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Rongai Route: A 7-Day Trek to Kilimanjaro’s Peak

Have you ever heard the wind whistling clearly on a mountain? On the Rongai route, during our 7-day trek, we’ll experience just that—since this is the least crowded route. Located on Kilimanjaro’s northern side, right by the Kenyan border, the Rongai route is also the easiest path to the Roof of Africa. Known for its gentle gradients, high summit success rates, and easier trails, it’s perfect for anyone wanting to experience Kilimanjaro at its finest—beginner or seasoned hiker. We’ll trek through untouched wilderness, walk across moorland, marvel at Kilimanjaro’s lush forests, and witness—what Hemingway called—”The Snows of Kilimanjaro.” Let’s reach the highest point of Africa together!

Adventure highlights

  • Quiet route with fewer crowds
    Hike the northern, less crowded side of Mt. Kilimanjaro to immerse yourself in nature with all your senses
  • High success rates
    This trek, with its gentle gradients, offers a climb at a comfortable pace and acclimatize, all without any technical climbing
  • Wildlife observing
    Enjoy the rare chance of spotting wildlife as you trek through Kilimanjaro’s lush forests

Itinerary

A 7-day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, paired with two additional days (before and after the summit) for preparation and rest, offers the perfect opportunity to fully experience this mountain. We’ll spend two nights in a hotel, and the rest of the time we’ll camp, immersing ourselves in the wilderness. The Rongai route, the least crowded path to Uhuru Peak, promises a truly unique experience—both mentally and physically. With expert guides, a cook who will prepare three hot meals per day for us, and porters by our side, the journey is carefully planned to ensure proper acclimatization, maximizing our chances for a successful summit. Along the way, we’ll experience diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine deserts, making this adventure an unforgettable experience.

  • Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the hotel in Moshi. We’ll meet our guide there, who will brief us on our upcoming trek. We will check all our gears and any missing items can be rented on this day.

    Accommodation: Hotel

    Kilimanjaro airport, Moshi
  • We will take a scenic 4-5 hour drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once we arrive, we’ll wait for our permits to be issued. As we walk along the winding trails, we’ll enjoy the wooded landscapes while our guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife we might encounter. Our day ends at Simba camp.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 7 km / 4.3 mi
    Elevation: +638 m / +2,093 ft
    Accommodation: Camping

    Kilimanjaro National park gate
  • We’ll continue our ascent through the moorland, following a steady uphill path. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kibo and our first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. As we approach the Second Cave camp, the moorland vegetation begins to thin, and the temperatures start to drop.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
    Elevation: +852 m / 2,795 ft
    Accommodation: Camping

    Hiker at the Simba camp, Kilimanjaro
  • After breakfast and packing up, we’ll make our way steadily across the moorland, heading toward the striking peaks of Mawenzi. This shorter hiking day brings us closer to the mesmerizing Eastern ice fields. We will finish our day at Kikelewa camp.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 5.9 km / 3.7 mi
    Elevation: +188 m / 617 ft
    Accommodation: Camping

    Camping on Rongai route
  • A brief but steep climb up grassy slopes leads us to spectacular views as our reward. We’ll leave the vegetation behind as we reach Mawenzi tarn, a stunning camp situated in a cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the area, helping with acclimatization.*
    *It might be possible to spend an extra day on the mountain, let us know prior to booking if you’re interested. You can then hike up around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 3.7 km / 2.3 mi
    Elevation: +627 m / 2,057 ft
    Accommodation: Camping

    Camping on the Rongai route, Kilimanjaro
  • We’ll cross the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo, a barren desert landscape, before reaching Kibo camp, located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is dedicated to rest, allowing us to prepare for the final ascent on summit night.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 8.9 km / 5 mi
    Elevation: +412 m / 1,351 ft
    Accommodation: Camping

    Hikers on Rongai route, Kilimanjaro
  • We will begin our ascent early, between midnight and 2am, tackling the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. We make our way towards the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. With each switchback, we head northwest, ascending through the scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Here, we pause for a short rest and faster hikers may catch the sunrise from the summit itself. From Stella Point, it’s a final hour-long ascent to Uhuru Peak, where snow may greet us along the way.

    After a short break at the summit, we will begin our descent. The elevation drop will be significant, and we will end the day at Horombo huts.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 15.7 km / 9.8 mi
    Elevation: +721 m, -2,175 m / +2,365, -7,132 ft
    Accommodation: Camping

    Mt. Kilimanjaro, sunset
  • We will continue our descent, stopping at Mandara huts for lunch. Upon reaching the Marangu Park gate, we will receive our summit certificates. The weather will be much warmer now, where terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles. A vehicle will be waiting to take us back to the hotel in Moshi, just a 45-minute drive away.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 20 km / 12.5 mi
    Elevation: -1,816 m / -5,958 ft
    Accommodation: Hotel

    Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro
  • The day is free to unwind after the trek before your flight home. Everyone can arrange it in a way that suits them best.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Kilimanjaro from Moshi
Adventure brochure
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Meet your guide

Incredible Africa Adventures
5.00
Incredible Africa Adventures
Incredible Africa Adventures is a renowned sustainable tour company based in Moshi, Tanzania, offering unforgettable travel experiences across Tanzania and East Africa. Specializing in ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, Mount Meru treks, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, cycling adventures, and Zanzibar beach holidays, the company is known for its expert team and high-quality service. With personalized itineraries tailored to individual preferences, budgets, and schedules, Incredible Africa Adventures ensures exceptional hospitality and expertly guided trips.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Zhengwu Qing (source: Tripadvisor)

The experience there was the best of my life. I love the guides here. It’s not an easy climb, but the staff will give you their full support so you can climb with confidence. At the end of the mountain you will find irreplaceable memories.

Denzil Netto (source: Tripadvisor)

Thanks for an impressive job. Every arrangement done for our team of 17 members was just perfect. Would endorse and recommend.

Dubai Traveler (source: Tripadvisor)

OMG! The greatest experience ever! The trek is beautiful and moderately challenging. The team is INCREDIBLE! They are not only professionals but also quite a spirit. They kept us going when the going got tough.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • Cook and porters
      • Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from hotel in Moshi
      • Accommodation:
        • 2 nights in a hotel before and after climb
        • Accommodation in 4-season mountain tents while on trek
      • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
      • Park entry fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro rescue fees
      • Double layered sleeping mats
      • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain (as listed in itinerary)
      • Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
      • Hot water for washing
      • Fair treatment and payment of our crew
      • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
      • Portable flush toilet and privacy tent
      • Emergency first-aid kit

    Add-ons

      • Gear rental
      • Additional excursions
      • Special dietary requirements

    Not included:

      • Flights to and from Tanzania
      • Food while in town (before and after the climb)
      • Laundry (available at hotel)
      • Personal items and toiletries
      • Guide, porters and cook gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
      • Entry tickets/parking
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • The best thing about hiking the Rongai route is that it’s considered one of the easiest paths up Kilimanjaro. Known for its gentle gradients and high summit success rates, it’s perfect for climbers with limited trekking experience or those seeking a scenic, steady ascent.

    However, it’s important to keep in mind that hiking on lower mountains is not the same as tackling high-altitude peaks like Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). It’s highly recommended to prepare by doing some hiking and longer walks beforehand to fully enjoy the adventure. Additionally, remember that this journey involves multi-day hiking. While the route is relatively gentle, especially with experienced guides, it’s still a good idea to build stamina through training hikes before your trip.

    For more hiking adventures and Kilimanjaro tours, click here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    Technical clothing:

      • Waterproof breathable jacket with hood
      • Insulated jacket — synthetic or down
      • Soft jacket — fleece or soft-shell
      • Two long sleeve shirts made of light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
      • Short sleeve shirt made of light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
      • Breathable waterproof pants (side-zipper recommended)
      • Two pairs of hiking pants
      • Fleece pants
      • Shorts — optional
      • Long underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
      • Three pairs of underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
      • Two pairs of sport bra for women

    Headwear:

      • Brimmed hat (for sun protection)
      • Knit hat (for warmth)
      • Balaclava (for face coverage) — optional
      • Bandana — optional

    Handwear:

      • Warm gloves (waterproof recommended)
      • Thin gloves

    Footwear:

      • Hiking boots — warm, waterproof, broken-in
      • Gym shoes (to wear at camp) — optional
      • 3 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic)
      • 3 pairs of sock liners (tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters) — optional
      • Waterproof gaiters — optional

    Accessories:

      • Sunglasses or goggles
      • Waterproof backpack cover — optional
      • Water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
      • Water bladder (Camelback type, 3 liters)
      • Towel /lightweight, quick-dry) — optional
      • Pee bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
      • Stuff sacks, dry bags or plastic bags (various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate)

    Equipment:

      • Four-season sleeping bag
      • Trekking poles, collapsable (highly recommended)
      • Head lamp, with extra batteries
      • Duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
      • Daypack with 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear

    Extra tips:

    Please pack carefully, as porters are limited to carrying a maximum of 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. All items they transport between campsites should be packed into your duffel bag, including your sleeping bag. However, if needed, the sleeping bag can be packed separately. If your total weight exceeds the limit, you will be required to hire an additional porter.

  • During your Mount Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll enjoy first-class meals designed to fuel you for the trek to the top. You’ll have three hot meals a day, along with plenty of water and hot drinks.

    Here’s a sample of the meals you’ll enjoy:

      • Breakfast: Fresh juice, fruit, cereal, eggs to order, toast with jam or honey, pancakes, sausage, bacon, coffee, and tea.
      • Snacks: Peanuts, crisps, popcorn, cookies, chocolate, dried fruits.
      • Lunch: Sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit, macaroni with meat sauce.
      • Dinner: Soup, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, roasted or fried chicken, beef, fish, curries, mixed vegetables, fruit salad.
      • Summit night: Midnight snacks with soup, juice, hot chocolate, tea, and biscuits.

    It is possible to accommodate any dietary restrictions, and you can specify your preferences during the booking process. If you have strict dietary needs, feel free to bring along some of your favorite energy foods, as specialty ingredients can be difficult to find in Tanzania.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this 7-day trek on the Rongai route, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
      • The tour is also suitable for solo travelers. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    Hiking on the Rongai route can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your 7-day Rongai route trek is Moshi. To get there, most people fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). At the scheduled time, the guides will pick you and the rest of the group up. If you’re not joining the group at that time, you’ll need to take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle to get to Moshi where your guides will meet you at the arranged accommodation on Day 1.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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