The Best 7-Day Rongai Route - Kilimanjaro Hiking

Discover the Best Rongai Route, a captivating multi-day hike leading adventurers to the summit of Africa's tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its pristine beauty and untouched wilderness.
THE BEST 7-DAY RONGAI ROUTE - KILIMANJARO HIKING

DAY 1: Arrival in Moshi and Transfer to Rongai Gate
On the first day, hikers arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and are transferred to Moshi, a town located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. After settling into accommodations, participants will meet their guides and fellow trekkers for a briefing about the upcoming hike. The evening is spent preparing gear and ensuring all necessary supplies are packed.

DAY 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,620m)
The trek begins early in the morning with a drive from Moshi to the Rongai Gate (1,950m). After completing registration formalities, hikers embark on a scenic hike through lush rainforests filled with diverse flora and fauna. The day’s hike covers approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) and takes around 5-6 hours to reach Simba Camp, where trekkers will set up camp for the night.

DAY 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave (3,450m)
On Day 3, hikers leave Simba Camp and continue their ascent towards Second Cave. The trail opens up into moorland terrain characterized by unique vegetation like giant heathers and lobelias. This segment of the trek is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) long and typically takes around 3-4 hours.

DAY 4: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
The journey continues from Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp. This leg of the trek involves navigating through more moorland landscapes while gradually gaining altitude. The distance covered is approximately 7 kilometers (4.5 miles), taking about 4-5 hours of hiking time. Kikelewa Camp offers breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak.

DAY 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
On Day 5, hikers ascend towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which sits at a higher elevation than previous campsites. The trek covers roughly 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and takes around 3-4 hours through rocky terrain with spectacular vistas of Mawenzi Peak along the way. Once at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, trekkers have ample time to rest or explore nearby areas while acclimatizing further before making their final push towards Uhuru Peak.

DAY 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point (5,895m)
This is one of the most challenging days as trekkers wake up early for a pre-dawn start towards Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. The ascent from Mawenzi Tarn involves climbing steep scree slopes over approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), taking about 6-8 hours to reach Gilman’s Point at an elevation of 5,681 meters (18,640 feet).

DAY 7: Descent from Kibo Hut to Marangu Gate
On the final day of this incredible journey, trekkers descend from Kibo Hut back down through lush rainforest trails leading toward Marangu Gate. This descent covers approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) and typically takes around 5-7 hours depending on pace. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, climbers receive certificates commemorating their successful summit attempt before being transported back to Moshi for celebrations and reflections on their adventure.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.