7 Day Rongai Route

Day 1: Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, one of our Kili King representatives will warmly welcome you. You will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi, where you can rest and prepare for your exciting journey. 

Meals Included: None

Accommodation: Hotel, as discussed

 

 

Day 2: Trek to Simba Camp

Your journey starts as you leave Arusha and head for Rongai Gate (1950m), which takes around 6 hours to drive. At the gate, you’ll complete some entry paperwork. Afterward, you’ll have lunch and start walking. You’ll follow a wide path through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest where you might see some wildlife. You’ll reach your first camp at the edge of the moorland, Simba Camp (2671m), and enjoy fantastic views of the Tanzanian plains.

— Elevation Gain: 1950m/6398ft to 2671m/8763ft

— Distance: 8km/5mi

— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

— Habitat: Montane Forest

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

 

 

Day 3: Trekking from Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

Today, you’ll walk a bit more, about 15 kilometers. You’ll go from Simba Camp (2,671m) to Second Cave and then to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m). In the morning, you’ll walk steadily and have lunch at Second Cave. After that, you’ll walk on open moorland to a valley near Kikelewa Caves, where you’ll see giant tree-groundsels.

— Elevation Gain: 2671m/8763ft to 3600m/11,811ft

— Distance: 15km/9mi

— Hiking Time: 8 hours

— Habitat: Moorland

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

 

 

Day 4: Trekking from Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today, you’ll walk 7 kilometers from Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,315m). You’ll climb steep slopes with great views of Mawenzi’s towering spires. You can rest or explore in the afternoon to get used to the altitude.

— Elevation Gain: 3600m/11,811ft to 4315m/14,156ft

— Distance: 7km/4mi

— Hiking Time: 4 hours

— Habitat: Heath and Moorland to Alpine

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

 

 

Day 5: Rest day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Acclimatization)

This day will likely be acclimatizing day. After breakfast 0ur guide will take you for a short walk around Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

 

 

Day 6: Trekking from Mawenzi to Kibo Hut Camp

Today, you’ll gain less elevation but feel the effects of the altitude. You’ll go over the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo and stop at Kibo Hut, which is 4,720 meters high. This camp is just below the Kibo crater wall. You can rest in the afternoon and get ready for the summit day.

— Elevation Gain: 4315m/14,156 ft to 4720m/15,485ft

— Distance: 8km/5mi

— Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

— Habitat: Alpine Desert

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

 

 

Day 7: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and Descend to Horombo Hut (Summit Day!)

This is the most exciting day. You’ll start early in the morning with your headlamps on. You’ll walk up a zigzag path on rough volcanic ground. It’s a tough climb, about 6 to 7 hours, and you’ll go up almost 1,000 meters. Once you get to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) at the edge of the crater rim, you will walk another 2 hours along the crater to Uhuru Peak. Usually, in the early morning, you can see clearly and get great views of the crater, Mawenzi, and Mount Meru below. The path goes through a rocky place with ice cliffs. After you enjoy the amazing views and take pictures, you’ll walk back along the crater rim and quickly descend to Kibo Hut (4,700m). You’ll have lunch there and then go down to Horombo Camp (3,720m). It’s a long day of walking, but it’s worth it.

— Elevation Gain: 4720m/15,485 ft to 5895m/19,341ft

— Distance: 22km/14mi

— Hiking Time: 6-7 hours to summit, 2-3 hours summit to Kibo, 2 hours Kibo to Horombo (10-12 hours total, with a rest in between)

— Habitat: Arctic Zone to Heath and Moorland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

 

 

Day 8: Descend to Marangu Gate

You’ll start walking down from Horombo and see more plants as you get lower. You’ll walk through a pine forest and pass the first camping place on the Marangu Route, the Mandara Huts. Finally, you’ll reach the Marangu Gate (1,800m). Here, you’ll say goodbye to your guides, staff, and porters who have been with you on this amazing journey.

— Elevation: 3720m/12,204 ft to 1800m/5905ft

— Distance: 20km/12mi

— Hiking Time: 8 hours

— Habitat: Montane Forest

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, as discussed

 

 

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure or continue to your safari adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Included:

• All accommodations per itinerary
• All meals per itinerary
  
• All tours and entrance fees per itinerary
• All transportation and transfers per itinerary
  
• National Park gate fees
  
• Transport from / to Moshi or Arusha
  
• Certified Mountain guides for all routes
  
• Salaries for all crew members
  
• Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
  
• Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
  
• Emergency Oxygen (2L Canister)

 

Exclude:

• International and domestic flights
• Beverages and Alcohol
• Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
• Single room supplement
• Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $350-500/person)
• Optional tours
• Sleeping bags and personal gear
• Low season discount in April/May

 

2026 & 2027 prices

NO. of PAX in one group 1 PAX 2 -3 4-6 7+

Price per. Person $3,381   $2,491   $2,242   $1,990