This is a 7 days Rongai route itinerary variation with an extra day for acclimatization. Gradually sloping towards the summit, Uhuru Peak, the Rongai route begins from the Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tranquil Kilimanjaro recommends this route for climbers that have no previous climbing experience in higher altitudes and first-timers with little or no mountaineering experience.
In terms of difficulty, the Rongai route can be rated moderate as it is not as demanding as other difficult routes since it comes with a gentle slope and an equally gentle approach toward the summit.
The Rongai Route may offer an almost level slope but its main disadvantage is that climbers are more likely to suffer from altitude sickness (AMS) because it does not follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule strictly that is needed for acclimatization. In order to combat the high altitude sickness problem, we recommend that you add an extra day for acclimatization when plying this route.
On your way to the summit using the Rongai Route, you will traverse a variety of vegetation and climate zones starting with the rain forests on the lower altitudes, then moorlands, grassy slopes, alpine deserts as you climb higher, and tropical rainforests as you descend the mountain, on your way down towards the Marangu Gate.
There are high chances that you will see some wildlife since the route runs along the Kenya-Tanzania border near the Amboseli national park where wildlife like elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes roam freely and in abundance.
The Rongai Route is scenic and has less traffic of climbers making it perfect for private Kilimanjaro climbing and intimate groups.
Rongai route distance and other facts
- Distance: The Rongai route measures72 kilometers (44 miles) long.
- Location: The Rongai route approaches the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side, near the border of Kenya & Tanzania.
- Height: The Rongai route reaches Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
- Trail conditions: Mount Kilimanjaro’s northeastern side receives less precipitation and moisture as compared to the southern slopes making the Rongai Route the best route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro any time of the year.
Seven-day itinerary for the Rongai route
The seven-day Rongai Route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the recommended package as it offers an additional day for acclimatization. This additional acclimatization day is very beneficial for a considerably higher summit success rate. Even though it takes from 6 to 7 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro using the Rongai route, they strongly recommend the 7-day itinerary because of the above-mentioned additional acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn.
Normally, for the 7-day Rongai Route itinerary, trekking usually takes a duration of about 6-8 hours a day, gaining altitudes of in between 900m to 1km and 1.1km to 1.2km each day. This, therefore, requires you to be at your best form to achieve these high altitudes and on difficult terrain.
Sometimes in the event of extremely harsh weather and high altitudes some climbing equipment like crampons and ice axes may be recommended for use. All in all, apart from physical fitness, you will need mental preparedness and both physical and mental stamina to climb Mount Kilimanjaro using this 7-day Rongai Route package.
Where will you stay along this route?
Climbing using the 7 days Rongai Route itinerary is the ultimate Kilimanjaro camping experience as accommodation is exclusively in Tents that will be set up by our Tranquil Kilimanjaro porters on designated campsites along the 7 days Rongai trail. Day 1 begins with an overnight at Simba Camp then followed by stays in Second Cave Camp, Kikelelwa Camp, and Mawenzi Tarn Camp, before summiting via Kibo Hut Camp and then taking the Marangu Route to descend. Obviously the day before your climb we will book you into a hotel room and if need be, which is a matter of personal preference, even after you descend the mountain, we will book you into a nice hotel/lodge to relax before catching your flight back home or continuing on a safari or Zanzibar beach combo or addon.
How much will this 7 days Rongai Route trek cost?
The prices for this 7 days Rongai route trip will cost starting from $1,675 for a group of 10 people and above to $2,490 for a single person. These costs include all taxes and requirements as indicated in the “price” tab under the items included and excluded section.
As for the meals on this trek, rest assured that our chef has expertise in preparing delicious and serving energy-giving foods while on the mountain. Also, be sure to indicate if you have any dietary restrictions that you would like us to be aware of.
7 Days Rongai Route full-moon climbs
It is possible to book this tour and climb Kilimanjaro on a full moon. Just contact us on the booking form to get a free quote, and proper time dates from our reservation team. More details and exact dates for the Kilimanjaro full moon climbs.
A typical itinerary for the Rongai route
| DAY | START | ALTITUDE (M/FT) | FINISH | ALTITUDE (M/FT) | TIME (HRS) | DISTANCE (KM/MI) |
| 1 | Rongai Gate | 1,950m/ 6,398ft | Simba Camp/Rongai Cave | 2,830m/ 9,300ft | 4 | 7km/ 4mi |
| 2 | Rongai Cave | 2,830m/ 9,300ft | Second Cave | 3,450m/ 11,300ft | 3-4 | 6km/ 4mi |
| Second Cave | 3,450m/ 11,300ft | Kikelewa Camp | 3,600m/ 11,811ft | 3-4 | 3km/ 2mi |
| 3 | Kikelewa Cave | 3,600m/ 11,811ft | Mawenzi Tarn | 4,315m/ 14,160ft | 4 | 6km/ 6mi |
| 4 | Mawenzi Tarn | 4,315m/ 14,160ft | Mawenzi Ridge | 4,389m/ 14,400ft | 1-2 | 2km/ 1mi |
| Mawenzi Ridge | 4,389m/ 14,400ft | Mawenzi Tarn | 4,315m/ 14,160ft | 1-2 | 2km/ 1mi |
| 5 | Mawenzi Tarn | 4,315m/ 14,160ft | Kibo Hut | 4,703m/ 15,430ft | 5-6 | 9km/ 6mi |
| 6 | Kibo Hut | 4,703m/ 15,430ft | Uhuru Peak | 5,895m/ 19,341ft | 6-8 | 6km/ 4mi |
| Uhuru Peak | 5,895m/ 19,341ft | Horombo Hut | 3,720m/ 12,205ft | 4-5 | 16km/ 10mi |
| 7 | Horombo Hut | 3,720m/ 12,205ft | Marangu Gate | 1,843m/ 6,046ft | 5-7 | 20km/ 12mi |
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7-Day Rongai route summit success rate
The summit success rate for the seven-day Rongai route is a high 80%. The success rate is considerably high as compared to the 6-day Rongai route because the 7-day route variation offers an additional day for acclimatization. The six-day Rongai route has a lower summit success rate of a mere 65%.
Tips for trekkers on the 7-Day Rongai route
- Carry enough supply of wet wipes as you might go for some days without taking a bath.
- Maintain a positive attitude even when the trail conditions become too demanding.
- To ease on the stress that comes along with the long and tiresome treks, consider bringing along your favorite pocket music player or iPod with a playlist of your favorite and inspiring songs to keep you company.
- Altitude sickness is real and it can happen to anybody, be mentally prepared to accept and find ways to combat AMS..
- To mentally prepare for the Rongai route, try to spend a few weekends camping to get familiar with using limited facilities, and to overcome any small barriers you might encounter.
- Ensure you try out your hiking boots before embarking on your 7-day Rongai route tour on Mount Kilimanjaro to make sure you are comfortable wearing them and they fit you perfectly. This is to avoid blisters and discomfort with eventually lead to trekking cancellation on your way to the summit.
- Remember, always climb at a slow and steady pace, Mount Kilimanjaro is like a marathon, not a 100m dash. This will help your heart rate and make sure your heart and lungs do not overwork.
- Drink as much water as possible, if possible more than 4 liters a day! Water helps in acclimatizing and avoiding or minimizing altitude sickness.
Additional information
