7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE
TREKKING KILIMANJARO WITH MOUNTAIN SPIRIT AFRICA SAFARIS
POPULAR ROUTES
8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE
6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
ITINERARY
Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended to allow enough acclimatization before summit session. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo Hut. This route descends down via Marangu route Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
After registration at Nalemoru Gate, begin your trek through farmland and pine forest before entering the lush rainforest. The trail climbs gently, offering chances to spot colobus monkeys and birds, before reaching Simba Camp near the edge of the moorland.
-Elevation: 6,398 ft / 1,950 m → 8,530 ft / 2,600 m
-Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Rainforest
-Meals: Lunch, Dinner
-Accommodation: Simba Camp
After breakfast, continue ascending through open moorland with wide views of Kenya’s plains. The trail is steady and scenic, leading to Second Cave Camp where you’ll enjoy a clear view of Kibo Peak.
-Elevation: 8,530 ft / 2,600 m → 11,300 ft / 3,450 m
-Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
-Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
After breakfast, trek across the moorland and into alpine vegetation, with striking views of jagged Mawenzi Peak. The trail climbs steadily before reaching the sheltered Kikelewa Camp in a valley surrounded by giant groundsels and lobelias.
Elevation: 11,300 ft / 3,450 m → 11,811 ft / 3,600 m
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Vegetation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
After breakfast, a short but steep climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn, dramatically set beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, perfect for acclimatization and rest.
Elevation: 11,811 ft / 3,600 m → 14,160 ft / 4,315 m
Distance: 6 km / 3.5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
After breakfast, cross the lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, a stark but beautiful landscape. The trail is gradual but long, leading to Kibo Hut at the base of the summit path. Rest here before your midnight summit attempt.
Elevation: 14,160 ft / 4,315 m → 15,430 ft / 4,703 m
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Begin your summit push around midnight, climbing steeply to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, to watch the sunrise over the plains. Descend back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 15,430 ft / 4,703 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) → 12,205 ft / 3,720 m (Horombo Hut)
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles (summit + descent)
Hiking Time: 11–15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
After breakfast, descend steadily through the moorland and lush rainforest. The trail is long but gentle, passing Mandara Hut before reaching Marangu Gate. Here you’ll collect your summit certificates and celebrate the completion of your Kilimanjaro adventure. Vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha.
Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 6,102 ft / 1,860 m
Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
-Bed and Breakfast, Airport pick up and drop off, Transport to the mountain and back to your hotel after trek.
-Professional, experienced, mountain guides.
-Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees.
-All meals while on the Mountain (Breakfast lunch and dinner).
-Tanzania Visa.
-International and domestic flights.
-Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting).
-Travel insurance.
-Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
-Meals not listed in the itinerary.
-Liquors, beers and bottled beverages.
-Tip for the crew