Rongai Route at Mount Kilimanjaro – 7 Days Safari Itinerary

Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, attracts climbers from around the world who are eager to experience its breathtaking terrain landscapes approaching the mountain from the North .

Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is one of the few routes that begins from the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting near the Rongai Gate, located just south of the Kenyan border. It is known for its gentle ascent, which is ideal for climbers who want a more gradual climb and an alternative experience to the more popular southern routes.

• Distance: Approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) round-trip
• Duration: 6 to 7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate (though it can feel more difficult due to the longer days at high altitudes)
• Accommodation: Camping (except for the final night at the summit)
• Route Description: The Rongai Route offers an ascent through pristine wilderness with a gradual increase in altitude. The route passes through forested areas, heathland, and alpine deserts, providing trekkers with incredible views of the mountain’s glaciers, valleys, and the surrounding landscape. It’s less crowded than other routes, giving climbers a more peaceful and intimate experience.

Why Choose the Rongai Route?

There are several compelling reasons to choose the Rongai Route for your Kilimanjaro climb:

• Less Crowded: Unlike routes like Marangu or Machame, the Rongai Route sees fewer climbers, which provides a more serene experience. For those who prefer a quieter ascent, this route is ideal.

• Unique Northern Approach: The Rongai Route starts from the northern side of Kilimanjaro, offering a different perspective of the mountain, including stunning views of the Kenyan plains and a different approach to the summit.

• Gradual Ascent: The Rongai Route is known for its more gradual ascent, which reduces the chances of altitude sickness. The path is less steep than some other routes, making it a good choice for climbers who prefer a more relaxed climb.

• Scenic Beauty: The route offers incredible views, especially when traveling through the moorland and alpine desert zones. There are also excellent views of the Kilimanjaro glaciers.

• Wildlife Viewing: The Rongai Route offers climbers the opportunity to see wildlife in the lower forest areas, including monkeys, elephants, and various bird species. The forest is relatively untouched, offering a true wilderness experience.

The Rongai Route Trek: Day-by-Day

The Rongai Route is typically completed over 6 to 7 days, giving climbers plenty of time to acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy the varied landscapes. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of the trek:

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp 

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Gain: 850 meters (2,789 feet)

The adventure begins at Rongai Gate, which is situated on the northern side of Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border. The day begins with a gentle ascent through rainforest areas, characterized by lush vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. The trek to Simba Camp is relatively easy and provides an opportunity to get acclimatized to the altitude.

• Trail Conditions: The path is well-maintained and relatively gentle, winding through the forest.
• Accommodation: Simba Camp is located at 2,650 meters. The camp offers a peaceful setting with views of the surrounding forest and valleys.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp 

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)

On the second day, you will ascend into the moorland zone, which is characterized by heath, heather, and alpine vegetation. The trail continues to climb gradually, offering excellent views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. The camp for the night, Second Cave Camp, is positioned at a higher elevation, offering panoramic views of the Kilimanjaro massif.

• Trail Conditions: The terrain becomes rockier and more exposed as you leave the rainforest behind. The path becomes steeper, though the climb remains manageable.
• Accommodation: Second Cave Camp is located at 3,450 meters, providing stunning views of the mountain’s glaciers and the nearby Mawenzi peak.

Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp 

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 150 meters (492 feet)

Today’s hike is relatively short but important for acclimatization. You will continue through the moorland zone, making your way to Kikelewa Camp, which is situated at 3,600 meters. The landscape becomes more barren, and the trail takes you to a remote and quiet area of the mountain.

• Trail Conditions: The terrain continues to be rocky and exposed. The climb is not as steep as previous days, allowing for easier acclimatization.
• Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp offers a tranquil atmosphere and spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 730 meters (2,395 feet)

On Day 4, you’ll continue your ascent to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located beneath the striking Mawenzi peak. The route passes through the alpine desert zone, where vegetation is sparse and the landscape becomes more rugged. Mawenzi Tarn Camp provides an excellent opportunity for acclimatization, as it’s situated at 4,330 meters.

• Trail Conditions: The terrain becomes more challenging, with rocky and exposed sections as you approach the alpine desert zone.
• Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp is located in a dramatic setting beneath the towering Mawenzi peak. The views from the camp are truly spectacular, and it’s an ideal place to rest and acclimatize.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut 

• Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 370 meters (1,214 feet)

On Day 5, the route continues to the Kibo Hut, located at 4,700 meters. This section of the trek takes you through the alpine desert, with little vegetation and vast, barren expanses. The climb is gradual but exhausting, and the air begins to thin significantly as you approach the higher altitudes.

• Trail Conditions: The path is rocky and exposed, and the wind can make the trek more challenging.
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut is the final resting point before the summit push. The camp is basic and cold, but it provides a place to rest before the final, challenging ascent.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Horombo Hut 

• Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles)
• Duration: 12-16 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) to Uhuru Peak, followed by descent

Summit day is the most demanding part of the trek. Climbers start in the early hours of the morning (around midnight) to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. The ascent is steep and grueling, as climbers traverse the crater rim and push through the final sections of the alpine desert. Once at the summit, climbers can enjoy the view before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

• Trail Conditions: The ascent is challenging, with rocky and steep terrain. The final push to the summit can be mentally and physically demanding, but the reward is the spectacular views from the top of Africa.
• Accommodation: After reaching the summit and taking in the views, the descent to Horombo Hut provides a well-earned rest.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate 

• Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Loss: 1,850 meters (6,070 feet)

On the final day of the trek, climbers descend from Horombo Hut to the Marangu Gate, completing the climb. The descent takes you through lush forest and past various species of plants and animals.

• Trail Conditions: The path is primarily downhill, making it easier on the body than the ascent, though it can still be challenging after such a long trek.
• Celebration: Once you reach the Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and be congratulated for your achievement.