7 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking (Rongai Route)

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  • 7 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking (Rongai Route)

OVERVIEW

Experience the scenic beauty and solitude of Kilimanjaro’s least-crowded route: Rongai Route. Starting from the north near the Kenyan border, this 7-day trek offers a gentler ascent, incredible wilderness, and a unique perspective of the mountain. Rongai is ideal for those looking for a quieter trail, dry conditions, and a good chance of spotting wildlife on the lower slopes. You’ll descend via the Marangu Route, giving you the rare opportunity to experience both sides of the mountain.

Day Camp Name Altitude (m) Accommodation Type
1 Babylon Lodge ~1,400 Lodge
2 Simba Camp 2,620 Tent
3 Second Cave 3,450 Tent
4 Kikelewa Camp 3,600 Tent
5 Mawenzi Tarn 4,330 Tent
6 Kibo Hut 4,700 Hut
7 Horombo Hut 3,720 Hut
8 Babylon Lodge ~1,400 Lodge

 

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by our friendly team and transferred to Babylon Lodge in Marangu. After check-in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing and gear check to ensure you’re fully prepared. The rest of the day is free for rest and enjoying the lush gardens of the lodge.
Overnight: Babylon Lodge
Altitude: ~1,400m


Day 2: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

After breakfast, you’ll drive through Chaga villages and farmlands to Nalemoru Gate (1,950m), near the Kenyan border. Once registered with park authorities, your trek begins through the shady montane forest filled with birdsong and occasional sightings of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail gently ascends to Simba Camp, located in a clearing with sweeping views of the plains below.
Trek Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 1,950m
End Altitude: 2,620m
Habitat: Montane Forest
Overnight: Simba Camp (Tent)


Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave

Today’s walk is a steady climb with open views of Kibo’s snowcapped summit and the jagged peak of Mawenzi. As you rise above the forest, the trail enters heath and moorland, dotted with giant heathers. You’ll reach Second Cave Camp, an ideal spot for acclimatization and photography.
Trek Distance: 6.5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 2,620m
End Altitude: 3,450m
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight: Second Cave Camp (Tent)


Day 4: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

A slightly more challenging day as you trek through open moorlands and alpine shrubs. The landscape becomes more rugged and remote as you approach Kikelewa Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley beside a seasonal stream. This peaceful site is a favorite for its tranquil beauty and stargazing potential.
Trek Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Start Altitude: 3,450m
End Altitude: 3,600m
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp (Tent)


Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

Start with a short but steep climb over grassy hills as the landscape transitions into the stark and rocky alpine desert. The route leads to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically set beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. Spend the afternoon resting or going for a short acclimatization hike around the tarn.
Trek Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Start Altitude: 3,600m
End Altitude: 4,330m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Tent)


Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Cross the surreal Saddle, a wide expanse of lunar-like terrain between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail is long but relatively flat, leading to Kibo Hut, your base camp before the summit. After an early dinner, rest as much as possible before your midnight summit push.
Trek Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Start Altitude: 4,330m
End Altitude: 4,700m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Overnight: Kibo Hut (Hut)


Day 7: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then down to Horombo Hut

Summit day begins before midnight with a slow, steady climb in darkness, aiming to reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise. After a short rest, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and then down to Horombo Hut for a well-earned night of sleep.
 Trek Distance: 6 km up + 16 km down
 Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
 Start Altitude: 4,700m
 Summit Altitude: 5,895m
 End Altitude: 3,720m
 Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
 Overnight: Horombo Hut (Hut)


Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi

Descend through alpine moorland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. Celebrate your achievement, collect your summit certificate, and meet your driver for the transfer to Babylon Lodge. Enjoy a warm shower, a hearty dinner, and time to reflect on your incredible journey.
 Trek Distance: 20 km
 Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
 End Altitude: 1,860m
 Overnight: Babylon Lodge


Day 9: Transfer to Airport / Safari or Zanzibar Extension

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or onward travel. If your adventure continues, we can assist with safari or Zanzibar beach extensions to make the most of your time in Tanzania.

Optional Add-On: Safari or Zanzibar Extension

Kilimanjaro National Park (Rongai Route) 

Your safari experience includes a mix of comfortable lodges and luxury tented camps, offering excellent service and stunning surroundings.

🏡 Camping Rongai Route

Experience the quieter side of Kilimanjaro with scenic campsites along the Rongai Route, offering peaceful nights under canvas, stunning alpine views, and close connection with nature on the mountain’s dry northeastern flank. rugged terrain.

🏡 Babylon Lodge

Nestled at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Marangu, Babylon Lodge offers a serene and comfortable base with lush gardens, cozy rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere—perfect for trekkers starting or ending their Kilimanjaro adventure.

(All accommodations provide ensuite bathrooms, dining options, and warm hospitality.)

What’s Included?

✅Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport

✅Park entrance and camping fees

✅Professional English-speaking guide, cook, and porters

✅All meals during the climb

✅Tents and camping gear

✅Oxygen cylinder & first-aid kit

✅Certificate of achievement

What’s Not Included?

❌International flights

❌Visa fees

❌Tips for crew

❌Sleeping bags and personal gear

❌Travel insurance

❌Optional upgrades or extra nights in Arusha

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What to Expect

✔ Less crowded trail with a peaceful wilderness experience
✔ Drier conditions, ideal during the rainy season
✔ Panoramic views of Kenya’s Amboseli plains
✔ Gradual ascent—great for acclimatization
✔ Opportunity to spot wildlife like colobus monkeys
✔ Approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, descending via Marangu
✔ Campsites with scenic and quiet surroundings

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro (Rongai Route)

January to early March – Warmer, clearer mornings, low rainfall
June to October – Peak season, dry weather, great visibility
November – Short rains, fewer crowds, scenic but slippery (Advanterous) 
December – Mixed conditions, still a good time but colder nights