Rongai Route – 6 or 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek

Day by Day Itinerary

The Rongai Route is the only northern approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique perspective compared to the southern routes. Known for its gentler slopes and a more relaxed climb, the Rongai Route is ideal for those who prefer a less crowded and more gradual ascent. The route boasts spectacular views of the Mawenzi peak and a high success rate for reaching the summit. The 6-day option provides a brisk trek, while the 7-day itinerary allows for better acclimatization.

Discover Kilimanjaro with us

You're just one step away from realizing your dream of conquering Africa's highest peak. Immerse yourself in these expertly curated Kilimanjaro trekking itineraries crafted by our team of specialists, and embark on the journey of a lifetime. Whether you seek the thrill of the summit or the beauty of the journey, let us guide you to the roof of Africa.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Upon arrival in Tanzania, spend the day in either Arusha or Moshi preparing for your trek. Overnight at a hotel such as the Arusha Hotel or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel. Utilize this time to meet your guides, check your gear, and get briefed on the journey ahead.

Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Altitude: 1,950m to 2,650m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Begin your trek at the Rongai Gate, with a steady climb through maize fields and pine forests. This first day is a gentle introduction to the trek, leading up to Simba Camp for your first night on the mountain.

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave

Altitude: 2,650m to 3,450m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Trek to the Second Cave, enjoying magnificent views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. The path is relatively flat, making for a comfortable day of hiking.

Day 4: Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave (6-day) or Third Cave (7-day)

Altitude: 3,450m to 3,600m (Kikelewa Cave) / 3,870m (Third Cave)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (to Kikelewa Cave) / 6-7 hours (to Third Cave)

For the 6-day itinerary, move to Kikelewa Cave with its scenic views and less crowded environment. The 7-day itinerary includes an additional day for acclimatization, and trekking further to the Third Cave.

Day 5: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (6-day) or Third Cave to Mawenzi Tarn (7-day)

Altitude: 3,600m to 4,330m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Ascend to Mawenzi Tarn, set in a striking position beneath Mawenzi Peak. Enjoy the afternoon acclimatizing with walks around the area.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Altitude: 4,330m to 4,700m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut. Prepare for your summit attempt with an early night.

Day 7: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and down to Horombo Hut

Summit Altitude: 4,700m to 5,895m
Descent to Horombo Hut: 5,895m to 3,720m
Total Time: 10-15 hours

The most challenging day: ascend in the early hours to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, descend to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.

Day 8 (if 7-day trek): Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Descent: 3,720m to 1,860m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Descend through moorland to Mandara Hut and then through lush forest to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate and celebrate your achievement.

Packing and Preparation Tips

Train physically for the trek.
Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, and comfortable hiking boots.
Bring sun protection, a hat, and sunglasses.
Carry a camera, binoculars, and a headlamp.
Stay hydrated and take it slow for better acclimatization.

Price and Customization

The cost for trekking Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route generally ranges from approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per person. The price variation is due to factors such as:

Season (peak vs off-peak seasons).
Choice between the 6-day or 7-day itinerary.
Size of the trekking group (private treks vs joining a group).
Level of service and quality of accommodations on the mountain.

What's Included in the Price:

All park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees for Kilimanjaro National Park.
Services of professional guides, porters, and a cook.
Meals and water during the trek.
Accommodation in tents or huts along the route.
Ground transfers to and from the trek starting point.

Additional Costs to Consider

Airfare to and from Tanzania.
Pre and post-trek accommodations and meals in Arusha or Moshi.
Personal trekking gear and equipment (some items can be rented).
Tips for guides, porters, and support staff.
Travel insurance, preferably with high altitude trekking coverage.

Customization Options

Trek Duration: Opt for a 7-day trek for a better acclimatization process compared to the 6-day option.
Private or Group Trek: Choose a private trek for a more personalized experience or join a group for a more cost-effective option.
Extra Acclimatization Day: Include an additional day on the mountain for acclimatization to increase the chances of reaching the summit.
Add-on Experiences: Combine the trek with a wildlife safari in Tanzania’s national parks or a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Luxury Upgrades: Opt for enhanced services such as upgraded meals, larger tents, and additional amenities.

Customization for Specific Needs

Fitness Preparation: Tailored training plans can be arranged.
Dietary Requirements: Specific dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.
Age and Experience: Customization based on the age and experience levels of the trekkers.

Booking and Planning

Advance Booking: It is advisable to book several months in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Expert Consultation: Many trekking companies offer pre-trip consultations to help tailor the trek to your needs and expectations.

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Kilimanjaro Packages

Trekking packages vary depending on the route, duration, and level of comfort. Most packages include park fees, accommodation (tents or huts), meals during the trek, guides, porters, and transport to and from the mountain. Customized packages can also include add-ons like safari trips or cultural tours.

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   nestorqa 
 2023-10-21
 
 
  Excellent service, Since the beginning Henry was so firendly and responsible with all details, food in tours very good..
Excellent service, makes you feel good. Safe and confidentd, The safari experience is very proffesional and you will be able to ser what you look for
  
 
       
   Carla Q 
 2023-10-11
 
 
  Amazing destination and service!
This tour was incredible. Henry did an amazing job of being meticulous, reliable, extremely pleasant, and interested in us and our trip. I contacted him from back home over WhatsApp, and he planned everything exactly according to my request. He was punctual and professional. Everything he promised, he carried out and was incredibly reliable. Not to mention the fact that the tour itself was beautiful. The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater were amazing and the animal experience is unlike any other anywhere else. We saw the “Big Five” plus many many more. A++++ . Would definitely recommend.!
  
 
       
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 2023-07-03
 
 
  Excellent trip to Tanzania
Dear Travelers, Lovers of Africa and African Expeditions! I would like to recommend you Northern Masailand Safaris. The office has been successfully operating on the tourism market in Tanzania for many years. The owner – Olanana - a young, ambitious man, open to people and perfectly understanding the needs of tourists. Why is it worth it? First of all, from the beginning, the Office was extremely helpful in planning trips, places to stay, excursion routes, flights, car transfers, etc. Internet or telephone communication, it has always been up to the task. Therefore, it was possible to transparently choose my first Tanzania itinerary. Starting from the arrival to Dar El Salaam, transfer by ferry to the island of Zanzibar, selection of comfortable hotel facilities, to the further trip to the Safari, everything was done to the proverbial "last button". Thanks to this, being a traveler individually implementing individual points of this trip, I had no problems with security, plane tickets, care of guides. There were also no problems with private off-road trips and overnight stays on a few-day Safari. All these images, videos from the trip and photos will remain in my memory, and I recommend you to realize and fulfill your own dreams with the Northern Masailand Safaris. You will not be disappointed! Tomasz Salata Poland
  
 
       
   Goku k 
 2022-08-27
 
 
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Nous avons organisé un Safari de 3j de dernière minute avec Northern Masailand au parc de Tarenguire, Ngorongoro Cratere et Lac Manyara. Nous avions un petit budget. Le contact avec Henry a été excellent tout au long des trois jours. Il a été transparent sur les méthodes de paiements. Le programme a été respecté avec des adaptations car nous avions des impératifs au niveau des vols. Je ne peux que recommander cette agence pour vos voyages à Arusha ! Merci Henry et à une prochaine fois 😊😊😊
  
 
       
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 2022-08-01
 
 
  Very unique and memoriable experience
Me and my husband took a trip to Tanzania and I, by chance, found Henry on the net. He has been very very responsive from the begining and tailored the whole 8 days based on our wishes and budget. He assigned us a great guide, Mashek, who definitely has eagle eyes and great sense of humour. We went on a limited budget yet everything was fine and well organized. We also had 1.5 days in Zanzibar- due to tide- we could not enjoy blue waters as in pictures yet had very different experience walking on the sea at 6.00 am to watch fisherman and walk with ladies on the sea for catching crabs. We definitely suggest Henry and Mashek (our guide) for your trip to Tanzania and thank them. (We took some child clothes and toys, the children were happy to receive them, so why not some joy to local kids!)
  
 
       
   Maria Fernanda Gomez 
 2022-07-26
 
 
  AMAZING EXPERIENCE - Machame Route to Kilimanjaro
THIS TRIP WAS AMAZING! It's the best experience I've had in my life! I did a 6 day Machame route to Kilimanjaro, and Henry helped me create a tailored plan for achieving this dream. The tour exceeded my expectations, making it private and luxurious even in camping conditions. My guide Leo and porter Denis made the best team, taught me a lot, and made this trip unforgettable. The team is very friendly and experienced, which makes going to the top a once in a lifetime experience. Northern Masailand Safaris is definitely the best company for doing your Kilimanjaro trip.
  
 
       
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 2022-07-26
 
 
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 2022-07-07
 
 
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Henry put together this great trip for us. It was a private 14 day Safari for my wife and I. We had a great time and really enjoyed the whole safari. One of the highlights of our trip was the reception and stay at the Boma at the Osigilai Maasai lodge. The elder was a wonderful man and very informative about the Maasai culture. All the people were wonderful and treated us like royalty. We got to see all of the animals in the Serengeti and it was really fun to watch the many groups of wildebeest and zebras as they began their trip in the great migration. The lodges and tents exceeded our expectations.and our guides, Edward and Benjamin, were terrific. We enjoyed spending time with them. We love Tanzania and hope to visit again.
  
 
       
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 2022-03-19
 
 
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We had a great 6 days safari with Northern Masailand Safaris and I will recommend to my connections. I enjoyed working with Henry during the planning. He gave us premium advice about the safari and responded quickly to all my questions. Our guide, Elias, was really fun and knowledgeable on almost any matter. He spotted lots of birds for us and, even make us see very Closer , Our luxury tented camp in the Serengeti National Park was excellent! I'm so glad that we visited Tanzania through NorthernMasailand Safaris. We will organise bigger groups and come back again.
  
 
       
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 2022-01-25
 
 
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Our 5 days Safari in Tanzania through Northern Masailand Safaris had been with highly appreciated, Henry arranged us from beginning to the end of our Safari, We saw the bi five in Serengeti National with the Wildebeest Migration Safari. Our accommodation to the entire Safari was perfect, we had Swahili food at African Kitchen in Arusha before starting our safari, African Kitchen provides an excellent food Africa test, If you go Tanzania, Arusha you should as Northern Masailand Safaris team to take you at African Kitchen. I can recommend this company to everyone.