Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic 6-day Rongai Route with Big 7 Safari Tours. Enjoy quiet trails, diverse landscapes, and high summit success on this off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Looking for a more peaceful path to the Roof of Africa? The Rongai Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s least traveled and most scenic trekking routes, offering an intimate wilderness experience. Starting from the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border, this route offers gorgeous views, minimal crowds, and an excellent summit success rate.
The 6-day Rongai itinerary includes a gentle, gradual ascent and crosses diverse landscapes—montane forests, heather zones, and dramatic alpine desert—before descending along the Marangu Route, giving you the best of both worlds.
✅ Remote and uncrowded trail
✅ Panoramic views from both north and south
✅ Diverse landscapes and alpine flora
✅ High success rate due to gradual climb
✅ Ideal for those seeking solitude and serenity
A Gentle Start Through Forest and Farmland
Elevation: 1,950m to 2,600m (6,398 ft to 8,530 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast in Moshi or Arusha, you’ll be transferred to the Rongai Gate, passing through rural landscapes and farmlands. The trek begins gently, leading through cornfields and pine forest, home to colobus monkeys and exotic birds. You’ll reach 1st Caves Camp by evening, where your crew will have your camp set up and hot dinner waiting.
Overnight: 1st Caves Camp
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Scenic Trek with Expansive Views
Elevation: 2,600m to 3,600m (8,530 ft to 11,811 ft)
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trail offers vast open views as you ascend past Second Cave (3,450m), a perfect spot for lunch. Continue toward Kikelewa Cave Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley with dramatic scenery. Expect a cold night as the altitude increases.
Overnight: Kikelewa Cave Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A Short but Steep Climb to Alpine Beauty
Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m (11,811 ft to 14,160 ft)
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Zone
A relatively short but steeper day, the trail leads to Mawenzi Tarn, one of the most beautiful campsites on Kilimanjaro. Located beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak, it’s an incredible place to rest, acclimatize, and admire the surrounding alpine wilderness.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Into the Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m (14,160 ft to 15,430 ft)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue toward Kibo Hut, crossing the stark and wind-swept Saddle, a desert-like plain between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After a hot lunch and rest, your guide will brief you for summit night. Eat an early dinner and get to bed by 7 PM—summit push starts before midnight!
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Summit Day – Your Journey to the Top of Africa
Ascent: 4,700m to 5,895m (15,430 ft to 19,341 ft)
Descent: 5,895m to 3,720m (12,205 ft)
Distance: 6 km ascent / 21 km descent
Hiking Time: 8 hours up / 6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic Zone to Moorland
Wake up at 11:30 PM for tea and snacks before setting off under the stars. Trek past Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim—a huge milestone. From there, push onward to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
Celebrate your summit, take photos, and savor the views before descending to Kibo Hut for a hot lunch and a short rest. Then continue to Horombo Hut, where you'll enjoy a final mountain dinner and a deep, well-earned sleep.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Final Descent & Celebration
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,980m (12,139 ft to 6,003 ft)
Distance: 27 km / 17 miles
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Enjoy a celebratory breakfast with your crew, who will treat you to traditional songs and dancing. After heartfelt goodbyes and tipping your guides, porters, and cook, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate.
At the gate, you’ll sign out and collect your climbing certificate—green for Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and post-climb celebration.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Let Big 7 Safari Tours craft an unforgettable African adventure just for you!
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