7-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Hiking Tour – Northern Adventure

The only route that ascends Kilimanjaro from the North with a different view of a true unspoiled wilderness. Less crowded compared to other routes because of its remoteness. It has a gradual ascent so it is highly recommended for the less experienced climbers. It descends via Marangu route in the South. Book this Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari.

Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive at Nalemoru gate and hike to Simba camp (1,990 – 2,625m)
• Day 2: Hike from Simba camp to Second cave (2,625 – 3,450m)
• Day 3: Hike from Second cave to Kikelewa camp (3,450 – 3,650m)
• Day 4: Hike from Kikelewa camp to Mawenzi tarn (3,650 – 4,330m)
• Day 5: Hike from Mawenzi tarn to Kibo hut (4,330 – 4,700m)
• Day 6: Summit Day! Hike from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak-summit (4,700 – 5,895m), Descend from Uhuru peak to Horombo hut (5,895 – 3,700m)
• Day 7: Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate (3,700 – 1,860m)

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive at Nalemoru gate and hike to Simba camp (1,990 – 2,625m)

Arrive at the gate travelling through coffee plantations and villages and complete the necessary formalities before starting your climb to the summit. Your hike will start through farmlands before you enter into the pine forest, as the hike gently climbs through the rain forest, you have a chance to spot some wildlife.

As the forest thins out, you will arrive at Simba camp where you will spend the night next to the moorland with amazing views of the Kenyan plains.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Day 2: Hike from Simba camp to Second cave (2,625 – 3,450m)

After breakfast, you continue on a steady climb through moorland with amazing views of the eastern ice fields and Kibo. Take time for lunch and then continue on towards Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. Later you will reach the Second cave camp where you will spend the night.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Day 3: Hike from Second cave to Kikelewa camp (3,450 – 3,650m)

Continue steadily up the mountain taking a path that will bring you closer to the Eastern ice fields, take time to admire their beauty. Continue on to Kikelewa camp suited in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios.

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Day 4: Hike from Kikelewa camp to Mawenzi tarn (3,650 – 4,330m)

Today’s climb takes you to the beautiful Mawenzi tarn. Leaving the heath and moorland vegetation behind heading into the rocky highlands as we get closer to Mawenzi characterized but small and large volcanic boulders. Hours later, you will set foot at Mawenzi tarn, your campsite for tonight.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Day 5: Hike from Mawenzi tarn to Kibo hut (4,330 – 4,700m)

Today you will walk through the lunar landscape known as the Saddle that joins Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the Kibo hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater where you are to spend the last night before your final attempt of the summit. Prepare for the summit ascent before you go in for an early night’s sleep.

Hiking time: 4—5 hours

Day 6: Summit Day! Hike from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak-summit (4,700 – 5,895m), Descend from Uhuru peak to Horombo hut (5,895 – 3,700m)

The most challenging day on the Kilimanjaro climb, summit day. You will start your final summit attempt at midnight. You will climb to Gilman’s point by dawn, enjoy the views from this point then proceed along the crater rim passed Stella point and finally at the summit, Uhuru peak (5,895m). Well-done, you made it to the tallest point in Africa.

Take 15-30 minutes at the top, savoring the moment, taking in the magical views above the clouds and photography to freeze the moment.

Time to descend back to Horombo hut via Kibo hut where you will first stop for a warm filling lunch and a little break. Overnight at Horombo hut.

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Day 7: Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate (3,700 – 1,860m)

Time to leave the mighty Kilimanjaro. After breakfast, start your descent to the base of the mountain through moorland via Mandara hut for lunch. Before you continue down the forest path to Marangu gate, remember to show appreciation to your climb support crew.

Your tour driver will be waiting to pick you up and drive you to your hotel. He will also present you with your summit certificates as you continue to celebrate your accomplishment.

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