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Rongai Route
Northern Serenity: 7-Day Rongai Route
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 7 Day Trek
- Mountaineering Adventure
From - $2000
Route Overview
The Rongai Route is the only northern approach to Mount Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak (5,895m), offering a serene and less crowded 7-day trek. Ideal for those seeking solitude, it features diverse landscapes—rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts—and unique views of Mawenzi Peak. With a gradual ascent for acclimatization, it achieves a 90%+ summit success rate. Expert Tanzanian guides and camping accommodations ensure a memorable adventure.
- Total Distance: 73 km (45 miles) round trip
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Starting Point: Rongai Gate (1,950m / 6,400ft)
- Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
- Ending Point: Marangu Gate (1,830m / 6,004ft)
- Accommodation: Camping (tents)
- Difficulty: Moderate
🌿 Simba Camp
- Elevation: 2,650m / 8,694ft | Habitat: Rainforest
- Wildlife sightings, including monkeys and birds
🏞️ Second Cave
- Elevation: 3,450m / 11,319ft | Habitat: Moorland
- Panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak
⛰️ Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Elevation: 4,330m / 14,206ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Stunning campsite beneath Mawenzi's rugged peaks
🏜️ Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700m / 15,420ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Base camp for the summit push
🌄 Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341ft | Habitat: Arctic
- Sunrise at Africa's highest point
🌳 Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720m / 12,205ft | Habitat: Moorland
- Restful descent with Kibo views
💪 Physical Preparation
- Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming for endurance
- Strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups for leg muscles
- Hiking: Train with a loaded backpack on varied terrain
🎒 Essential Packing List
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp
Equipment
- Sleeping bag rated for -10°C (14°F)
- 25-35L daypack
- Trekking poles
- 3L+ water capacity
- Sunscreen, lip balm, medications, first aid kit
🚗 Transportation
- Private transfers from/to Kilimanjaro Airport
- All ground transportation during the trek
🎫 Permits & Fees
- All climbing permits and park fees included
- Rescue fees and camping fees covered
🏞️ Dry Seasons (Best Conditions)
- January–Mid-March: Warm, clear, less crowded
- June–October: Cool, dry, ideal but busier
🌧️ Wet Seasons (Challenging Conditions)
- April–May: Heavy rains, slippery trails (avoid)
- November: Short rains, manageable but wet
✔️ What's Included
- Private transport (airport/hotel to Kilimanjaro & back)
- Park fees and climbing permits
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)
- Professional guides and porters
- Meals with private cook (special diets available)
- Rescue fees
- Certificate of achievement
❌ What's Excluded
- International flights
- Pre/post-climb accommodations
- Personal gear and snacks
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
🌍 Leave No Trace
- Carry out all trash
- Use provided toilet facilities
- Respect wildlife and stay on designated trails
🤝 Support Local Economy
- Employ local guides/porters with fair wages
- Tip generously per local guidelines
🌟 Our Advantages
- Expert Guides: Certified Tanzanian guides with 10+ years experience
- High Success Rate: 90%+ summit success with our acclimatization schedule
- Safety First: Oxygen, first aid, and emergency protocols
- Sustainable Travel: We support conservation and local communities
- 24/7 Support: From booking to completion, we're with you every step
📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us!
7-Day Rongai Route Itinerary
01
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
- Elevation: 1,950m → 2,650m | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
- Register at Rongai Gate, begin trek
- Hike through rainforest, spot wildlife like monkeys
- Overnight at Simba Camp (camping)
Overnight: Simba Camp (full board)
02
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Simba Camp → Second Cave
- Elevation: 2,650m → 3,450m | Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
- Trek through moorland with Mawenzi Peak views
- Rest and acclimatize at Second Cave
- Overnight at Second Cave (camping)
Overnight: Second Cave (full board)
03
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Second Cave → Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 3,450m → 3,600m | Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorland
- Short hike to aid acclimatization
- Enjoy open moorland landscapes
- Overnight at Kikelewa Cave (camping)
Overnight: Kikelewa Cave (full board)
04
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Kikelewa Cave → Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Elevation: 3,600m → 4,330m | Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Ascend to alpine desert with Mawenzi views
- Acclimatize at scenic Mawenzi Tarn
- Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (camping)
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (full board)
05
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Mawenzi Tarn Camp → Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4,330m → 4,700m | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Trek across the Saddle to Kibo Hut
- Prepare for summit attempt
- Overnight at Kibo Hut (camping)
Overnight: Kibo Hut (full board)
06
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,720m | Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
- Hiking Time: 12-14 hours | Habitat: Arctic & Moorland
- Midnight summit ascent, reach Uhuru at sunrise
- Descend via Gilman's Point to Horombo Hut
- Overnight at Horombo Hut (camping)
Overnight: Horombo Hut (full board)
07
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 3,720m → 1,830m | Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Moorland & Rainforest
- Descend through rainforest to Marangu Gate
- Receive summit certificates
- Transfer to Moshi for celebration
End of Tour: Return to Moshi
