7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Rongai Route Adventure

Begin on an unforgettable 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking experience via Rongai Route conquering Africa highest peak

Operator: OWL EYES EXPEDITION
★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 (1012 Reviews)
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7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Rongai Route Adventure

The Rongai route, tracing Kilimanjaro northeastern flank along the Tanzania-Kenya border, offers a pristine wilderness experience with fewer crowds. However, the lengthy journey to its start point and a busier section when merging with the Marangu route are trade-offs. Hiking to the summit via Rongai is more challenging than some other routes. Descending on the Marangu route means camping in tents rather than the route's huts, preserving a unique adventure.

Tour highlights

  • Day 1 : Hiking Kilimanjaro from Rongai Gate to Simba Camp.
  • Day 2 : Simba Camp Hiking Kilimanjaro to Second Cave Camp.
  • Day 3 : Second Cave Camp – Kikelelwa Camp.
  • Day 4 : Kikelelwa Camp – Mawenzi Turn Camp.
  • Day 5 : Leaving Mawenzi Turn Camp Kilimanjaro to Kibo Hut.
  • Day 6 : Summit Attempt, Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut.
  • Day 7 : Finalize Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate.
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Day 1  :  Hiking Kilimanjaro from Rongai Gate to Simba Camp.


Our 7-day adventure begins with a 2.5-hour drive from your hotel to Marangu Park Gate. After registration, a 3-hour drive takes us to the Rongai trailhead. Here, we meet our guide and porters in Nale Moru village. Our hike starts gently, passing through maize fields and pine forests. The trail isn't steep, but the scenery is captivating. We'll spend our first night at Simba Camp (2,600m), equipped with a toilet, a wooden table, and benches. Water is conveniently available nearby.
Accommodation for day 1
  • Simba Campsite
Included meals and drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Drinking water
  • Lunch
  • Simba Campsite Kilimanjaro Simba Campsite Kilimanjaro Simba Campsite Kilimanjaro Simba Campsite Kilimanjaro

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    Day 2  :  Simba Camp Hiking Kilimanjaro to Second Cave Camp.


    Hiking Time: 2-3 Hours Habitat: Tranquil Moorland After a late breakfast at Simba Camp, take it easy and acclimatize as you hike slowly towards Second Cave (3450 meters). Enjoy a hot lunch with a view and spend a relaxing afternoon at Second Cave, preparing for the journey ahead. Dinner and overnight at Second Cave.
    Accommodation for day 2
    • Second Cave Campsite
    Included meals and drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Drinking water
  • Lunch
  • Second Cave Campsite kilimanjaro Second Cave Campsite kilimanjaro Second Cave Campsite kilimanjaro Second Cave Campsite kilimanjaro

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    Day 3  :  Second Cave Camp – Kikelelwa Camp.


    You'll begin the ascent towards Kibo, passing by the 2nd Cave Camp at an elevation of 2600m. The trail continues to wind its way through the moorlands, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As you hike higher, you'll start to feel the thin air, but the breathtaking scenery will keep you motivated. Water sources are abundant at the Kikelelwa Camp stream, where you can fill up your water bottles before continuing on to your overnight camp at the Kikelelwa Camp. This section of the hike is a great opportunity to take in the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro and appreciate the challenges of the journey so far.
    Accommodation for day 3
    • Kikelelwa Campsite
    Included meals and drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Drinking water
  • Lunch
  • Kikelelwa Campsite Kikelelwa Campsite Kikelelwa Campsite Kikelelwa Campsite

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    Day 4  :  Kikelelwa Camp – Mawenzi Turn Camp.


    Today, we'll be hiking to Kikelewa Cave (3600m) before setting up camp at Mawenzi Turn Camp (4330m). This challenging hike will take us through the Moorlands, where we'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Make sure to take your time and acclimatize well before setting up camp in this stunning location.
    Accommodation for day 4
    • Mawenzi Turn Campsite
    Included meals and drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Drinking water
  • Lunch
  • Mawenzi Turn Campsite Mawenzi Turn Campsite Mawenzi Turn Campsite Mawenzi Turn Campsite

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    Day 5  :  Leaving Mawenzi Turn Camp Kilimanjaro to Kibo Hut.


    On this fifth day of our Rongai route expedition, we continued our ascent towards Kilimanjaro's summit. We hiked for 4 to 5 hours through the stunning alpine desert, crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
    Accommodation for day 5
    • Kibo Hut
    Included meals and drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Drinking water
  • Lunch
  • Kibo Hut Kibo Hut Kibo Hut Kibo Hut

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    Day 6  :  Summit Attempt, Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut.


    On the Rongai route is the pinnacle of your 7-day hike, marking the Summit Attempt. After a 23:30 wake-up, a quick tea and biscuit boost, you embark on a grueling 8-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5895m. The rocky path takes you to Gillman's Point, and from there, it's a steep hike with stone scree. Your perseverance pays off as you reach Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak. After capturing the moment, a 3-hour descent takes you to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before another 6-hour descent to Horombo Hut. Your 14-hour day concludes with a well-deserved dinner and a night's rest. Our destination was Kibo Hut, situated at an impressive 4,700 meters above sea level. After the challenging hike, we spent the rest of the day at Kibo Hut, resting and preparing for the ultimate hike, which was set to begin at midnight. Our anticipation grew as we gazed at the starry night, knowing that the summit was just hours away.
    Accommodation for day 6
    • Horombo Hut
    Included meals and drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Drinking water
  • Lunch
  • Horombo Hut Horombo Hut Horombo Hut Horombo Hut

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    Day 7  :  Finalize Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate.


    7-day Hike, is a descent from Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1980m). After a 6-hour hike, passing Mandara hut, you reach Marangu Gate. Here, you sign the register and collect summit certificates - green for Gillman's Point (5685m) and gold for Uhuru Peak (5895m). Then, you head back to Moshi, ending your hike with cherished memories of conquering Kilimanjaro.
    Accommodation for day 7
    Included meals and drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Drinking water
  • Lunch

  • Costs for 7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Rongai Route Adventure

    1 pax2 pax3 pax4 pax5 pax6 pax7 pax8 pax9 pax10 pax
    $ 1741$ 1716$ 1716$ 1716$ 1691$ 1691$ 1691$ 1691$ 1691$ 1666
    Tour activities

    Game drive tours

    Getting around/Walking

    Hotel resting

    Photographs

    Tour features and style

    Private tour
    You can do safari privately for solo, couple, family, or in group.

    Group tour
    Join a group with your fellow tourists through this tour.

    Budget tour
    You can compute the price for budget for the whole tour

    Customizable
    You can customize the itinerary, price inclusions, accommodations, and also the price.

    First aid/Rescue
    First aid and rescue during the tour is assured.

    Price inclusions

    Sleeping bag or bed linen

    Rental vehicle

    Rescue fee

    A professional driver/guide

    All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

    Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

    All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

    Camping equipment (only sleeping bag/bed linen may be listed as excluded)

    All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

    All Taxes/VAT

    Tips: tipping guideline

    Price exclusions

    Bath towels

    Climbing gear

    Roundtrip airport transfer

    All flights during the tour

    International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

    Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

    Personal items

    Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

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    OWL EYES EXPEDITION

    1032 reviews | Moshi, Tanzania |

    Website https://www.owleyesexpedition.com

    OWL EYES EXPEDITION CO L.T.D specializes in providing a source experience for clients by connecting them with local people who are close to the land. We aim to create long term partnerships that are fair and transparent; allowing for structured but un-staged encounters. Book your Africa Tour Package with us.


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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How are dietary restrictions addressed during bush breakfasts?

    Most operators offer a range of meal options during bush breakfasts, including catering to dietary needs.

    Can I bring my own bicycle for exploration during the Camping Group Join Safari?

    Bicycles might not be suitable for Camping Group Join Safari exploration. Game drives and walks are the primary activities.

    How are wildlife sightings communicated between guides?

    Guides often communicate via radio or other means to share information about wildlife movements.

    Can I request a specific type of Camping Group Join Safari tent at the lodges?

    Some lodges offer different types of Camping Group Join Safari tents. Check with the operator for options.

    Can I request a vegan meal during picnics?

    Most operators can accommodate vegan meal requests during picnics.

    Can I interact with local researchers during the Camping Group Join Safari?

    Some lodges might have experts conducting research. Inquire about possible interactions.

    How do I handle interactions with other participants during guided tours?

    Respectful interactions with fellow participants enhance the overall Camping Group Join Safari experience.

    Can I request a specific location for bush dinners?

    Some operators offer customized bush dinner locations. Inquire about possibilities.

    Can I bring my own musical instruments for campfire evenings?

    Some campsites might allow musical instruments for entertainment. Check with the operator.

    What's the policy on wildlife encounters at lodges and campsites?

    Lodge and camp staff is trained to handle wildlife encounters to ensure your safety.