The Best Seven(7)-Days Rongai Kilimanjaro’s Climbing full itinerary for 2025/2026-2027.
The Best Seven(7)-Days Rongai Kilimanjaro’s Climbing full itinerary for 2025/2026-2027. is the only route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border, and is known for its relatively gentle gradient and remote, less crowded trail. The route offers diverse landscapes, better acclimatization opportunities, and scenic views along the way.
The Best Seven(7)-Days Rongai Kilimanjaro’s Climbing full itinerary for 2025/2026-2027. Day by day Itinerary.
Day 1 of The Best Seven(7)-Days Rongai Kilimanjaro’s Climbing full itinerary for 2025/2026-2027: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): You will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is dedicated to relaxing after your journey and finalizing preparations for the climb.
Pre-climb briefing: In the evening, meet your guide for a briefing to go over the climb, check your gear, and discuss the route details. A proper gear check ensures you have all the essential equipment for the climb.
Overnight stay: You’ll spend the night at your hotel to rest up for the trek.
Day 2: Drive to Rongai Gate (1,950m) and Trek to Simba Camp (2,620m)
Elevation gain: 670 meters (2,200 feet)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
Description: The journey starts with a scenic drive from your hotel to the Rongai Gate on the northern side of the mountain, where you’ll complete registration formalities. The trail begins in the lush montane forest, with a variety of wildlife, including the black-and-white colobus monkeys. The gentle ascent makes for a comfortable start to the climb.
Overnight at Simba Camp: The camp is located on the edge of the forest, offering stunning views of the plains below and a glimpse of Kenya in the distance.
Day 3: Simba Camp (2,620m) to Second Cave (3,450m)
Elevation gain: 830 meters (2,720 feet)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Description: The trail leaves the forest and enters the moorland zone, where the vegetation becomes sparse and shrubs dominate the landscape. The gradual ascent allows for good acclimatization, and you’ll begin to see breathtaking views of the Kenyan plains and Kibo peak. The path is fairly open, providing a chance to soak in the surroundings.
Overnight at Second Cave: Named after a natural cave used by porters for shelter, this camp sits in a broad, flat area with amazing views of Kibo, the main peak of Kilimanjaro.
Day 4: Second Cave (3,450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
Elevation gain: 150 meters (490 feet)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Description: Today’s shorter hike allows for additional acclimatization. You will follow a path leading east toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest summit. The landscape becomes more rugged and rocky, with the plant life decreasing as the altitude rises. Along the way, you’ll pass through valleys and ridges with striking views.
Overnight at Kikelewa Camp: The camp is situated on the grassy slopes with amazing vistas of the mountain.
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m)
Elevation gain: 715 meters (2,345 feet)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Description: The trail becomes steeper as you head toward the base of Mawenzi. The views are dramatic, with rugged terrain and unique volcanic landscapes. Mawenzi Tarn Camp is nestled in a sheltered cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, providing one of the most picturesque campsites on Kilimanjaro.
Acclimatization hike: After setting up camp, there is an option for a short acclimatization hike to further improve your chances of a successful summit.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m) to Kibo Hut (4,720m)
Elevation gain: 405 meters (1,330 feet)
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Description: You will cross the lunar-like desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, characterized by sparse vegetation and volcanic rocks. The flat, open landscape offers stunning views of the mountain ahead. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you reach the higher altitude.
Overnight at Kibo Hut: The hut is located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Rest and prepare for the final ascent, which will begin just before midnight.
Day 7: Kibo Hut (4,720m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation gain: 1,175 meters (3,860 feet)
Descent: 2,175 meters (7,140 feet)
Hiking time: 10-14 hours (6-8 hours to the summit, then 4-6 hours down to Horombo)
Habitat: Arctic conditions at the summit, alpine desert on descent
Midnight summit attempt: Start the climb to the summit at around midnight. The steep trail zigzags up loose scree to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Continue around the rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Uhuru Peak (5,895m): Celebrate your achievement at the top of Kilimanjaro, where the sunrise over the glaciers is unforgettable.
Descent to Horombo Hut: After a short stay at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 8: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,880m)
Descent: 1,840 meters (6,040 feet)
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland and montane forest
Final descent: Trek through the alpine moorland and montane forest as you descend to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificate.
Transfer to hotel: You’ll be driven back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved shower and celebration dinner.
Day 9: Departure
Relax and transfer: Depending on your flight schedule, you can relax at the hotel or explore the local area before your airport transfer.
The Rongai Route is ideal for those who prefer a quieter trek with varied scenery, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. It provides a gradual acclimatization process and multiple acclimatization days, increasing the chances of a successful summit.
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
