7-Days Rongai Route - Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour

Elevation: 1,950 meters > 2,620 meters (6,398 ft > 8,596 ft)

Distance: ~6.5km / 3.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest

Accommodation: Simba Camp

After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide and head to Rongai Gate, the starting point of your trek. The 3-hour drive offers scenic views of the countryside and nearby villages.

At the gate, you’ll handle registration and meet your team. The trek begins with a gentle climb through the rainforest, known for its unique plants and animals. You might spot exotic birds like the African crowned eagle or silvery-cheeked hornbill. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the local wildlife and plants, including their traditional uses.

After hiking for 3-4 hours, you’ll reach Simba Camp at 2,625 meters (8,530 feet). The campsite sits in a clearing with amazing views of the mountains and valleys. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and have the chance to stargaze before resting in your tent for the night.

All meals are included

Elevation: 2,620 meters > 3,600 meters (8,596 ft > 11,811 ft)
Distance: ~12km / 6.5 miles
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

Your day begins at 5:30 am with a warm drink to wake you up. By 6:15 am, you’ll have breakfast and get your bags packed, ready to hike for 6 to 7 hours. The trail takes you through heathland and moorland zones, becoming steeper as you near Kikelewa Camp. You’ll take breaks along the way, have lunch at the second cave point, and enjoy stunning views of the scenery.

As you get closer to Kikelewa Camp, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi. The camp is located at 3600 meters (11,811 feet) and offers amazing views of the valleys below. Here, you can relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and rest for the night before continuing to Mawenzi Tarn Camp the following day.

All meals are included

Elevation: 3,600 meters > 4,300 meters (11,811 ft > 14,108 ft)
Distance: ~4km / 2.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Your day begins with a warm drink at 5:30 am, followed by breakfast at 6:15 am. You’ll then hike through the alpine desert zone to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, enjoying views of Mawenzi Peak and the glacial lake. After lunch, you can rest or take a short acclimatization hike. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at 4300 meters (14,206 feet).

All meals are included

Elevation: 4,300 meters > 4,700 meters (14,108ft >15,420ft)
Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles
Trekking time: 8-10 hours
Zone: High alpine zone

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

This day involves a steady hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west across the Saddle, a dry and desolate area between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, to reach Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters. While the terrain is harsh and barren, the views of Kibo are stunning. At Kibo Hut, you’ll have dinner and go to bed early, as the summit attempt starts at 11:30 pm. Be sure to prepare your gear beforehand, including a headlamp, warm clothes, insulated water, and a camera.

For those on a seven- or eight-day trek, this day often includes hiking from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut and returning for better acclimatization, with the final push to Uhuru Peak starting on later days.

All meals are included

Elevation: 4,680 meters > 5,895 meters > 3,100 meters (15,354ft >19,341ft > 10,171ft)

Distance: ~4.5km / 3 miles ascent and then 11km / 7-mile descent Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours to Mweka Zone: Glacial zone and the all-preceding zones

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

On summit night, you’ll wake at 11:30 pm for tea and biscuits. At midnight, start your steep and slow climb up Kibo, focusing on steady steps. After 6–8 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point at 5739 meters. From there, it’s another 156 meters to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point at 5895 meters. Rest briefly at Stella Point before pushing for the summit. If you feel unwell, descend immediately.

After reaching the top, you’ll begin the 11 km (7 mile) descent to Mweka Camp at 3100 meters. The downhill trek can be tough on your joints, so trekking poles and gaiters are helpful. Mweka Camp offers fresh, oxygen-rich air for a restful night.

All meals are included

Elevation: 3,720 meters > 1,870 meters (12,205ft > 6,135ft)
Distance: ~20km / 13 miles
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone and rainforest

Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

The last stretch from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) covers about 20 km and can feel demanding after the previous day’s hike. Take it slow, use trekking poles to reduce strain on your knees, and watch your footing as you descend.

At Marangu Gate, where you first registered six days ago, you’ll now sign out. Those who reached Gilman’s Point will receive a green certificate, while trekkers who made it to Uhuru Peak will be awarded a gold certificate. Many trekkers use this moment to thank their team with well-deserved tips before heading back to the hotel for a refreshing hot shower!