7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE CLIMBING
(+ 2 days in a hotel)
The 7 Days Rongai Route is a unique and less crowded way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route approaches the mountain from the northern side, near the Kenyan border, offering stunning views and a chance to experience a quieter trek. Unlike other routes, the 7 Days Rongai Route passes through remote wilderness areas, giving climbers a chance to see unique wildlife and diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high-altitude deserts.
This route is also one of the easier climbs due to its gradual ascent, making it suitable for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The additional day for acclimatization increases the chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro vary greatly depending on the altitude. At the base, temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). As you ascend, the temperatures drop significantly, reaching below freezing at night near the summit. Climbers should prepare for temperatures as low as -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at Uhuru Peak.
Do You Need a Sleeping Pad?
Yes, you will need a good-quality sleeping pad to ensure warmth and comfort during the climb. Bush Lion Trekking and Tours provides sleeping pads, but you are welcome to bring your own for extra comfort. Our team also offers quality tents and sleeping bags for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Itinerary summary
- Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
- Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
- Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)
- Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)
- Day 6 – Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
- Day 7: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
- Day 8: Depart Tanzania
Who Should Climb the 7 Days Rongai Route?
The 7 Days Rongai Route is perfect for first-time climbers and beginners looking for a less crowded and scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its gradual ascent and steady trails, this route offers a gentler approach, making it easier for those new to high-altitude trekking.
While the Rongai Route is beginner-friendly, it is still essential to be physically prepared and take time to acclimatize properly to handle the altitude. The extra day included in the 7-day itinerary increases your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
Choose the 7 Days Rongai Route with Bush Lion Trekking and Tours for a peaceful and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience, combining breathtaking views, fewer crowds, and a manageable trail perfect for beginners!
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Simba Camp (2625m) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m)
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
- Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
- Approx. time taken: 3 – 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6 – Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it
Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
- Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
Distance: Approxim 12 – 15 hours - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 29 km
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: Departure Tanzania
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Hotels check out is 11:00am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee
PRICE FOR 7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE CLIMBING
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
1 Person | 2 – 4 People | 5 – 6 People | 7 – 9 People | 10 & Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$2,160 USD | $1890 USD | $1840 USD | $1,805 USD | $1750 USD |
Included
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi (BB) Panama Garden Resort/Parkview inn hotel
- Pre-Climb Briefing And Orientation
- Park Fees And Permits
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate Park entry fees,
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- 4 Season Mountain Tents
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Safety Equipment (Like Oxygen Tanks, First Aid Kits, Etc.)
- Portable Flush Toilet with a toilet tent
- Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Not Included
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
- Travel Insurance (Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, Etc.)
- Personal Gear (Such As Hiking Boots, Clothing, Backpacks, Etc.)
- Tips For Guides, Porters, And Other Staff
- Additional Accommodation And Meals Before Or After The Climb
- Alcoholic Beverages And Other Personal Expenses
- Laundry (Available at hotel).
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is $100 of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
- No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
