7 Days Rongai Route Trek

Day 1 – Nale Moru to Simba Camp

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through local villages and coffee farms to Nale Moru, located on the northeastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After meeting your mountain crew and completing preparations, begin your trek through the forest zone before gradually entering the heathland landscape.

As the trail climbs higher, enjoy beautiful views across the Kenyan plains. Arrive at Simba Camp, located near First Cave, for dinner and overnight.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Overnight: Simba Camp
Altitude: 2,835 m (9,300 ft)

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Day 2 – Simba Camp to Second Cave

After breakfast, continue your ascent through open heathland characterized by wildflowers, rocky trails, and expansive mountain scenery. Along the way, enjoy impressive views of Kibo Peak and its glaciers.

After lunch, leave the main trail and follow a quieter path toward the dramatic slopes of Mawenzi Peak before reaching Second Cave Camp.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Altitude: 3,445 m (11,300 ft)

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Day 3 – Second Cave to Third Cave

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude. Spend the morning relaxing before a short afternoon trek across the heathland toward Third Cave Camp.

This gradual ascent improves summit success and provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft)

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Day 4 – Third Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Begin the day with a short but rewarding climb offering panoramic views of the mountain. The landscape gradually changes into a rugged alpine environment filled with volcanic rock formations.

Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, beautifully situated beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Altitude: 4,315 m (14,160 ft)

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Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Cross the vast alpine desert known as “The Saddle,” located between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. This unique landscape resembles a lunar environment and offers incredible mountain views.

Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, prepare your equipment for summit night and rest after an early dinner.

Hiking Time: 6–8 Hours
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Altitude: 4,700 m (15,430 ft)

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Day 6 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak & Horombo Hut

Around midnight, begin your summit attempt toward Gilman’s Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

Reach the summit around sunrise and celebrate this incredible achievement while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. After taking photos at Uhuru Peak, descend to Kibo Hut for lunch before continuing to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.

Hiking Time: 10–14 Hours
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Altitude: 3,720 m (12,205 ft)

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Day 7 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and bid farewell to your mountain team before transferring back to Arusha.

Celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb with a hot shower and a well-deserved dinner.

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Destination: Arusha
Altitude: 1,843 m (6,046 ft)

Trek Highlights

• Unique northern approach to Mount Kilimanjaro
• One of the quietest and least crowded routes
• Excellent acclimatization profile
• Stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks
• Scenic wilderness landscapes
• Cross the famous Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
• Reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa
• Ideal for climbers seeking a peaceful trekking experience

Frequently asked questions

Is Rongai Route the easiest route up Kilimanjaro?

The Rongai route is considered to be the easiest route up Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek is both gradual and steady. However, the Rongai Route does not have a great climb high sleep low profile which makes it arguably more difficult than the Machame or Lemosho routes. The 7 day trek option is highly recommended as it allows for better acclimatization. No technical climbing is required however level of fitness is required. 

What is the distance of the Rongai Route and how many days does it take?

The exact trekking distance for the Rongai Route is 79km or 49 miles. The shortest number of days required for Rongai Route is 6 days, but by the time you have added on arrival and departure days it is 9 or 10. However, as it’s considered the easiest route on the mountain it is actually best done over 7 days to increase your changes of success.

What is the Rongai Route Route Summit Success Rate?

The summit success rates for the Rongai Route are greatly increased with the longer trek option. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all operators is 80% for the 7 day trek and a 65% success rate for the 6 day trek. However, We have a 95% summit success rate for both Rongai route treks. 

What is the Scenery like on the Rongai Route Route?

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. The Rongai route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas.

It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible. After passing through rainforest you ascend through moorlands and then up into the high alpine zones before reaching the glacial zone.

When is the best time to Trek Rongai Route Route Route?

July-September are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro as the weather is most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. That said, since it is close to the equator it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year.

April and May is the rainy season so this period is best avoided. Because Rongai Route is on the northern side of Kilimanjaro is in a rain shadow, the month of May and November are a good time to do the trek as well.