Explore Mt Kilimanjaro with a 7-day Hike – Rongai Route Itinerary

The Rongai route has gained popularity over the years, it gets crowded during the peak season (August-October) though not as much as other mt Kilimanjaro routes. Being on the North of the mountain it the driest route making it easily accessible all year long. It is fairly easy with high success rate of getting to Mount Kilimanjaro summit. The descend is on Marangu route which is very of scenic

Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 7 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Moshi

A road trip to Moshi from Nairobi for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel. A night in Moshi is great to acclimatize for the Mount Kilimanjaro hike.

Day 2: -Mt Kilimanjaro Nalemoru- First Cave Camp

We drive for 3 hours from Moshi after breakfast to Nalemoru through the Chagga villages. We enjoy Lunch at the gate or later on the Mount Kilimanjaro hike depending on the time. Though there is little to no forest cover on this route there are birds that decorate the sky and monkeys. The path through the heather leads to the campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: First Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp

A few hours into climbing Mount Kilimanjaro from first cave camp after breakfast we approach the Second cave camp where we stop for lunch. The Mount Kilimanjaro vegetation is moorland covered by grand heathers. The path continues with a stunning view of Mawenzi Peak to the Kikelewa caves camp for dinner and overnight at the campsite

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp

After breakfast we climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a gentle slope that gives way to a steep slope which continues to the campsite. At Mawenzi Tarn campsite we have lunch and spend some time resting. Being a short day, it helps with acclimatization exploring the surroundings at leisure. The camp is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers a magnificent view of both Mawenzi and Kibo which make up Mount Kilimanjaro as a whole.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp- Kibo Camp

Like the previous day the Mount Kilimanjaro hike is short. We walk through the alpine desert that is rocky, dusty with dwarf grass that does not seem to leave the ground. We arrive at the Kibo Camp below the Kibo cone for lunch. The rest of the day’s Mount Kilimanjaro hike is spent relaxing in preparation of the final destination. Dinner and overnight, sleeping early is recommended.

Day 6: Kibo Camp- Mount Kilimanjaro summit (Uhuru Peak) – Horombo Hut

Around midnight armed with head torch and all the warm gear a body can handle the trek to Mount Kilimanjaro summit begins. It is a continuous steep slope all the way to the top. Sunrise at the Gilman’s point (1860ft) is the reward for the tiresome journey though there is also a certificate. You can choose to go back from here but it is better to continue to Uhuru peak (19340ft) on Mt Kilimanjaro. The sight of glaciers and the plains below while walking along the Crater’s rim is simply breathtaking. After successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, we begin our descend to Horombo hut to rest after a long day.

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate/Moshi/Nairobi

We continue descending Mount Kilimanjaro to the Marangu Gate from Horombo hut. There are 2 choices; one spending the night in Moshi and leave for Nairobi the next morning or go for a safari in Tanzania for an adventure climax. The second option is to end the Mount Kilimanjaro hike and head back to Nairobi on the same day
Note; spending the night at Moshi adds an extra day to the itinerary.

Included in the cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:

Transfer to and from the base of Mount Kilimanjaro
Full board accommodation and meals while on the trek
All park entrance fees to include government taxes
Services of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
Start and finish Nairobi
Treated water as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
On completion, successful climb Certificate

Excluded:

Laundry, sleeping bags, climbing gears beverages/Drinks
International flights
Visas to Tanzania
Personal items
Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

Mt Kilimanjaro Rongai route 7 days charges upon request