7 DAYS RONGAI TREK
Scenic, most Challenging
Trek Overview
The Rongai route is one of the less frequented routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a quieter and more remote experience. Over 7 days, you’ll approach the mountain from the northeastern side. It is known for its gentle slopes and gradual ascent, making it suitable for climbers who prefer a more gradual acclimatization process. Rongai is considered a good choice for those seeking a less crowded alternative to the more popular routes on Kilimanjaro.
Why choose this Trek
- Scenic Diversity: offers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to rocky terrain
- Good Acclimatization: climbers acclimatize effectively, enhancing summit success rates
- Less Crowded: Compared to other routes, the Rongai route is quieter and less crowded
What to Expect on the Rongai Trek
Lush Rainforest
Trek through a dense rainforest, you'll encounter vibrant flora and fauna, including unique plant species, colorful birds, and playful monkeys.
Rocky Terrain
Navigate through rocky terrain as you approach the higher altitudes, offering a challenging but yet rewarding trekking experience
Mawenzi Tarn
Experience the rugged terrain and scenic beauty around Mawenzi Tarn, a picturesque high-altitude campsite amidst Kilimanjaro's dramatic landscape
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.Once settled, your knowledgeable guide will host a pre-climb briefing, answering all your questions and ensuring you’re well-prepared with the right gear for a safe climb.
The Rongai Gate marks the start of your journey on Kilimanjaro’s north side, passing through fields where crops like corn and potatoes grow. As you enter the cool rainforest, watch for monkeys swinging among the trees. The trek typically takes about 4-5 hours. By afternoon, settle into First Cave Camp, where you will spend the night, enjoying views that extend toward Kenya.
We departed First Cave Camp early and trekked towards Kikelewa Camp. The trail offered stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the African plains. After several hours of trekking, we arrived at Kikelewa Camp in the late afternoon, settling in for the night under the stars.
You’ll trek through an alpine desert where plants are rare and the land is rocky. As you go, you’ll pass under Mawenzi Peak, the second tallest on Kilimanjaro. At Mawenzi Tarn Camp, you’ll set up beside a beautiful glacial lake. From there, you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. We stay at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, the focus is on adjusting to the altitude, with activities designed to help us adapt to the higher elevation. It’s a crucial day for preparing our bodies for the ascent to come, ensuring we’re ready for the challenges ahead on Mount Kilimanjaro.
We depart from Mawenzi Tarn Hut and trek towards Kibo Hut. The trail unfolds with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s rocky slopes and expansive landscapes. After several hours of trekking, we reach Kibo Hut, our final campsite before the summit push. Here, we rest and gather our strength for the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak.
SUMMIT DAY! We begin from Kibo Hut and ascend to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey is difficult but rewarding, with scenic views unfolding as we climb. After reaching the summit, we descend to Horombo Huts for a well-deserved rest, celebrating our achievement under the African skies.
From Horombo Huts, we begin our descent to Marangu Gate. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, from alpine terrain to lush rainforest, offering a final glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s beauty. The trek to Marangu Gate typically takes about 5-6 hours. Upon arrival, we complete formalities, celebrate our accomplishment, and then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for departure
Price Includes
Pre and post-trek stays in comfortable lodgings.
Professional guides, skilled cooks, and dedicated porters
Convenient transfers to and from the mountain gate.
Park entry, camping, rescue fees, and VAT covered.
Double-layered sleeping mats for a good night’s rest.
Nutritious and delicious meals served three times daily on the mountain
Access to filtered water throughout the trek and hot water for washing
Pick-up and drop-off services at the airport.
Price Excludes
Any fees from your bank for international transactions are not covered
Costs for personal items and services like souvenirs or extra snacks are your responsibility.
It’s customary to tip the guides, cooks, and porters for their hard work and support.
You must arrange your visa and travel insurance, but we can help guide you through the process.
Any costs for personal communication, laundry services, or internet use are not included in the package.