7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route – Quiet, Scenic & High Success Trek

The 7 Days Rongai Route offers a quiet, scenic climb from Kilimanjaro’s northern side with great acclimatization and fewer crowds. Ideal for trekkers seeking a peaceful and successful summit experience.

Overview

The 7 Days Rongai Route is a quiet and scenic Kilimanjaro climb starting from the remote northern side of the mountain, offering a gradual and less crowded ascent. With an extra acclimatization day, this route increases summit success rates while providing stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the Kenyan plains. Ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers, it combines peaceful trekking, varied landscapes, and a full camping experience, making it one of the best routes to reach Uhuru Peak comfortably and confidently.

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern (Kenyan) side, offering a quiet and remote trek. This side of the mountain receives less rainfall and is great during the wet season. The 7-day version includes an extra acclimatization day, improving your adaptation to high altitude and increasing summit success. It merges with the Marangu Route for descent, allowing you to experience two sides of the mountain.

Key Highlights:

Less Crowded Trail – Remote northern approach with fewer trekkers

Extra Acclimatization Day – Boosts summit success and safety

Dry and Comfortable Conditions – Ideal during rainy seasons

Stunning Scenery – Views of Mawenzi Peak and Kenya’s plains

Gradual Ascent – Easier on the body, great for beginners and experienced hikers

Full Camping Experience – Sleep under the stars at scenic mountain campsites

Unique Approach & Descent – Ascend from the north, descend via Marangu for varied landscapes

  • Distance: 8 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After registration, you’ll drive to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. The trek begins through forest and farmland, offering the chance to see monkeys and colorful birds. You’ll arrive at Simba Camp in time for dinner and overnight rest.

  • Distance: 9 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

  • Vegetation Zone: Moorland

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you’ll hike steadily upward through moorland vegetation with panoramic views. The trail opens up with amazing sights of Mawenzi Peak and the eastern glaciers of Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Second Cave Camp.

  • Distance: 6 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Vegetation Zone: Moorland

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’ll continue across grassy slopes and valleys toward the towering face of Mawenzi. The shorter hike today allows time for rest and acclimatization at Kikelewa Camp, located in a scenic sheltered valley.

  • Distance: 5 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A steep but rewarding climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn, set in a dramatic location beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. The high altitude and landscape make this one of the most visually stunning camps. Take an optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon.

  • Distance: 9 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

  • Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross the wide desert-like Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, arriving at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon. You’ll eat an early dinner and prepare for the summit attempt, which starts just before midnight.

  • Distance: 21 km

  • Hiking Time: 12–14 hours

  • Vegetation Zones: Arctic to Moorland

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. The steep, switchback trail takes you to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night.

  • Distance: 20 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

  • Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your final descent passes through moorland and lush rainforest. At Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to the mountain team. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha.

✅ Price Inclusive

 

  • Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters

  • All park fees and rescue fees

  • Transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport

  • Transfers to the Lemosho Gate and from Mweka Gate

  • Accommodation in mountain tents with sleeping mattresses

  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek

  • Fair wages for porters and guides

  • Government taxes and levies

  • Emergency oxygen and first aid kit

  • Pre and post-trek hotel accommodation (1 night each) in Moshi

  • Kilimanjaro climbing certificate after a successful summit

❌ Price Excludes:

 

  • International and domestic flights

  • Tanzanian Visa fee

  • Travel insurance and evacuation cover

  • Sleeping bags and personal trekking gear

  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended)

  • Additional hotel stays before or after the trek (if applicable)

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)

Booking Form

Other Day By Day Options to Climb Kilimanjaro

Northern Circuit Route

6-Days Lemosho Route

A scenic Kilimanjaro route with a shorter acclimatization period. Ideal for fit trekkers seeking a challenge and fewer crowds.

Climbing Kilimanjaro Via Lemosho Route

7-Days Lemosho Route

The most recommended option for high summit success. Allows better acclimatization with a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes.

6-Days Marangu Route ​

Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it’s the only route with hut accommodations. A classic and comfortable climb with moderate difficulty.