7-days Rongai route 2025/2027, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mwerka.
Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. As there is typically less moisture on this side of the mountain you are less likely to encounter rain and have more unclouded views of the peak. While it is flatter, it does not give the climb high sleep low option and therefore recommended to select more days for acclimatization.
The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route.Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by the Marangu route which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak.
7-days Rongai route 2025/2027 Day by Itinerary
Day 1: Rongai Gate (2,020m) to Simba Camp (2,625m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Elevation Gain: +605m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route: Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Rongai Gate for registration. Begin trekking through farmland and pine forest.
Highlights: Quiet surroundings and views of the Kenyan plains.
Accommodation: Simba Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m) to Second Cave (3,450m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation Gain: +825m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Ascend through heather and moorland with expansive views of Kibo Peak.
Highlights: Stunning scenery and solitude.
Accommodation: Second Cave (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Second Cave (3,450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,630m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +180m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: A shorter trek with undulating trails and striking views of Mawenzi Peak.
Highlights: Approaching the rugged beauty of Mawenzi.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Elevation Gain: +685m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: A steeper hike to the scenic Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi.
Highlights: Incredible alpine scenery and a perfect place to acclimatize.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Activities:
Optional acclimatization hike to higher altitudes, followed by a return to camp.
Rest and enjoy the dramatic surroundings.
Highlights: Enhanced acclimatization to improve summit success chances.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m) to Kibo Hut (4,720m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation Gain: +405m
Time: 5-6 hours
Route: Cross the stark lunar landscape of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Highlights: Views of the desolate yet stunning alpine desert.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Kibo Hut (4,720m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,175m/-2,175m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Summit Attempt: Start at midnight, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, and continue to Uhuru Peak.
Descend back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut.
Highlights: Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with breathtaking sunrise views.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m), 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Elevation Loss: -1,860m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: A scenic descent through the lush rainforest. Receive your summit certificate at Marangu Gate.
Transfer: Return to Moshi or Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Why Choose the 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027 ?
High Summit Success Rate: The acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn improves altitude adjustment.
Quiet Experience: Fewer trekkers compared to popular routes like Machame.
Unique Perspective: Approaching Kilimanjaro from the north offers distinct scenery.
Best Times to Climb Kilimanjaro
January to mid-March: Cooler, with possible snow at higher altitudes.
June to October: Dry season with clear skies and warmer conditions.
Includes: 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes: 7-days Rongai route 2025/2027
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room