Tour Type
Mountain Climbing
Tour Duration
09 Days - 08 Nights
Min. No of Pax
1
Tour Price
Budget
On request
Mid-range
On request
Luxury
On request
The Price Includes
• Airport pickup on arrival
• Airport transfer on departure
• Pre climb accommodation in Arusha
• Post climb accommodation in Arusha
• Transportation to the Rongai starting point
• Transportation from Marangu Gate to Arusha
• Professional licensed Kilimanjaro mountain guide
• Assistant guides according to group size
• Kilimanjaro porters
• Professional mountain cook
• Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
• Camping or applicable mountain accommodation fees
• Rescue fees required by park regulations
• Applicable government taxes
• Mountain tents where required
• Sleeping mattresses
• Dining tent where provided
• Breakfast during the mountain climb
• Lunch during the mountain climb
• Dinner during the mountain climb
• Drinking water
• Hot drinks
• Daily guide briefing
• Altitude monitoring
• Summit preparation briefing
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate for eligible successful climbers
• Services of the Tansania Toll Safaris mountain operations team
The Price Excludes
• International flights
• Domestic flights unless specifically stated
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Medical insurance
• High altitude trekking insurance
• Personal trekking equipment
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping bag unless rented or included
• Trekking poles unless included
• Waterproof clothing
• Thermal clothing
• Personal toiletries
• Laundry services
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soft drinks
• Personal snacks beyond those provided
• Meals in Arusha unless specifically stated
• Additional hotel nights
• Equipment rental
• Optional excursions
• Tanzania safari extensions
• Zanzibar beach extensions
• Personal expenses
• Telephone calls
• Souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks and porters
• Emergency medical costs not covered by applicable insurance
• Services not specifically mentioned under the inclusions
Tour Overview
designed for travellers who want to experience a quieter, more remote and gradually ascending side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching Africa’s highest mountain from the north, close to the Tanzania and Kenya border, the Rongai Route offers a distinctive climbing experience that is noticeably different from the more frequently used southern trails.
Organized by Tansania Toll Safaris, based in Arusha, Tanzania, this carefully planned itinerary provides seven days of hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing more time for acclimatization and a steady progression toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres above sea level. The route is particularly attractive to climbers looking for quieter trails, open mountain scenery, gradual altitude gain and an opportunity to experience different sides of Kilimanjaro during the same expedition.
The Rongai Route begins on the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, an area that generally receives less rainfall than the southern side of the mountain. This creates a somewhat drier environment during the early stages of the climb and gives the route a unique character, with open landscapes, forest sections, moorland and sweeping views toward Kenya.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world, rising to 5,895 metres above sea level. The mountain consists of three volcanic formations known as Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo is the highest cone and contains Uhuru Peak, Mawenzi is characterized by rugged and dramatic peaks, while Shira is the oldest and most eroded volcanic formation.
One of the greatest advantages of the Rongai Route is the sense of wilderness experienced during the early stages. The trail is generally quieter than routes such as Machame or Marangu, making it appealing to travellers who prefer a more peaceful mountain environment.
The climb begins after travelling from Arusha toward the Rongai starting point on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Once registration procedures are complete, the trail enters forest and gradually climbs toward Simba Camp, your first overnight location on the mountain.
From Simba Camp, the route continues through heath and moorland terrain toward Second Cave. As you gain elevation, the vegetation becomes more open and the views across northern Tanzania and southern Kenya become increasingly impressive.
The route then continues toward Kikelewa Camp, where the rugged volcanic profile of Mawenzi becomes more prominent. From here, you climb toward Mawenzi Tarn, one of the most scenic high altitude camps on Kilimanjaro.
Mawenzi Tarn sits beneath the dramatic cliffs and peaks of Mawenzi, creating one of the most striking overnight settings on the Rongai Route. The additional time spent in this area is valuable for acclimatization and allows you to enjoy the mountain at a slower pace.
The itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization experience around Mawenzi Tarn. This gives your body additional exposure to higher elevation before you cross the broad high altitude landscape toward Kibo Hut.
From Mawenzi Tarn, the route crosses the vast Saddle, a dramatic alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is open, barren and almost lunar in appearance, with the enormous summit cone of Kibo rising ahead.
You eventually reach Kibo Hut at approximately 4,703 metres above sea level, the final staging point before the summit climb. Here, you rest, eat and prepare your equipment before beginning the most demanding part of the expedition.
The summit attempt normally starts around midnight. You climb slowly through steep volcanic terrain toward Gilman’s Point at approximately 5,685 metres, located on the crater rim.
From Gilman’s Point, the journey continues around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point on the African continent.
Standing at Uhuru Peak is the defining moment of your Rongai Route expedition. When weather conditions are favourable, you may see glaciers, ice formations, volcanic landscapes and clouds stretching across the plains far below.
After celebrating at the summit, you descend toward Kibo Hut and continue downward through the southern side of the mountain toward Horombo Hut. This means the Rongai Route provides a valuable opportunity to ascend through one side of Kilimanjaro and descend through another, exposing you to an even greater variety of landscapes.
The final trekking day takes you from Horombo through moorland and rainforest toward Marangu Gate. You then travel back to Arusha, where your mountain adventure concludes with a well deserved rest.
This 7 day Rongai Route itinerary is suitable for travellers seeking a quieter Kilimanjaro climb, a gradual ascent, strong acclimatization opportunities and a route with beautiful northern mountain scenery.
With Tansania Toll Safaris, your Kilimanjaro climb is supported by professional mountain guides, assistant guides, porters and cooks. Our focus is on responsible pacing, acclimatization, safety, mountain hospitality and helping you experience one of Tanzania’s greatest natural adventures with confidence.
9 Days Rongai Route Quick Facts
• Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• Route: Rongai Route
• Total Trip Duration: 9 Days
• Mountain Hiking Duration: 7 Days
• Highest Point: Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres
• Starting Side: Northern Kilimanjaro
• Exit Point: Marangu Gate
• Accommodation on Mountain: Tented camping until Kibo, with hut facilities depending on the final stage arrangements
• Difficulty Level: Challenging to strenuous
• Climbing Style: Non technical high altitude trekking
• Starting City: Arusha, Tanzania
• Main Ecological Zones: Forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit environment
• Major Highlights: Rongai forest, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, the Saddle, Kibo Hut, Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak
Day To day
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA AND KILIMANJARO CLIMBING BRIEFING
Welcome to Tanzania and the beginning of your 9 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route adventure. Depending on your travel schedule, you will normally arrive through Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will meet a representative from Tansania Toll Safaris before transferring to your hotel in Arusha.
The drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport to central Arusha usually covers approximately 45 to 55 kilometres and normally takes around one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic and the location of your accommodation.
Arusha lies at approximately 1,400 metres above sea level and is one of Tanzania’s most important centres for safari and mountain tourism. It is the perfect location for preparing before travelling toward Mount Kilimanjaro.
After reaching your hotel, you will meet your professional Kilimanjaro guide for a detailed pre climb briefing. Your guide will explain the complete Rongai Route itinerary, daily hiking expectations, altitude changes, acclimatization strategy, summit procedures, mountain safety and general trekking conditions.
Your equipment will also be checked to ensure you have suitable hiking boots, thermal clothing, waterproof layers, trekking poles, warm gloves, head protection, a headlamp and appropriate sleeping equipment.
The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, hydration and final preparation for your mountain expedition.
Major activities today include:
- Airport arrival assistance
• Transfer to Arusha
• Hotel check in
• Rongai Route briefing
• Equipment inspection
• Luggage preparation
• Rest and hydration
Optional activities include:
- Short Arusha city exploration
• Local restaurant visit
• Coffee shop experience
• Souvenir shopping
• Relaxation at your hotel
DAY 2: ARUSHA TO RONGAI GATE AND HIKE TO SIMBA CAMP
Starting elevation: Approximately 1,950 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 2,625 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 6 to 8 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
After breakfast at your hotel, you travel from Arusha toward the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The road journey takes you through changing rural landscapes and around the lower slopes of the mountain before reaching the Rongai starting area near the Kenya border.
The drive usually takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and the exact registration point used.
After completing the necessary national park procedures, you begin trekking through the lower forest zone. The vegetation on this side of Kilimanjaro is somewhat different from the wetter southern slopes and the trail often feels quieter and more remote.
The hike climbs gradually through forest and open woodland toward Simba Camp, located at approximately 2,625 metres above sea level.
This first trekking day is moderate and provides a comfortable introduction to the mountain while allowing your body to begin adapting gradually to higher elevation.
Once at camp, your mountain team prepares the tents and evening meal while your guide provides a briefing about the next day’s route.
Major activities today include:
- Transfer from Arusha to Rongai
• Kilimanjaro registration procedures
• Forest trekking
• Mountain vegetation observation
• Gradual altitude gain
• Camping at Simba Camp
Additional experiences may include:
- Forest photography
• Birdwatching
• Short acclimatization walk
• Sunset viewing
• Evening mountain briefing
DAY 3: SIMBA CAMP TO SECOND CAVE
Starting elevation: Approximately 2,625 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 3,450 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 8 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Heath and moorland
After breakfast, you leave Simba Camp and continue gradually upward through the heath and moorland zone. The forest begins to disappear and the landscape becomes increasingly open as you gain elevation.
Today’s trail provides broader views across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro and toward the plains stretching into Kenya. On clear days, the scenery can be especially impressive because this side of the mountain offers a distinctive perspective that differs from the southern routes.
You continue climbing steadily toward Second Cave at approximately 3,450 metres above sea level. The increase in altitude becomes more noticeable, so your guide will encourage a slow and controlled pace.
This section plays an important role in the acclimatization process because you are gradually moving from the lower forest into Kilimanjaro’s true high altitude environment.
Once at camp, you can rest, hydrate and enjoy views toward Kibo and the surrounding northern landscapes.
Major activities today include:
- Heath and moorland trekking
• Gradual altitude gain
• High altitude acclimatization
• Northern Kilimanjaro landscape viewing
• Camping at Second Cave
Additional experiences may include:
- Landscape photography
• Short acclimatization walk
• Kibo viewing
• Sunset photography
• Stargazing on clear nights
DAY 4: SECOND CAVE TO KIKELEWA CAMP
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,450 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 3,630 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 6 to 7 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you continue trekking across Kilimanjaro’s northern moorland toward Kikelewa Camp. The route becomes increasingly scenic as you move closer to Mawenzi.
Although today’s overall elevation gain is relatively modest, the route includes gradual ascents and descents that contribute to acclimatization.
The rugged form of Mawenzi becomes increasingly dominant as you approach Kikelewa. Its sharp volcanic peaks create a dramatic contrast with the broad and rounded summit cone of Kibo.
The landscape also becomes more open as vegetation gradually decreases with elevation.
You eventually reach Kikelewa Camp at approximately 3,630 metres, where you spend the night in a peaceful high altitude environment.
The camp is surrounded by broad mountain scenery and provides a good location for rest before the next climb toward Mawenzi Tarn.
Major activities today include:
- Moorland trekking
• Mawenzi viewing
• High altitude acclimatization
• Scenic ridge walking
• Camping at Kikelewa
Additional experiences may include:
- Mawenzi photography
• Short acclimatization walk
• Landscape photography
• Sunset viewing
• Stargazing
DAY 5: KIKELEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN AND ACCLIMATIZATION
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,630 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 4,330 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 5 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland and alpine desert
Today you climb toward one of the most spectacular camps on the Rongai Route, Mawenzi Tarn. The trail becomes steeper as you leave Kikelewa and continue toward the base of Mawenzi.
As you gain altitude, vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the landscape begins transitioning into alpine desert.
The route eventually reaches Mawenzi Tarn at approximately 4,330 metres above sea level. The camp lies beneath the dramatic cliffs and jagged peaks of Mawenzi, creating a spectacular high altitude setting.
After reaching camp and resting, your guide may lead you on a controlled acclimatization walk depending on your condition and the weather.
The objective is to gain additional elevation before returning to Mawenzi Tarn to sleep. This follows the high altitude principle of climb high and sleep low and helps prepare your body for the journey toward Kibo.
The combination of dramatic mountain scenery and acclimatization makes this one of the most important days on the Rongai Route.
Major activities today include:
- High altitude trekking
• Mawenzi Tarn ascent
• Alpine landscape exploration
• High altitude acclimatization
• Mawenzi viewing
• Camping beneath Mawenzi
Additional experiences may include:
- Acclimatization hike
• Mawenzi photography
• Geological observation
• Sunset viewing
• Stargazing
• Mountain landscape photography
DAY 6: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT
Starting elevation: Approximately 4,330 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 4,703 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 8 to 9 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast at Mawenzi Tarn, you begin crossing one of the most dramatic landscapes on Mount Kilimanjaro, the broad Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
The environment is almost entirely barren, with very little vegetation and vast areas of volcanic rock and gravel stretching across the high altitude landscape.
Mawenzi gradually remains behind you while the massive summit cone of Kibo becomes increasingly dominant ahead.
The trail gains altitude gradually, but the reduced oxygen levels make the walk more demanding than similar distances at lower elevations.
Your guide will maintain a slow pace to conserve energy and support acclimatization.
You eventually arrive at Kibo Hut at approximately 4,703 metres above sea level, where the main focus shifts toward summit preparation.
After reaching Kibo, you will rest, eat and organize your warm clothing, headlamp, gloves, water, snacks and other essential summit equipment.
Your guide will provide a detailed final briefing before you attempt to sleep in the early evening.
The summit departure normally begins around midnight, so resting and conserving energy are extremely important.
Major activities today include:
- Crossing the Kilimanjaro Saddle
• Alpine desert trekking
• Views of Mawenzi and Kibo
• High altitude acclimatization
• Arrival at Kibo Hut
• Summit preparation
Additional experiences may include:
- Alpine desert photography
• Geological observation
• Equipment organization
• Final summit briefing
• Early rest
DAY 7: KIBO HUT TO GILMAN’S POINT, UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO HUT
Starting elevation: Approximately 4,703 metres
Gilman’s Point elevation: Approximately 5,685 metres
Uhuru Peak elevation: 5,895 metres
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 3,720 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 16 to 20 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 11 to 15 hours
Habitat: Arctic summit zone, alpine desert and moorland
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your 9 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route expedition. Your summit climb begins around midnight after warm drinks and a light meal.
You leave Kibo Hut in darkness and begin climbing slowly through steep volcanic scree. Temperatures can become extremely cold and oxygen levels continue decreasing as you gain elevation.
Your guides maintain a controlled pace because summit night is about endurance, patience and conserving energy.
Your first major objective is Gilman’s Point at approximately 5,685 metres, located on the crater rim. Reaching this point is a major achievement and brings you onto the upper rim of Kilimanjaro.
From Gilman’s Point, you continue gradually around the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Tanzania and the highest point on the African continent.
When weather conditions allow, sunrise can reveal dramatic glaciers, volcanic landscapes, distant peaks and clouds far below.
After celebrating and taking photographs, you begin descending toward Kibo Hut. The descent through loose scree is much faster than the ascent, but careful footing remains important.
After reaching Kibo Hut, you normally rest briefly and eat before continuing downward toward Horombo Hut at approximately 3,720 metres.
The lower elevation brings warmer temperatures and higher oxygen levels, providing a welcome contrast after summit night.
Major activities today include:
- Midnight summit departure
• High altitude night trekking
• Gilman’s Point ascent
• Kilimanjaro crater rim trekking
• Summit of Uhuru Peak
• Sunrise viewing
• Glacier viewing
• Descent to Kibo Hut
• Continued descent to Horombo Hut
Additional memorable experiences include:
- Summit photography
• Glacier photography
• Mawenzi viewing
• Sunrise photography
• Crater rim photography
• Summit celebration
• Mountain team congratulations
DAY 8: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,720 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 1,860 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 19 to 20 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland and montane rainforest
After breakfast at Horombo Hut, you begin your final descent from Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail gradually moves from moorland back toward the lower rainforest zone.
As you descend, temperatures become warmer and oxygen levels increase.
You pass through the Mandara area before continuing into the thick montane forest.
The final section can become wet or slippery depending on weather conditions, so careful footing remains important.
After approximately 5 to 7 hours, you arrive at Marangu Gate, where your seven days of mountain trekking officially come to an end.
At the gate, you complete the necessary national park exit procedures and say goodbye to the mountain crew that supported you throughout the expedition.
You then board your transfer vehicle and travel back to Arusha, normally taking approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
After arriving at your hotel, you can enjoy a warm shower, comfortable bed and a well deserved evening of relaxation.
Major activities today include:
- Final mountain descent
• Moorland trekking
• Rainforest trekking
• Marangu Gate arrival
• National park exit procedures
• Mountain crew farewell
• Transfer to Arusha
Additional activities may include:
- Celebration dinner
• Massage or spa treatment
• Arusha restaurant visit
• Souvenir shopping
• Hotel relaxation
DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM ARUSHA OR CONTINUE YOUR TANZANIA HOLIDAY
After breakfast at your hotel, your 9 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route adventure officially comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, Tansania Toll Safaris can arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
You may also choose to continue your Tanzania journey with a wildlife safari. Arusha provides excellent access to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.
For travellers who prefer relaxation after the mountain, a beach holiday in Zanzibar provides the perfect contrast to Kilimanjaro’s cold high altitude environment.
You can also add shorter experiences such as Materuni Waterfalls, Chemka Hot Springs, coffee tours or cultural activities around northern Tanzania.
Whatever you choose, your journey from the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres will remain one of the defining experiences of your Tanzania adventure.
Activities today include:
- Breakfast in Arusha
• Hotel check out
• Airport transfer
• Assistance with onward travel arrangements
Optional extensions include:
- Serengeti National Park safari
• Ngorongoro Crater safari
• Tarangire National Park safari
• Lake Manyara National Park safari
• Arusha National Park safari
• Zanzibar beach holiday
• Materuni Waterfalls
• Chemka Hot Springs
• Coffee tour
• Cultural tourism experience
Major Highlights of the 9 Days Rongai Route
- Approach Kilimanjaro from the quieter northern side
• Experience remote mountain landscapes
• Trek through forest, heath and moorland
• Camp at Simba Camp
• Trek toward Second Cave
• Enjoy dramatic views of Mawenzi
• Camp at Kikelewa
• Stay beneath Mawenzi at Mawenzi Tarn
• Complete an important high altitude acclimatization experience
• Cross the vast Kilimanjaro Saddle
• Reach Kibo Hut
• Attempt the summit at midnight
• Reach Gilman’s Point at approximately 5,685 metres
• Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres
• Stand on the highest point in Africa
• Descend through the southern side of Kilimanjaro
• Finish the trek at Marangu Gate
Your Tanzania Adventure Is Closer Than You Think
Let Us Create Your Perfect Tanzania Safari
Your dream of exploring Tanzania can begin with one simple conversation. Tell us when you would like to travel, how many people will join you and the experiences you hope to enjoy. Our safari specialists will prepare a personalized Tanzania travel proposal based on your interests, preferred accommodation, travel duration and budget. Whether you are planning a Serengeti wildlife safari, a Kilimanjaro climbing adventure, a romantic honeymoon, a family holiday or a complete Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach experience, we are ready to guide you through every step of the planning process. Contact Tansania Toll Safaris today and begin creating a journey filled with wildlife, discovery, comfort and unforgettable African moments.
Read Reviews
Follow us
- Tansania Toll Safaris
- @tansaniatollsafaris
- Tansania Toll Safaris
- +255 765 148 724
- +255 765 148 724
- sales@tansaniatoll-safaris.de
- Arusha, Tanzania
We Accept
