7-Day Rongai Route – Mount Kilimanjaro
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest and most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a high summit success rate and a quieter trekking experience.
Approaching from the northern side near the Kenyan border, this route provides unique views of the mountain and surrounding plains. The descent follows the Marangu Route, giving climbers a chance to experience two different sides of Kilimanjaro.
Why Choose the 7-Day Rongai Route
- Less crowded, remote northern approach
- High summit success rate
- Gradual ascent for better acclimatization
- Unique views of Kenya and Kilimanjaro
- Descent via a different route (Marangu)
Kilimanjaro Adventure
7-Day Rongai Route – Mount Kilimanjaro
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meet your mountain guide for a full trek briefing, gear check, and preparation for your climb.
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge
Meals: Not included
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Drive to Nale Moru village near the Kenyan border. Begin your trek through farmland and pine forest before reaching Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone.
Accommodation: Simba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Ascend gradually to Second Cave Camp, enjoying spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the eastern glaciers.
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
Continue trekking toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, arriving at Kikelewa Camp, set in a sheltered valley surrounded by unique alpine vegetation.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
A short but steep climb leads to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak.
Spend the afternoon resting or taking an optional acclimatization hike.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the vast alpine desert known as the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo Hut, where you will rest and prepare for your summit attempt.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Distance: 6 km ascent / 15 km descent
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 5–6 hours down
- Habitat: Arctic / Alpine
Begin your summit push around midnight. Trek to Gilman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, descend to Horombo Hut for overnight.
⚠️ This is the most physically demanding day—slow pacing (“pole pole”) is essential.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or continue with your safari adventure
All prices are per person, valid year-round. Group discounts apply — the more trekkers, the lower your per-person cost. Children and youth rates available upon request.
Note: Prices are Per Person in US Dollar
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees, Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Airport transfers
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania Visa fee
- Mountain gear
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
What to Pack for Kilimanjaro
Clothing
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton. Layers work best! You will want active wear for daily activities and casual dressy clothes for the evening.
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments, sports bra
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit and cover
- Belt
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Footwear
Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe, preferably waterproof
- Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip-flops
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Baggage
- Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
- Day pack for daily activities and easy access + rain cover
- Waterproof/plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (Ziplocs and garbage bags work)
- Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
- NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.
- Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
- GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
- Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
- Air Tags
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Electrical adapter
Day Pack
Take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack:
- Binoculars
- Camera + disks, batteries, lenses, tripod, cleaning cloth
- Video camera, cell phone, Go Pro, etc.
- Water
- Snacks + to share with guides, other travelers, etc.
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Passports
- Money
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Hat
- Bandana
- Hair binder
- Jackknife
- Magazines/books/headphones/kite/frisbee
- Safari notebook + pen
- Safari wildlife book
Toiletries
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Shaving supplies
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Facial tissue, Toilet paper
- Moist towelettes
- Hand sanitizer
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Insect repellent
- Small travel towel
- Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry
First Aid
You only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Prescription drugs
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
- Band-aids/blister tape
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger, and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
- Antibiotics (talk to a doctor)
Documents
- Passport (make sure it is valid > 6 months after the end of your trip)
- Visas for all countries as necessary
- Airline e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
- Copy of AWR travel itinerary
- Travel insurance information + Medical insurance card
- Document organizer
- Make copies of passports, visas, driver’s licenses, airline tickets/schedules, travel itineraries, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and email it to yourself (or store it in the Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.
Pool/Beach
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Beach sandals
- Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
- Scuba card
- Waterproof camera
Other
- Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be new with no tears)
- Credit cards (check for international fees)
- Water bottle and Camelbak
- Sunglasses, strap
- Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
- Notebook, lots of pens
- Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
Packing for the flight
- Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
- Books, magazines, e-readers, cards, games
- Cell phone, headphones
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water bottle (empty through security)
- U-shaped neck pillow
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Kleenex, wet wipes
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Compression socks
"We summited Kilimanjaro! The guides were incredibly knowledgeable about altitude sickness prevention. We felt supported every step of the way. The porters treated us like family."
"The Lemosho route was perfect. Less crowded than other routes, stunning views, and our guide Mwajuma's stories made the trek unforgettable. Would 100% trek again."
"At 60 and 58, we weren't sure we could do it. But the team believed in us. Summit day sunrise at 19,341 feet was the most moving moment of our lives. Thank you."
"Everything was perfectly organized. The food at the camps exceeded expectations. Most importantly, the guides genuinely cared about our safety and well-being."
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