7 days hiking mount Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak -

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route

Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

The Remote, Scenic & Tranquil Northern Approach

The Rongai Route is the only Mount Kilimanjaro route that approaches the mountain from the remote northern side near the Kenyan border. Renowned for its quiet trails, gentle gradients, and untouched wilderness, Rongai is ideal for climbers seeking solitude, outstanding scenery, and a less crowded ascent.

With excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate, the Rongai Route is perfectly suited for first-time climbers, photographers, private groups, and experienced trekkers looking for a peaceful yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Route: Rongai Route (Northern Approach)
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m
Accommodation: Fully supported tented camps
Crowd Level: Low (one of the quietest routes)
Best Season: Year-round; excellent during rainy seasons
Recommended For: Solitude seekers, photographers, private & luxury climbs

WHY CHOOSE THE RONGAI ROUTE

✔ One of the least crowded Kilimanjaro routes
✔ Gentle, steady ascent ideal for acclimatization
✔ Remote northern landscapes rarely seen by most climbers
✔ High summit success rate
✔ Excellent option during long and short rainy seasons
✔ Perfect for private, exclusive, and luxury climbs

DETAILED DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA – EXPEDITION PREPARATION

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our professional team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the evening, enjoy a detailed expedition briefing covering route logistics, altitude awareness, safety procedures, and a full gear check.

Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: MOSHI → RONGAI GATE → SIMBA CAMP

Altitude: 1,950 m → 2,600 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Farmland & forest

After breakfast, drive to the Rongai trailhead near the Kenyan border. Following registration, begin your trek through cultivated land and lush forest. The gentle and uncrowded trail provides a relaxed introduction to the climb. Reach Simba Camp in the afternoon.

Overnight: Simba Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: SIMBA CAMP → SECOND CAVE CAMP

Altitude: 2,600 m → 3,450 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

The trail ascends gradually into open moorland with expansive views toward Kenya. Unique alpine vegetation such as giant lobelias and senecios appears. The steady pace supports natural acclimatization. Your guide will conduct a routine health check upon arrival.

Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: SECOND CAVE CAMP → KIKELEWA CAVE CAMP

Altitude: 3,450 m → 3,630 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: High Moorland

A shorter trekking day allows for further acclimatization. The trail becomes steeper but remains manageable, offering stunning views of Mawenzi Peak. Arrive early at Kikelewa Cave Camp with time to rest or enjoy an optional acclimatization walk.

Overnight: Kikelewa Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: KIKELEWA CAVE CAMP → MAWENZI TARN CAMP

Altitude: 3,630 m → 4,330 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Moorland

Ascend into dramatic alpine scenery beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set beside a high-altitude tarn, is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic campsites and offers excellent acclimatization conditions.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: MAWENZI TARN → KIBO HUT

Altitude: 4,330 m → 4,703 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Cross the stark alpine desert known as The Saddle, lying between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Walk at a slow, steady pace before reaching Kibo Hut in the early afternoon. After an early dinner, rest in preparation for the summit attempt.

Overnight: Kibo Hut area (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: SUMMIT DAY – KIBO HUT → UHURU PEAK → HOROMBO CAMP

Altitude: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours

Begin your summit ascent shortly after midnight. Climb steadily to Gilman’s Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, descend carefully to Horombo Camp.

Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals: Summit snacks, Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8: HOROMBO CAMP → MARANGU GATE → HOTEL

Descend through moorland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. After signing out, receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate and transfer back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✔ Certified, professional mountain guides
✔ Full porter and cook support team
✔ All Kilimanjaro National Park fees & permits
✔ Quality tents and camping equipment
✔ Nutritious, freshly prepared meals
✔ Emergency oxygen & comprehensive first-aid kits

CONCLUSION

The Rongai Route offers a truly exceptional way to experience Mount Kilimanjaro—combining remote wilderness, gentle ascents, and breathtaking northern scenery with one of the mountain’s highest summit success rates. Its quiet trails and steady acclimatization profile make it an ideal choice for climbers who value privacy, comfort, and a well-paced journey to Africa’s highest point.

Whether you are a first-time climber seeking a safe and supportive ascent or an experienced trekker looking for a peaceful and scenic alternative to busier routes, the Rongai Route delivers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure. Reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters via this tranquil northern approach is not just a climb—it is a rewarding journey defined by professionalism, preparation, and the pure beauty of the mountain.