Highlights
7 Days of Mount Kilimanjaro trekking via the Rongai route
Spending nights on tents while trekking through true wilderness during the days
Amazing adventure on a less crowded route up to the peak
Itinerary
Seeking a less-trodden path to Africa’s highest peak? The 7 Day Mount Kilimanjaro trekking through Rongai route offers a unique ascent from the north, skirting the Kenyan border and revealing Kilimanjaro’s wilder side. This trip is a standout for those who prefer solitude over crowds, especially compared to the busier Marangu route. The Rongai route’s primary allure is its tranquil, remote wilderness, making it a perfect trekking adventure for those craving a quieter journey. The trail’s moderate difficulty—recommended for climbers with limited backpacking experience—ensures it’s accessible yet rewarding. Over seven days, you’ll traverse unspoiled landscapes, spending several days immersed in pristine nature before merging with the Marangu descent at Kibo camp. This route is also ideal for trekkers planning their climb during the rainy season, as the north side receives less precipitation. Although the scenery is somewhat less varied than on the western routes, the sense of isolation and the opportunity to connect deeply with nature more than compensates. For travelers seeking a Kilimanjaro tour package that combines accessibility, tranquility, and adventure, the Rongai route is a highly recommended choice—its USP lies in offering a more intimate and less crowded Kilimanjaro experience.
day 1 - Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
We will send a driver to the airport to pick you up and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Orientation will take place at the hotel. Our guides will emphasize all the important details regarding your trek and inspect your hiking gear.
day 2 - Rongai Camp (Full board)
After an early breakfast in Arusha you will drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate near the Kenyan border.
We begin our climb on this unspoiled wilderness route. The walk then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
The first day is only a half-day walk.
Nalemoru Gate to Rongai Camp (2,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
day 3 - Rongai Second Cave (Full board)
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, (3,450m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After hot lunch we have free time to rest at the camp or in the afternoon we can explore the surrounding area for acclimatization walk to Third Cave.
Rongai Camp to Second Cave (3,450 m): 3-4 hours walking.
day 4 - Rongai Kikelelwa Cave (Full board)
Gradual rise through beautiful open moorland towards jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3679m) we reach in late afternoon at Kikelewa Caves for dinner and overnight at the camp.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
day 5 - Rongai Mawenzi Turn (Full board)
A Short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4330m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. The afternoon is free to help your acclimatization.
Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m): 3-4 hours walking.
day 6 - Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (Full board)
Today we cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and KiboHut (4700m), at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Mawenzi Turn to Kibo Hut (4,700m); 5-6 hours walking.
day 7 - Kibo Hut to Summit to Horrombo Hut (Full board)
Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree and some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685 m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.
Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 m. which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Kiko Hut, which is amazingly fast. We stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut.
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
day 8 - Horrombo Hut to Moshi
Today we will descend past Mandara hut to Marangu Gate, successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. From here you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.
Horombo hut to Marangu Gate. (6-7 hours walking).
day 9 - Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari.
Altitude Map
Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount
Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour
What's Included
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about 7 Day Mount Kilimanjaro trekking through Rongai route
Incredible experience with Enosa.
Fantastic guides, porters, team. Great value for what you pay. Without this fanatastic team my father and I would not have made it to Uhuru peak. Great communication and service by Noel and his staff. We also did a 3-day safari with a professional and very knowledgeable guide/driver. Tiloma lodge was beautiful and great quality service/food.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Travel within your own bubble.
Tour Availability
Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot
Loading availability...
Monthly Price Comparison
Good to Know
Do you need help from our trip consultants?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our travel experts are ready to help.
Why Book with Bookmundi
Earn USD 63+ in travel credits.
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.
Carbon neutral tours.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
