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Kilimanjaro Mountain National Park 8 days, 7 Nights-Rongai Route ($1900)

The Rongai Route is one of the less crowded paths to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Kilimanjaro Mountain National Park 8 days, 7 Nights-Rongai Route ($1900)

The Rongai Route is a scenic, less-crowded path up Mount Kilimanjaro, approaching from the north near Kenya. Known for its moderate difficulty, steady ascent, and high success rate, it takes 6-8 days, passing through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before the summit push. Unlike busier routes like Machame, Rongai offers a remote wilderness experience with wildlife sightings but has fewer scenic variations. Best climbed in dry seasons (Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct), it’s ideal for beginners or those seeking a quieter trek, though camping is mandatory (no huts). Compared to other routes, Rongai balances accessibility, solitude, and a rewarding climb.

What's Included

What's Not Included

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Kilimanjaro

As arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced Mountain coordinators will give you a pre-safari briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you on your upcoming expedition. Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.

Day 2: Moshi to Rongai Gate - Simba Camp

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll set off on a 2 to 3-hour drive toward the Rongai Gate, passing through scenic farmlands and rural villages. Upon arriving at the gate, you’ll complete the registration process before beginning your trek through lush farmlands and pine forests. The trail starts with a gentle ascent, allowing you to gradually adjust to the altitude. Along the way, you might spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The peaceful surroundings offer a great introduction to Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes. Once you arrive at Simba Camp, you’ll enjoy a hot meal and settle in for the night, resting up for the days ahead.

Day 3: Simba Camp - Kikelewwa Camp

After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on your trek, ascending through the beautiful moorland zone. As you climb higher, the landscape opens up, offering stunning views of the eastern ice fields along Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Kikelewa Camp, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival at the camp, you’ll enjoy a hot, freshly prepared meal, and settle in for a well-deserved rest, soaking in the serenity of the high-altitude environment as you prepare for the next stage of your adventure.

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to MawenziHut

Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, taking you through grassy slopes that lead to the stunning Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. The campsite is set in a dramatic, picturesque landscape with breathtaking views in every direction. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch and have time to relax or take a short acclimatization hike to help your body adjust to the altitude. In the evening, you’ll be served dinner, followed by an informative briefing from your guide to prepare you for the next day’s trek to higher altitudes.

Day 5: Mawenzi Turn Hut – Kibo Hut

After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on your trek, ascending through the beautiful moorland zone. As you climb higher, the landscape opens up, offering stunning views of the eastern ice fields along Kilimanjaro’s crater rim. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Kikelewa Camp, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival at the camp, you’ll enjoy a hot, freshly prepared meal, and settle in for a well-deserved rest, soaking in the serenity of the high-altitude environment as you prepare for the next stage of your adventure.

Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru summit – Horombo Hut

Wake at midnight to a light breakfast, then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Leave at 1 AM, switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 5 and 7 AM. Here, views of the fabled crater and its icecaps greet you. Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snows take you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 9 AM. This is Africa’s highest point, and you would have to travel more than 3,000 miles toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak! Be sure to have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends.

After your summit stays, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your things, and recross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep! 

Day 7: Horombo hut – Marangu Gate

Wake, as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 PM. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to the Hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration!

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. A trip to the beaches at Zanzibar is a good way to recuperate. We can arrange many reasonably priced trips and safaris around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region.

FAQs About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, meaning no ropes or climbing gear are required. However, it is physically demanding due to high altitude (5,895m/19,341ft). Success depends on fitness, acclimatization, and mental endurance.

The best times are:

  • January–March (warm, clear skies, fewer crowds)

  • June–October (dry season, cooler temperatures)
    Avoid April–May (heavy rains) and November (shorter rains).

Most routes take 5–9 days. Longer routes (e.g., Lemosho, Northern Circuit) have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.

Popular routes include:

  • Lemosho (7–8 days) – Scenic, good acclimatization

  • Machame (6–7 days) – Challenging, high success rate

  • Marangu (5–6 days) – Easiest, but lower success due to short duration

  • Northern Circuit (9 days) – Longest, best for acclimatization

Yes! Independent climbing is not allowed. You must book with a licensed tour operator that provides guides, porters, and permits.

  • 5-day routes: ~50% success

  • 7–8-day routes: ~85–90% success
    Proper acclimatization increases chances significantly.

  • Essential gear includes:

    • Layered clothing (thermal base, fleece, down jacket)

    • Sturdy hiking boots (broken-in)

    • Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -20°C)

    • Trekking poles

    • Headlamp (for summit night)

  • Prices range from $1,500 (budget) to $5,000+ (luxury). Factors include:

    • Operator reputation (safety, guide quality)

    • Route & duration

    • Group size (private vs. group climbs)

Payment Methods

Choose a secure payment option for your bookings. We accept all major cards and charge a 3.5% processing fee.

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Visa, MasterCard, American Express accepted.

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Processing Fee

A 3.5% charge is applied for card transactions.

Need help with your payment? Contact us at info@haggaz.or.tz

 

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