The best Eight-(8)-days Rongai Kilimanjaro’s Climbing full itinerary for 2025-2026
The Rongai Route is one of the less crowded routes, providing a quiet and scenic approach from the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. This 8-day itinerary allows for a slower pace, offering excellent acclimatization and increasing the chances of reaching the summit successfully. The route provides stunning views of the African plains, Mawenzi Peak, and the rugged landscape as you approach the summit.
The best Eight-(8)-days Rongai Kilimanjaro’s Climbing full itinerary for 2025-2026 Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
- Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfer: To your hotel in Arusha/Moshi for rest and a pre-climb briefing with your guide. Final preparations will be made for the climb.
- Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Day 2: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,600m)
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive to the Rongai Gate for registration. The trek starts with a gradual ascent through farmlands and dense montane forest, with the possibility of seeing wildlife like colobus monkeys. You will reach Simba Camp, located on the edge of the moorland zone.
Day 3: Simba Camp (2,600m) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
The trail ascends steadily through the moorland with beautiful views of the Kenyan plains below. You will stop for lunch at Second Cave Camp, offering panoramic views of Kibo Peak. The day is relatively easy, providing good acclimatization time.
Day 4: Second Cave Camp (3,450m) to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m)
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
The trek continues through the heath and moorland landscape. You will pass areas of giant heathers and arrive at Kikelelwa Camp, where the dramatic landscape offers views of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s secondary peak. The camp sits in a scenic valley with stunning views of the surrounding terrain.
Day 5: Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike is steeper as you approach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The camp is one of the most picturesque on Kilimanjaro, with a tarn (small mountain lake) situated nearby. The afternoon is free to rest and acclimatize.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
You will cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, trekking through a barren and windswept desert. This section of the route offers incredible views of both peaks. The hike is long but gradual as you reach Kibo Hut, your base for the summit attempt. Upon arrival, you’ll rest and prepare for the final push to the summit.
Day 7: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
- Summit Night:
- Distance: 6 km ascent, 16 km descent
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to the summit, 5-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic/Alpine Desert
Around midnight, you’ll begin your ascent to the summit. The trail is steep and rocky as you climb in the darkness towards Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. After a short rest, you will continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Day 8: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland and Montane Forest
On your final day, descend through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you will complete your Kilimanjaro adventure. You’ll receive your summit certificates before being transferred back to your hotel for a much-needed rest.
Post-Climb: Departure or Optional Safari
- Transfer: After a night of relaxation at your hotel, you can either depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport or extend your trip with a wildlife safari or beach holiday.
Key Features of the Rongai Route
- Less crowded: Compared to other routes like Marangu or Machame.
- Scenic: Offers unique views of the Kenyan plains and Kilimanjaro’s northern side.
- Gradual ascent: Provides good acclimatization with a slower pace.
- Tough summit night: While the route is not overly steep until summit night, the final push is challenging.
This 8-day itinerary gives you a better chance of acclimatizing and successfully reaching the summit while taking in the incredible scenery that the Rongai Route offers.
Includes:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes:
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room