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Rongai Route
9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route (With Acclimatization Day)
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 9 Day Trek
- Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
From - $2000
Overview
Climb Africa's highest peak via the remote and scenic Rongai Route — the only approach that starts from Kilimanjaro's northern slopes near the Kenyan border. This 9-day adventure includes 7 days of trekking and 2 hotel nights in Arusha. Known for its drier climate, gradual elevation gain, and breathtaking wilderness scenery, Rongai is ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and a high summit success rate. With an acclimatization day built into the itinerary, Dream Trails Expeditions ensures a safer, more enjoyable journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Enjoy peaceful trails, panoramic views, and expert local support on this memorable route.
- Route: Rongai Route (Nalemoru Gate → Simba → Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo → Summit → Return via Marangu)
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights (7 trekking days + 2 hotel nights)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Mountain tents (Simba, Kikelewa, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo, Horombo)
- Transport: 4x4 transfers to Rongai Gate and return from Marangu Gate
- Guide: Experienced, certified mountain guides and porters
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
- Start / End: Arusha, Tanzania
- 🌄 Summit from the less-traveled northern approach with fewer crowds
- 🐘 Chance to spot wildlife on the remote lower slopes
- 🗻 Acclimatize below the jagged peaks of Mawenzi volcano
- 🏞️ Traverse rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit zones
- 🏕️ Camp under the stars with full support and cozy tents
- 📸 Spectacular views across Kenya and toward Kilimanjaro's crater rim
- 💬 Build camaraderie with international trekkers and friendly guides
This extended 9-day itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn Camp to improve summit success. Our strategy includes:
- • Climb High, Sleep Low: Optional hike to Mawenzi Ridge (~4,600 m) and descent back to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m).
- • Gradual Altitude Gain: A slow, steady approach from the dry northern side.
- • Health Monitoring: Daily oxygen saturation checks and wellness assessments.
- • Hydration and Nutrition: Balanced meals and regular water breaks to support adjustment.
Arrival & Transfers:
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Arusha for rest and a detailed trek briefing with your Dream Trails Expeditions guide.
What to Pack:
- • Layered and moisture-wicking clothing
- • Warm outerwear, gloves, and hat for summit day
- • Hiking boots, gaiters, and trekking poles
- • Headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses
- • Water bottles or hydration pack
Travel Documents:
- • Valid passport (min. 6-month validity)
- • Tanzania tourist visa (online or on arrival)
Health & Safety:
All Dream Trails climbs include first-aid kits, portable oxygen, and trained guides capable of managing high-altitude emergencies.
- January – March & June – October: Dry seasons with optimal visibility and milder conditions.
- April – May & November: Wet seasons with fewer trekkers and lush greenery, but with increased rainfall risk.
- ✅ All airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- ✅ Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before & after trek)
- ✅ Full board on trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- ✅ Professional, certified mountain guides and porters
- ✅ Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping, and rescue fees
- ✅ 4x4 transfers to Rongai Gate and return from Marangu Gate
- ✅ High-quality tents and sleeping pads
- ✅ Clean drinking water and hot beverages
- ✅ Pre-trek briefing and preparation support
- ❌ International airfare
- ❌ Tanzania visa fees
- ❌ Travel and medical insurance
- ❌ Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles)
- ❌ Gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks
- ❌ Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, souvenirs)
- 🧭 Add extra acclimatization or safari days
- 💎 Upgrade Arusha hotel to a mid-range or luxury lodge
- 📷 Hire a professional photographer or drone operator
- 🏞️ Combine with post-trek safari to Ngorongoro or Serengeti
- 🚁 Book a scenic helicopter flight over the summit (weather permitting)
- 🇹🇿 Local Expertise: Tanzanian-owned team with deep route knowledge
- 🏕️ Safety First: Licensed guides, quality gear, and health protocols
- 🥾 Higher Success Rate: Built-in acclimatization for optimal performance
- 💬 Personal Service: 24/7 support from planning to summit
- 🌍 Ethical Standards: Fair porter wages and Leave No Trace commitment
- 📸 Unmatched Memories: From sunrise on Mawenzi to the summit of Africa
9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route (With Acclimatization Day)
01
Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha
Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha
- Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive
- Habitat: Urban / Highland
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your Dream Trails Expeditions representative.
- Transfer to your lodge in Arusha for check-in and relaxation after your journey.
- Receive a pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your mountain guide.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
Overnight: Arusha (Standard Lodge / Hotel)
02
Day 2 — Arusha → Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
Route: Arusha → Rongai Gate (1,950 m) → Simba Camp (2,650 m)
- Distance / Time: 7 km | 3–4 hours trekking
- Habitat: Cultivated farmland → pine forest
- Drive 3–4 hours to the remote Rongai Gate on the northern slope.
- Gentle ascent through maize fields and pine plantations; spot colobus monkeys.
- Reach Simba Camp near the forest edge with first views of Kibo across the Kenyan plains.
Overnight: Simba Camp (2,650 m)
03
Day 3 — Simba Camp → Kikelewa Camp
Route: Simba (2,650 m) → Second Cave (3,450 m) → Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
- Distance / Time: 12 km | 6–7 hours trekking
- Habitat: Moorland
- Leave the forest for open heathland dotted with giant lobelias.
- Pass Second Cave with panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
- Continue to Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley; afternoon rest.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
04
Day 4 — Acclimatization Day at Kikelewa
Route: Kikelewa (3,600 m) → Mawenzi Ridge (4,300 m) → Kikelewa (3,600 m)
- Distance / Time: 5 km round trip | 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland / Alpine desert
- Short steep hike to Mawenzi Ridge for dramatic close-up of jagged volcanic spires.
- "Climb high, sleep low" principle to boost summit success.
- Return to Kikelewa for lunch, games, and recovery.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
05
Day 5 — Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Route: Kikelewa (3,600 m) → Mawenzi Tarn (4,315 m)
- Distance / Time: 6 km | 4–5 hours trekking
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Cross the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Arrive at Mawenzi Tarn – a stunning alpine lake beneath towering volcanic walls.
- Afternoon free to explore or rest; final summit prep.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315 m)
06
Day 6 — Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut
Route: Mawenzi Tarn (4,315 m) → Kibo Hut (4,703 m)
- Distance / Time: 8 km | 5–6 hours trekking
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Traverse the barren saddle with ever-closer views of Kibo's glaciers.
- Gradual climb to Kibo Hut at the base of the summit cone.
- Early dinner and sleep before midnight wake-up.
Overnight: Kibo Hut (4,703 m)
07
Day 7 — Summit Day (Kibo → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut)
Route: Kibo (4,703 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
- Distance / Time: 20 km | 12–16 hours total trekking
- Habitat: Arctic summit zone → moorland
- Midnight start; steep scree ascent to Gilman's Point (5,681 m).
- Follow crater rim to Uhuru Peak at sunrise – the roof of Africa!
- Descend to Kibo for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for hot meal and sleep.
Overnight: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
08
Day 8 — Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha
Route: Horombo (3,720 m) → Marangu Gate (1,840 m) → Arusha
- Distance / Time: 20 km | 5–7 hours trekking
- Habitat: Moorland → rainforest
- Final breakfast on the mountain; descend through heather and forest.
- Arrive at Marangu Gate, receive summit certificates, tip crew.
- Transfer 2 hours back to Arusha for hot shower and celebration.
Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)
09
Day 9 — Departure from Arusha
Route: Hotel → Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive
- Relaxed morning with breakfast at your hotel.
- Optional Maasai market visit or coffee tour before airport transfer.
- Depart with wild memories of the quiet northern approach to Kilimanjaro.
End of Tour ✨
