- Trip Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Similar Tours
What's included
- 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- All meals included
- All mentioned activities
- All park entrances fees
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari for emergence evacuations
- Government imposed increase of taxes and /or park fees
- Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
- Lunch box
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Professionally guided tour
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Entry visa for Tanzania
- Personal expenses
- Tips to mountain crew
Best 7 Days Rongai Route -Kilimanjaro Hiking
The best 7 days Rongai Route-Kilimanjaro Hiking is a popular hike that takes climbers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The 7-Day Rongai Route is known for its scenic beauty and remote wilderness, as it approaches Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain.
The hike starts at the Rongai Gate and follows a gradual ascent through dense forests, alpine meadows, and moorlands. The trail passes through several picturesque valleys, including the Second Cave and Third Cave, before reaching the Kibo Hut, which is the base camp for the final ascent to the summit.
The final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro starts at midnight and involves a steep climb up scree and rocks to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim.
From Gilman’s Point, the trail continues around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, where hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The descent follows the Marangu Route, passing through the scenic Horombo Hut and Mandara Hut before finally reaching the park gate at Marangu.
7-day Kilimanjaro climbing packages via the Rongai route are considered one of the more gradual and less crowded routes up Kilimanjaro, making them a popular choice for hikers who want to experience the beauty of the mountain without the crowds of other popular routes.
The Best 7-Day Kilimanjaro Treks | 7-Day Rongai Route
Looking to conquer Africa’s highest peak in just 7 days of Kilimanjaro hiking? The 7-Day Rongai Route—Kilimanjaro Hiking offers an incredible journey through breathtaking landscapes and remote wilderness, all leading to the majestic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Starting from the Rongai Gate, this trek presents a gradual ascent that allows climbers to acclimatize effectively. As you ascend, you’ll traverse dense forests, traverse alpine meadows, and navigate moorlands, each step revealing new panoramas of natural beauty.
Along the way, you’ll encounter scenic valleys like the Second Cave and Third Cave, adding an extra layer of charm to your adventure. Finally, you’ll reach Kibo Hut, your base camp for the thrilling final push to the summit.
The climax of your journey begins at midnight, where you’ll embark on a challenging ascent up scree and rocks, leading to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, the trail winds around the crater rim, guiding you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. At the summit, soak in the awe-inspiring vistas stretching as far as the eye can see.
Descending via the Marangu Route, you’ll pass through the scenic Horombo Hut and Mandara Hut, each offering a moment of respite amidst the stunning surroundings. Finally, your journey culminates at the park gate in Marangu, where you can reflect on your incredible achievement.
What sets the 7-Day Rongai Route apart is its gradual ascent and less crowded trails, providing a serene and immersive experience for hikers seeking to connect with nature and conquer the iconic Kilimanjaro.
Book your adventure of amazing days. Kilimanjaro Hiking
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Book your Kilimanjaro 7-Day Rongai Route adventure with KILINGE ADVENTURES and let the magic of Africa’s highest peak unfold before your eyes. Apart from the 7-day Rongai route, you may read and write some reviews for us from Safari Bookings.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
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.
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
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.
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
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
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.
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge -> Mawenzi Tarn
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. 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
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut.
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.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak.
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.
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
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
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