland and very cold conditions near the summit. We recommend walking slowly, drinking enough water and giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. Summit night normally starts around midnight from Kibo Hut. Your guides will assess the weather and your condition before the attempt. If you develop signs of altitude sickness or continuing becomes unsafe, the guide may ask you to descend. After reaching Marangu Gate, our driver will take you back to Moshi for your second included hotel night. We will then arrange your return airport transfer according to your flight schedule. Please send us your flight information in advance so we can organise your airport pickups and drop-offs. We also recommend arriving in Tanzania at least one day before the mountain trek. Weather, park regulations and mountain conditions can sometimes require adjustments to the itinerary. Your safety will always come before reaching the summit.
- Requirements: The Rongai Route is suitable for people who are physically fit, enjoy outdoor activities and are prepared for several days of walking at high altitude. You do not need to be a professional climber, but you should be comfortable walking for approximately four to seven hours on most trekking days, with a much longer summit day. Some previous hiking experience is helpful, especially if you have not walked long distances in mountainous areas before. Before joining the climb, we recommend that you consult your doctor to make sure you are medically fit for high-altitude trekking. Please inform us in advance about any medical conditions, allergies or medication you are taking so that our team can prepare appropriately. High altitude can affect anyone, including people who are physically fit, and reaching the summit is never guaranteed. Participants should bring the correct mountain clothing and equipment and be prepared for cold temperatures, changing weather and challenging walking conditions. You must be willing to follow the instructions of your mountain guide, walk at a steady pace and communicate honestly if you feel unwell. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers trekking to at least 6,000 metres, emergency evacuation, medical treatment and trip cancellation. Please share your insurance details with us before departure.
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility impairments. The trek involves steep, uneven and rocky mountain trails and extended periods of walking at high altitude.
- Age: 12 plus
Itinerary
Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (8.00h)
📍 Simba Camp
After breakfast in Moshi, our driver will take you around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro to the Rongai Gate, close to the Kenyan border. At the gate, your guide will complete the registration and make sure everyone is ready before the climb begins. The trail starts through farmland and a beautiful stretch of forest. This side of the mountain is generally drier and quieter than the southern routes. As you walk, you may see different forest birds and, if you are lucky, colobus monkeys in the trees. The path climbs gradually until the forest begins to thin out and the landscape opens into the moorland zone. You will reach Simba Camp, where the mountain crew will have your tents ready. Enjoy dinner, rest and prepare for the next day's walk. Starting altitude: approximately 1,950 m Camp altitude: approximately 2,625–2,670 m Distance: approximately 7–8 km Walking time: 3–4 hours Environment: Farmland, montane forest and the beginning of moorland
Included: Professional mountain guide and support crew,Park entry and applicable camping fees, Lunch, dinner and drinking water during the trek, Camping tent and sleeping arrangements, Porter and cook services.
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
7:30 AM – 2:00 PM (6.50h)
📍 Second Cave Camp
After breakfast, you will leave Simba Camp and continue climbing through open moorland. The trail is steady rather than extremely steep, but you will notice the altitude as you gain height. The landscape becomes more open, with fewer trees and wider views across the northern plains towards Kenya. On a clear day, you can also enjoy impressive views of Kibo, the main volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro. You will reach Second Cave Camp in the early afternoon. After lunch, take time to rest, enjoy the surroundings and listen to your guide's advice about walking slowly and drinking enough water. Spending the night at this altitude helps your body continue adjusting to the mountain. Starting altitude: approximately 2,625–2,670 m Camp altitude: approximately 3,450 m Distance: approximately 6–7 km Walking time: 3–4 hours Environment: Heath and moorland, with open mountain views
Included: Park fees, guide, porters, cook, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, camping accommodation, camping equipment
Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (6.00h)
📍 Kikelewa Camp — Camping
Today you will leave Second Cave Camp and follow a smaller trail across the open moorland towards Mawenzi, the rugged volcanic peak that gives this part of the mountain its special character. Compared with the previous day, the walk is relatively short, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery and take breaks along the way. You will begin to see giant groundsel plants and other high-altitude vegetation as the landscape changes. Kikelewa Camp is tucked into a sheltered valley beneath the rocky slopes of Mawenzi. Once you arrive, the crew will prepare lunch and help you settle in. Your guide will check how everyone is feeling before the next day's climb. Starting altitude: approximately 3,450 m Camp altitude: approximately 3,600–3,630 m Distance: approximately 6 km Walking time: 3–4 hours Environment: Open moorland and high-altitude heath, with giant groundsel plants
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, guide, porters, cook, park/camping fees, camping accommodation
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Acclimatisation
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (6.00h)
📍 Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today's walk is shorter but steeper as you climb from Kikelewa Camp towards Mawenzi Tarn. You will leave the grassy moorland behind and enter a more rocky alpine landscape. Take your time, follow your guide's pace and avoid rushing. Mawenzi Tarn sits beneath the dramatic peaks of Mawenzi, one of the most striking parts of Kilimanjaro. When the weather is clear, the views around the camp are beautiful, and the setting feels very different from the forest and moorland below. After lunch and some rest, your guide may lead a short acclimatisation walk to a higher point before returning to camp. This follows the mountain principle of climbing a little higher and sleeping lower. The walk is done slowly and only if the guide considers conditions and the group suitable. This is an important day because you are preparing your body for the higher altitude ahead. Starting altitude: approximately 3,600–3,630 m Camp altitude: approximately 4,315–4,330 m Distance: approximately 4–5 km to camp, with an optional additional acclimatisation walk Walking time: 3–4 hours to camp; additional time if the guide arranges an acclimatisation walk Environment: Alpine desert, rocky slopes and sparse high-altitude vegetation
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, guide, porters, cook, camping accommodation and camping equipment
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (6.00h)
📍 Kibo Hut
After breakfast, you will leave Mawenzi Tarn and continue towards Kibo Hut. Today's trail crosses the wide, open area known as the Saddle, which lies between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is rocky and dry, with very little vegetation. You may feel the altitude more strongly here, so the group will walk slowly and take regular breaks. Keep your water close and follow your guide's instructions. Kibo Hut is located at the foot of Kibo's crater wall, at approximately 4,700 metres. Once you arrive, you will have time to rest, eat and prepare your summit equipment. Your guide will explain the summit schedule and check that everyone is ready for the night climb. Dinner will be served early because the summit attempt normally begins around midnight. Starting altitude: approximately 4,315–4,330 m Camp altitude: approximately 4,700–4,720 m Distance: approximately 8 km Walking time: 5–6 hours Environment: Alpine desert, rocky terrain and the open Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, guide, porters, cook, park/Hut fees, Hut accommodation
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
11:30 PM – 3:00 PM (16.00h)
📍 Uhuru Peak,Horombo Hut
This is the biggest day of the climb and the one you have been preparing for. After a light meal and final equipment check, you will begin walking from Kibo Hut in the darkness, guided by your mountain team. The trail is steep and challenging, and the cold can be intense. You will climb slowly, taking short breaks as needed. The first major point is Gilman's Point on the crater rim, at approximately 5,685 metres. From there, you continue along the crater rim towards Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres. Reaching Uhuru Peak is a special moment. If weather and conditions allow, you will have time for photographs and to enjoy the achievement before beginning the descent. Your guide will manage the time at the summit because the descent is also a long part of the day. You will descend towards Kibo Hut for a short rest and then continue down to Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night. It is a demanding day, so the guide may adjust the plan or turn a climber around if safety becomes a concern. Starting altitude: approximately 4,700–4,720 m Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m Overnight altitude: approximately 3,720 m Distance: approximately 18–22 km, depending on the route measurement Walking time: approximately 12–17 hours in total Environment: Alpine desert and arctic summit conditions, followed by a descent into the heath zone
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, guide, porters, cook, Hut accommodation and park/camping fees
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate → Moshi
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (5.00h)
📍 parkview Inn Hotel Moshi
After breakfast, you will begin the final descent from Horombo Hut towards Marangu Gate. The trail takes you back through the heath and moorland before entering the lush montane forest. The descent is long, but the lower altitude and warmer air usually make it feel different from the summit day. Take care on the downhill sections, especially if your legs are tired. At Marangu Gate, you will complete the park sign-out process and receive your summit certificate if you reached the required point. Your driver will meet you and transfer you back to Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-earned shower and rest after your climb. Congratulations on completing the Rongai Route! Starting altitude: approximately 3,720 m Ending altitude: approximately 1,860 m Distance: approximately 18–20 km Walking time: 5–7 hours Environment: Heath and moorland, followed by montane rainforest
Included: meals, accommodation in hotel, transfer back to hotel, Park fee, Guide, Cook, Porters
Frequently asked questions
Is this activity suitable for children? ▾
Age policy: 12 plus
What languages are available for this tour? ▾
English
Where is the meeting point? ▾
Moshi hotel / agreed pickup location
What is the cancellation policy? ▾
We understand that travel plans can sometimes change. If you need to cancel your Rongai Route climb, please contact us in writing as early as possible. More than 30 days before departure: The booking deposit is non-refundable. Any additional payment will be refunded after deducting costs already committed and non-refundable supplier charges. 15–30 days before departure: 50% of the total booking price will be charged as a cancellation fee. 14 days or less before departure: 100% of the total booking price will be charged, and no refund will normally be available. Changes to travel dates: We will do our best to arrange a new climbing date, depending on availability and any additional costs. Cancellation by Kiwia Africa Tours: If we cancel the climb for reasons within our control, we will offer an alternative date or a refund of payments received. Weather and safety: If mountain conditions become unsafe, our guides and park authorities may change or stop the climb. Any refund for unused services will be assessed after considering costs already incurred and supplier conditions. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Please contact our team if you need assistance with a cancellation or change to your booking.
Group size: 1–21 participants
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
This activity has a cancellation policy. to read the policy.
Activity provider
KIWIA AFRICA TOUR
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Cancellation policy
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