8 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Rongai Route | Afromasai Eastern Safaris

Welcome to an expedition that transcends boundaries – the 8-day Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route. This itinerary is crafted for those who seek a personalized and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience and offers you a transformative adventure, where every step is a strategic ascent, and the summit is not just a destination but a triumph.

The Rongai Route Unveiled on 8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: A Pathway to Kilimanjaro Majesty

The Rongai Route stands as a testament to Kilimanjaro’s unspoiled beauty. This path less traveled promises an immersive encounter with the wilderness. As you traverse through landscapes adorned with ancient trees and undisturbed terrain, you’ll find solitude in nature’s embrace. The Rongai Route is designed for adventurers seeking a unique and immersive experience, blending breathtaking landscapes, historical richness, and the thrill of conquering Kilimanjaro’s majestic summit.

Unlike many other routes, the Rongai Route starts on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. This northern approach provides a different perspective of the mountain and allows trekkers to witness a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, as they ascend. One of the defining features of the Rongai Route is its relative seclusion. Compared to popular routes like the Machame and Marangu, the Rongai Route sees fewer trekkers. This provides a more intimate and peaceful experience, allowing climbers to connect with nature and enjoy a sense of solitude along the trail.

Scenic Vistas and Panoramic Views on Rongai Route

Trekkers on the Rongai Route are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, including the stunning Mawenzi Peak. The landscapes are characterized by sweeping vistas, vast expanses of open terrain, and dramatic scenery, offering ample opportunities for awe-inspiring photography. The Rongai Route is known for its gradual ascent profile, providing ample time for acclimatization. The gentle gradient increases the chances of a successful summit, as climbers have more time to adjust to the high altitudes. This makes the route suitable for those who may be concerned about altitude-related challenges.

The campsites along the Rongai Route are strategically located, providing trekkers with a sense of seclusion and tranquility. From Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp and Mawenzi Tarn, each campsite offers a unique setting and contributes to the overall immersive experience.

Seize the opportunity to embark on this unforgettable journey. Book This 8-day Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route today and secure your place on an adventure that combines the thrill of summiting Africa’s highest peak with the beauty of a less-trodden path. Join us as we guide you through the Rongai Route, where every step is a stride toward the rooftop of Africa and a lifetime of memories. Feel free to contact our Experts so we can guide you on your exclusive Kilimanjaro Trails.

Day 1: Arrival

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Missing gear can be rented on this day.

Overnight at Park View Inn Lodge (or alternative).
Meals: No Meals Included.

Day 2: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp)

This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have a chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

Distance covered:8km / 5mi
time taken:4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner Included.

Day 3: Simba Camp to Cave Camp)

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner Included.

Day 4: Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Leaving the pine forest behind we carry on with a steady ascent walking through moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes that form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves at 3630m

Distance covered:5km / 3.1mi
time taken:3 – 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner Included.

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

This morning we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. Afternoon you have a chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Distance covered:8km / 5mi
time taken:4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner Included.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo. After a couple of hours of trekking, reached this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation for the final ascent after a very early night!

Distance covered:8km / 5mi
Time Taken – 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner Included.

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Down to Horombo Hut

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. Begin final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered:22km / 13.7mi
time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner Included.

Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Once again pass the tropical rain forest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered:8km / 12.9mi
time taken:8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch Included.

Day 9: Departure

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. We also welcome you to spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region. Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

The Price Includes

Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb (dinner and breakfast included) (double occupancy).
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
Two nights hotel in Arusha
All Park fees
Rescue fees
All meals while on the Mountain
Arrival and Departure transfers
Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
Clean, purified drinking water:
Private, portable chemical flush toilets:
Crisis management and safety procedures:
Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
Walking Poles:
Sleeping Mattress: