Embark on the 7-day Rongai Route, known for its easier climb and high success rate. Starting on Kilimanjaro’s northern side near the Kenyan border, this less-traveled route offers unique perspectives, with a descent via the Marangu Route on the southern side for panoramic views. The 3.5-hour drive from Arusha city to the trailhead passes through charming villages and coffee plantations, including a stop for permit registration at Marangu. Alternatively, start from Amboseli National Park in Kenya with a border crossing (passport copies required).
Choose a private trek on your preferred start date or join a group departure on select dates. Complete your adventure with a safari following your Kilimanjaro climb!
Unique 7-day ascent of Kilimanjaro from the remote northern side via the Rongai Route.
Gentle and gradual climb with fewer crowds—ideal for a quieter experience.
Start near the Kenyan border, passing through alpine forests and moorlands.
Excellent views of the Mawenzi peak and open savannah below.
Acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn to improve summit chances.
Summit attempt from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) before descending via Marangu Route.
Overnight stays in tents with full support from experienced mountain crew.
All meals, park fees, rescue fees, and camping equipment included.
Unique 7-day ascent of Kilimanjaro from the remote northern side via the Rongai Route.
Gentle and gradual climb with fewer crowds—ideal for a quieter experience.
Start near the Kenyan border, passing through alpine forests and moorlands.
Excellent views of the Mawenzi peak and open savannah below.
Acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn to improve summit chances.
Summit attempt from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) before descending via Marangu Route.
Overnight stays in tents with full support from experienced mountain crew.
All meals, park fees, rescue fees, and camping equipment included.
Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha city.
A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that shows your name. It takes a minimum of 1.5 hour to get to Arusha city with no traffic.
There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.
If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge
Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp (BLD)
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
— Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Simba Camp
Day 3: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave (BLD)
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
— Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Walking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Second Cave Camp
Day 4: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (BLD)
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.
— Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
— Distance: 9km/5mi
— Walking Time: 2-3 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kikelewa Camp
Day 5: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (BLD)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
— Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Walking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 6: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (BLD)
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
— Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
— Distance: 9km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp
Day 7: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut (BLD)
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
— Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
— Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp
Day 8: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha city (B)
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha city. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
— Distance: 20km/12.5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge
Day 9: Depart Arusha city (B)
If you are starting a safari today, your guide will meet you at your hotel. We can also arrange a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
=> All accommodations per itinerary
=> All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
=> All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
=> All transportation and transfers per itinerary
=> National Park fees + Camping fees
=> Transport from Arusha to trail head and return to Arusha
=> Certified, experienced guides for all routes
=> Porters, cooks, assistant guides as required
=> Rescue fees (as required by national park)
=> Tents, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
=> Oximeters
=> First aid kit
=> Emergency Oxygen
=> International and domestic flights
=> Meals not listed
=> Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
=> Optional tours
=> Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
=> Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $400-600/person)
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help! Contact Us
Yes, all our climbing packages include certified, experienced mountain guides to ensure your safety and enhance your trekking experience.
Our guides are trained in altitude-related first aid and monitor all climbers closely. We carry oxygen and first aid kits, and our team is prepared to safely assist you back to base if necessary.
Yes, we cater to a variety of dietary needs. Let us know your preferences when booking, and our mountain chefs will prepare meals accordingly.
While mobile signal may be limited at higher altitudes, our base team and guides are in constant communication via radio to provide support and emergency response 24/7.
We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and selected online gateways. Some packages may offer installment plans.
Refund policies depend on the cancellation timeframe and package terms. We’ll always share clear terms upfront.
Yes, just contact our support team to update or switch your preferred payment method.
We strive for transparency. Any additional costs (e.g., optional activities or upgrades) will be clearly communicated before payment.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. We’re happy to help with the application process if needed.
Yes, some regions may require specific vaccinations. We recommend checking with your local travel health clinic or consulting us directly.
Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance to cover emergencies, trip cancellations, and medical expenses.
Of course! We can help arrange international and domestic flights as part of your travel package.
You can book a tour through our website, by phone, or by visiting our office. Simply choose your desired package, provide traveler details, and complete the payment to confirm your booking.
Yes, you can make a reservation and secure your spot with a deposit. Full payment will be required closer to the departure date, as per our terms and conditions.
We recommend booking at least 2 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.
Absolutely. Once your booking is complete, we’ll send a confirmation email with your itinerary, payment receipt, and other important details.
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