7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro | Northern Approach Itinerary

Day 1

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Day 2

Rongai Cave to to Second Cave

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Heath

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Day 3

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft -14,400 ft

Distance: 2 km/1 mile

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft -14,160 ft

Distance: 2 km/1 mile

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

Day 5

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 6

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

7 Days Rongai Route – Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rongai Route easier than Machame?

The Rongai Route has a more gradual ascent and fewer steep sections compared to Machame, making it feel less strenuous, although summit day remains challenging.

Why is Rongai considered less crowded?

Rongai approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side near the Kenyan border, where fewer climbers begin their ascent compared to the southern routes.

Does the Rongai Route have good acclimatization?

Yes. The 7-day version includes an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn, which helps improve altitude adaptation before crossing to Kibo Hut.

Which route is used for descent on Rongai?

Climbers descend via the Marangu Route after summiting, allowing trekkers to experience two different sides of Mount Kilimanjaro.

7 Days Rongai Route – Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Approach

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave

Rongai Cave to to Second Cave

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Why Choose the 7 Days Rongai Route?

Quieter Northern Approach

Gradual Acclimatization Profile

Drier Climate

7 Days Rongai Route Quick Facts

7 Days Rongai Route – Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rongai Route easier than Machame?

Why is Rongai considered less crowded?

Does the Rongai Route have good acclimatization?

Which route is used for descent on Rongai?

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