Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
7 Days Trekking Rongai Route
Route Summary
The 7 Days Trekking Rongai Route offers a unique and less crowded path to the summit of Kilimanjaro. With its gentle gradient, stunning scenery, and excellent acclimatization profile, this route is perfect for trekkers seeking a quieter and rewarding experience. Book now and prepare to conquer Africa’s highest peak!
Key Highlights:
Rongai Route: Known for its gentle gradient and unspoiled wilderness, it is less crowded than other routes.
Summit Day: Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for an unforgettable sunrise.
Diverse Ecosystems: Experience the changing landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts.
Itinerary in Detail
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi | Arusha for the drive to the charming wooden village of Nale Moru. On your way to the trail, you’ll stop at the Rongai Gate to complete the registration forms, and then your hike begins. This path is drier than some of the other routes, so you’ll be quite comfortable as you hike through fields and a pine forest. You’ll break through the trees when you arrive at Simba Camp.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
After an early breakfast, you will depart from Simba Camp to start trekking toward your second high-altitude camp: Second Cave Camp. This route is rather easy and will only take around 3 hours, so when you reach the camp you will still have ample time to rest and explore the surrounding area. After lunch, you will have a couple of hours to rest, followed by an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kikilewa Camp on a stretch of the Rongai Route at a short distance with a 100-meter gain in altitude, after which you will hike back down to Second Cave Camp.
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Following breakfast, you will commence your trek to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m), offering prime views of Kibo Volcano, weather permitting. This day serves as a respite, allowing time for rest after lunch before embarking on the next leg of the journey towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp. In the evening, following dinner, the guide will assess the health status of each group member and provide necessary instructions for the upcoming day's trek.
Overnight: Kikilewa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Following an early breakfast, embark on your trek towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled at the base of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and a two-hour respite. Then, engage in an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano, ascending 200 meters in altitude. Afterward, descend back to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Today will be dedicated to trekking towards Kibo Summit Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters. The terrain will undergo a notable transformation, transitioning into a rocky semi-desert landscape. The trek itself is not overly challenging; it's crucial to maintain a suitable pace to conserve energy for the final ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit. Upon reaching the camp, it's advisable to prioritize rest, minimize strenuous activity, and stay hydrated, as the night ahead will entail the ascent to Uhuru Peak, towering at 5,895 meters.
Overnight: Kibo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
You will leave School Hut Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,715 m, during the night. The journey to Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 m, exerts more pressure on your cardiovascular system than your muscles due to the high altitude, despite the climb being moderately graded. Each pair of climbers will be accompanied by a guide who will continuously assess their fitness during this leg of the ascent. Upon reaching the summit, climbers may opt to take a stroll on the nearest glacier. The descent to Horombo Camp, at 3,720 m, will include a 2-hour break at Kibo Camp. It is crucial to remember that 9 out of 10 climbing accidents occur during the descent, so be mindful of your footing!
Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Today, you'll journey down from the dry alpine desert, passing through the well-known moorland and entering the forest. The path will present a stark contrast to your initial day's experience, as you'll now traverse a rainforest terrain. Be ready for potential wet and muddy conditions on the final stretch of the trail. Keep a lookout for monkeys among the trees. Upon receiving your summit certificate at Marangu Gate, your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel for a celebratory return.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Included
- Airport pick-up and dropoff
- Mountain sleeping tent
- Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Experienced mountain guide
- Climbing permits
- All hot Meals are prepared by our cook
- Guides, Porters, and Cook Salaries
- Enough porters to carry your luggage
- Safety Equipment
- Mineral water
- Emergency rescue fees
Excluded
- Insurance
- International | Local flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (Souvenirs, Toiletries)
- Travel Insurance | Visa
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry services
- Tipping
Book This Tour
Package Price List
| No. of Pax | Price per Person |
| 1 Pax | $ 2000 |
| 2 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 3 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 4 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 5 Pax | $ 1500 |
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Our Customer's Feedback
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Sébastien P12 November 2024Perfect experience An amazing experience with very welcoming hosts and they will go out of their way to make your stay as enjoyable as possible!Verified
Tore H3 October 2024Tanzania Firstly, I want to say if you’re thinking of going, don’t think twice just go. Tanzania has so many amazing things to offer and the kindness and hospitality that I experienced from Lolita and her family has been heartwarming and very much appreciated as I was travelling alone. The kids that you meet at the library and the kids that you teach at the local schools are simply the sweetest. You feel really appreciated and that the work you’re doing is making an impact.This experience will always have a special place in my heart! Asante sana - kwahiri!Verified
Amber S3 October 2024A great place to stay! We loved our stay in Arusha with Lolita and her family. They’re super kind and welcoming so you feel right at home! The food was also great and the surroundings so beautiful. I would really recommend going to stay here!Verified
Louis28 September 2024Thank you Lolita! Thank you very much, Lolita, for welcoming me in Arusha and your amazing home! I loved beim surrounded by your warm and happy Family. I am looking forward to coming back soon!Verified
shana b23 September 2024A wonderful experience ❤️ You'll be greeted by Lolita, a warm, caring and friendly hostess. For a very affordable price you will have your own room, toilet and shower. Lolita will take care of breakfast, lunch and dinner (all delicious), so you can relax and share in the friendly atmosphere. An opportunity to live an immersive, family experience.Verified
Johannes F4 September 2024Grateful stay I was with Lolita for over two months and I am so grateful for that time. The whole family is so lovely and made me feel like part of the family. I think in two months it is normal that there are situations that are not so easy to handle but I could always talk to them. The room is simple, but everything you need is there. Lolita is a great cook and I always preferred to eat at her place than in town. There are also three guides who showed me a lot of places in the city. In my second organisation this was not the case, so I am also thankful to Tyson, Luis and Mary, because of them I saw a lot of the country, especially the environment.The best part of my trip was definitely the children. In the mornings I went to Ilboru Lutheran Primary School and in the afternoons I spent time learning and playing with the children from the streets. My volunteer colleagues and I often decided to come earlier, leave later or play with them on the weekends because they are full of joy and it is so nice and fun to be with them. I am really falling in love with these children. Finally I can say that going with Beyond Child Smile was a great decision and I can only recommend it to everyone!Verified
Mathias3 September 2024Asante Sana Spending one month at Beyond Child Smile was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was teaching in primary and secondary school which was an amazing experience. Lolita, Lucy & Livia are so welcoming and you feel home the second you arrive! They help you whenever you need something! The food is fresh, local and so good. I already miss Chapati & Rice with Beans :( Having this hospitality during your volunteer work makes your stay in Arusha so enjoyable. Asante Sana! MathiasVerified
Giulia C21 August 2024Chakula kitamu! My experience at Lolita’s and Beyond Child Smile was simply amazing. Lolita and Lucy are just the sweetest ladies who will make you feel at home. Moreover, Lolita has the nicest daughter. The food is traditional and really good! Always fresh and tasty. Us volunteers would go to her house during lunch and dinner and we would come finding the food ready to eat. I think they constitute a major part of my experience and I’m really grateful that Lolita was part of it. I highly recommend this volounteer experience.Verified
Matt D7 August 2024An amazing experience I really can’t recommend Lolita’s enough. The accommodation is very affordable and ideal for young and/or solo travelers, and the food prepared by Lolita was always amazing. However it is the people that really make the experience special. Lolita and her family, along with the local community of Ilboru, could not be more welcoming.Verified
Cindy B4 August 2024Loli's place was perfect The experience was incredible!I stayed at Lolita's for over 40 days. She has great hospitality, her family is warm and welcoming, the food was tasty and fresh.I enjoyed my time alone laying on the sofa outside reading my book, just as much as I enjoyed playing with the kids, or discussing culture and politics with lolita.I definitely recommend!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 32 reviews