Rongai Route (6 or 7 Days)
6-Day Fly-In Serengeti Safari
Route Personality: Quiet. Gradual. Remote beauty.
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern (Kenyan) side, offering a drier and more remote trail. It is less crowded than other routes, provides beautiful views, and is ideal during the rainy season. The optional 7-day version includes an acclimatization day for better summit success.
Duration: 6 or 7 Days
Start/End: Rongai Gate to Mweka Gate
Max Altitude: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
Accommodation: Full-service tents
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: High with 7-day option
Best Time to Go: June–October, January–March
Photo Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Rongai Gate (1,950m) – Simba Camp (2,600m)
Distance: ~8 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Drive from Moshi to the Rongai Gate, near the Kenyan border. Begin your climb through quiet rainforest with potential sightings of colobus monkeys and colorful birds. Reach Simba Camp for overnight.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Simba Camp
Day 2
Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
Distance: ~9 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Gradual ascent through moorlands and heather as you begin to see Kibo Peak in the distance. Arrive at Second Cave Camp, with stunning views of the plains and Mawenzi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Day 3
Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
Distance: ~6 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A shorter but steeper hike through alpine vegetation and rugged terrain. The views of Mawenzi Peak become increasingly dramatic.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Day 4
Kikelewa – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Distance: ~5 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb steeply to a spectacular camp beneath Mawenzi Peak, located beside a glacial tarn. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the surrounding ridges.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5 & 6
Mawenzi Tarn – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Distance: ~8–9 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the Saddle, a windswept lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, your base for the summit push. Rest, eat early, and prepare for your midnight ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 7 & 8
Horombo Hut – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi
Distance: ~19 km
Time: 5–7 hours
Descend through heathland and rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Trek
per person
Included
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park & camping fees
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide & cook
- Bottled drinking water