← All Kilimanjaro RoutesApproach from the north

7-Day Rongai

Begin near the Kenyan border, walk beneath Mawenzi and descend by Marangu for a different view on the way down.

Altitude5,895M
LocationKilimanjaro, Tanzania
Duration7 Trekking Days
Experience NeededRegular Mountain Walking
Fitness LevelVery Strenuous
Guided ByInternational Mountain Leader & Local Guides
SeasonJanuary–March & June–October

Allow 9 days in Tanzania including arrival and departure. The longer schedule gives more time on the mountain, but no itinerary guarantees acclimatisation or a summit.

Rongai route schematic showing the approach, summit and descent
Your Route

Rongai: The Journey

A supported camping trek with a separate route down after the summit attempt.

  • Start: Nalemoru Gate
  • Key stops: Simba · Kikelewa · Mawenzi Tarn · Kibo
  • Finish: Marangu Gate
Explore The Itinerary
Altitude at a glance Approximate camp heights, with summit high point
6,000m1,500mD1D2D3D4D5SummitD6Exit
The Route

Day By Day

The days below count time on the mountain. Arrive in Moshi the day before for your briefing and kit check; depart after your post-trek hotel night. Camps and timings remain subject to conditions and the guide’s assessment.

Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.

DAY 1

Nalemoru Gate → Simba

Overview

Begin on Kilimanjaro’s northern side, walking past farmland and through forest towards the moorland edge. Camp at Simba as the mountain starts to open out above the trees.

Today’s Objective

Begin at Nalemoru and reach Simba Camp.

Approx. Time
4–5 hours
Elevation Change
+635m net
High Point / Reference
Simba · approx. 2,625m
Overnight
Simba Camp · approx. 2,625m
Forest trail on the Rongai approach to Simba
Forest trail on the Rongai approach to Simba
DAY 2

Simba → Second Cave

Overview

Follow the northern slopes uphill into open moorland. This shorter stage gives space for a measured pace and time in camp before the route turns towards Mawenzi.

Today’s Objective

Climb the northern slopes towards Second Cave.

Approx. Time
3–4 hours
Elevation Change
+855m net
High Point / Reference
Second Cave · approx. 3,480m
Overnight
Second Cave Camp · approx. 3,480m
Rongai trail towards Second Cave
Rongai trail towards Second Cave
DAY 3

Second Cave → Kikelewa

Overview

Leave the more direct line towards Kibo and cross the moorland towards Kikelewa. The camp brings a different perspective on the mountain’s rugged eastern side.

Today’s Objective

Cross towards Kikelewa on the approach to Mawenzi.

Approx. Time
3–4 hours
Elevation Change
+150m net
High Point / Reference
Kikelewa · approx. 3,630m
Overnight
Kikelewa Camp · approx. 3,630m
Mawenzi above the Rongai moorland approach
Mawenzi above the Rongai moorland approach
DAY 4

Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn

Overview

Climb towards the broken skyline of Mawenzi and its high tarn. The terrain becomes sparse and rocky; use the remainder of the day to recover and prepare for the next crossing.

Today’s Objective

Reach the high camp beside Mawenzi Tarn.

Approx. Time
4–5 hours
Elevation Change
+680m net
High Point / Reference
Mawenzi Tarn · approx. 4,310m
Overnight
Mawenzi Tarn Camp · approx. 4,310m
Mawenzi spires above the tarn approach
Mawenzi spires above the tarn approach
DAY 5

Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo

Overview

Cross the broad saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to the summit base. Arrive with time to organise equipment and rest before the hardest night of the trek.

Today’s Objective

Cross the saddle to Kibo before the summit attempt.

Approx. Time
5–6 hours
Elevation Change
+390m net
High Point / Reference
Kibo · approx. 4,700m
Overnight
Kibo Camp · approx. 4,700m
Kibo Hut, Kilimanjaro
Kibo Hut, Kilimanjaro
DAY 6

Kibo → Uhuru Peak → Horombo

Overview

Leave at night for the climb towards Gilman’s Point and the crater rim. Continue towards Uhuru Peak if the group can proceed, then descend to the lower Horombo stop.

Today’s Objective

Climb to Uhuru via Gilman’s Point and descend to Horombo.

Approx. Time
12–15 hours
Elevation Change
Approx. +1,195m / −2,195m
High Point / Reference
Uhuru Peak · 5,895m
Overnight
Horombo · approx. 3,700m
Uhuru Peak summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Uhuru Peak summit sign on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
DAY 7

Horombo → Marangu Gate

Overview

Retrace the southern trail through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. After leaving the park, return by vehicle to Moshi and your post-trek hotel.

Today’s Objective

Descend through Mandara to Marangu Gate.

Approx. Time
6–8 hours
Elevation Change
−1,840m net
High Point / Reference
Start: Horombo · approx. 3,700m
Overnight
Hotel in Moshi
Forest trail towards Mandara Hut
Forest trail towards Mandara Hut

Make time for the descent. The summit stage is the longest effort, followed by a substantial return to lower ground. Prepare for repeated walking days, cold mornings and a night-time start.

Your Trip

What’s Included

These are the arrangements we plan into the package. Your written quote confirms the full scope for your dates and group.

Included In The Package

  • Mountain guides, porters and the cooking team.
  • Park entry, route accommodation fees and park rescue fees.
  • Shared mountain tents, sleeping bags and mats.
  • Meals and treated drinking water during the trek.
  • Agreed airport and mountain-gate transfers.
  • A shared hotel room before and after the trek, with the meal plan specified in your quote.
  • Pre-trek briefing, kit check and group emergency equipment.

What’s Not Included

  • Flights, visas and personal travel insurance.
  • Tips for the mountain crew.
  • Personal clothing, boots and additional equipment hire.
  • Single-room or single-tent supplements.
  • Extra hotel nights, unlisted meals, drinks and personal spending.
  • Safari or beach extensions and additional private transfers.

A park rescue fee is not personal rescue insurance. Private toilet arrangements, baggage allowances and any extra hire are itemised in your quote.

Season & Pricing

Indicative Prices From £1,914 Per Person

Typical season: January–March & June–October. Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.

A planning guide for a shared trip, subject to a confirmed SOOM quote. Group size, dates, accommodation and extras affect the final cost. Request a confirmed quote and booking details.

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Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.

Get In Touch

Ask About 7-Day Rongai

Typical season: January–March & June–October, subject to conditions. Ask about availability and your confirmed quote.

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