7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS Rongai Route Quiet Glacial Views to Capture
Tour Overview
The Rongai Route is a quiet and scenic way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro from the north near the Kenya border. It passes through green forests, wide moorlands, rocky alpine desert, and ends at the snowy summit. The trail is less crowded, giving a peaceful and calm experience in nature.
Each day brings new landscapes: forest mist, sunlight on the hills, long shadows over valleys, and glaciers shining near the top. Walking this route allows you to enjoy the mountain slowly, adjust to the altitude, and see wildlife, plants, and breathtaking views. The journey is challenging but rewarding, offering unforgettable scenery and moments every day.
Add Your Tooltip Text Here
Duration: 7 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a driver will take you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for rest, checking your climbing gear, and meeting your guide. You will receive a briefing about the route, schedule, and safety tips.
In the evening, the soft light touches the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a quiet moment to relax, breathe the fresh air, and prepare your mind and body for the climb ahead.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 1:
Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Change: 1,950 m → 2,700 m
The climb begins at Nalemuru Gate, entering thick rainforest. Tall trees with hanging moss and ferns on the forest floor create a green canopy above. Birds sing, monkeys move through the trees, and sunlight filters through the leaves, creating soft patterns on the path. The air is fresh and cool, and the forest feels peaceful and alive.
The trail climbs gently, giving occasional views of valleys and hills in the distance. Simba Camp is a quiet clearing surrounded by trees, perfect for resting. In the evening, the forest cools, and the calm atmosphere allows you to reflect on the day and prepare for the next climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Simba Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch & Dinner
Day 2:
Simba Camp to Second Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Change: 2,700 m → 3,200 m
Today the forest ends, and the trail opens into wide moorlands. Giant heathers, grasses, and small shrubs cover the land. The sky feels endless above, and the peaks of Kilimanjaro rise in the distance. Walking through this open space gives a sense of freedom and height.
The trail is gentle and allows many breaks to rest and enjoy the view. The second camp sits on a plateau with long, clear views of valleys and mountains around. Evening light paints the landscape in soft gold and orange, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere before sleep.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Second Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Second Camp to Kikelewa Caves
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Change: 3,200 m → 3,600 m
The climb today passes through moorland with scattered volcanic rocks. The mountains grow taller, and the landscape becomes dramatic. Snow on Kibo Peak can be seen in the distance. The air is cooler, thinner, and crisp.
Kikelewa Caves are large rock formations that offer a quiet place to rest. From here, the valleys, ridges, and peaks stretch far into the distance. The sunlight during the day casts long shadows over the rocks, creating a magical effect. The camp is quiet and peaceful, surrounded by the wide highlands.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Kikelewa Caves to Mawenzi Tarn
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Change: 3,600 m → 4,300 m
Leaving the rocky camp, the trail enters alpine desert. Few plants grow, and the land is rocky and dry. Mawenzi Peak rises sharply nearby, and Kibo Peak glows with glaciers in the distance. The wind is strong, and the cold reminds you of the high altitude.
Mawenzi Tarn is a small lake that reflects the mountains and sky. The open space gives a feeling of height and freedom. The calm of the evening and the fresh mountain air make this a perfect spot to rest, enjoy the scenery, and prepare for the higher climbs ahead.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut – Prepare for the Summit
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Change: 4,300 m → 4,700 m
The trail climbs gently through rocks and alpine desert. Kibo Peak’s glaciers appear closer, and the mountains feel vast and powerful. The land is empty but beautiful, with wide views in all directions.
At Kibo Hut, you rest and prepare for the summit night. The camp is cold and windy but offers a clear view of Kibo and surrounding peaks. Stars fill the sky at night, giving a calm and peaceful atmosphere. This is the time to rest, eat, and gather strength for the challenging summit.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Kibo Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak – Down to Kibo Hut
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Change: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 4,700 m
Summit day begins before midnight. You climb slowly in the dark with your headlamp. The air is thin and cold, and the silence is deep, broken only by your footsteps.
As the sun rises, the glaciers and ridges shine in gold and pink. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is unforgettable. After enjoying the summit, you descend to Kibo Hut to rest. The sunlight on the rocky slopes and the calm of the high mountain make this day one of the most memorable parts of the climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Kibo Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7:
Kibo Hut to Mweka Camp to Hotel
Distance: ~18 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Change: 4,700 m → 3,080 m
Today is the final descent. The trail goes through alpine desert, moorland, and forest. The air becomes warmer as you go lower, and the sounds of birds and leaves return. Walking down allows you to reflect on the journey, enjoy the last mountain views, and feel the relief of completing the climb.
Mweka Camp is surrounded by forest, giving a calm and peaceful end to the adventure. After reaching the hotel, you can rest and enjoy the memories of the mountain before flying home.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mweka Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
After the hotel stay, you will be transferred to the airport to fly back home. This day is for rest, reflection, and enjoying the last views of Kilimanjaro before your journey ends.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$ 567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Make this itinerary yours