Standing tall above the African continent, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro has long held the hearts and minds of avid trekkers and adventurers alike. The only route to approach Kili from the north, the challenging Rongai Trek, offers a quieter, steadier, and more gradual climb up to the Roof of Africa. Experience the unspoiled nature of the Rongai Route's rugged, wild beauty on this 7-day high-altitude trekking tour! This fully-serviced trek includes walk-in tents, portable toilets, showers, and safety measures, ensuring your comfort as you focus on reaching the summit.
Highlights
Hike through rugged wilderness toward the Roof of Africa
Watch the spectacular sunrise from Mawenzi Tarn
Spend 6 days hiking through Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
Avoid the crowds on one of Kilimanjaro's quietest routes
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport on the flight of your choice today. Meet your driver after customs and baggage claim, transferring to your Moshi hotel for a trek briefing and restful first night in Tanzania.
Today is a free day in Moshi to rest and prepare for your trek. Additional excursions can also be arranged, please inquire:
Arusha National Park - Introduction to game viewing with options for canoe ride on Small Momela Lake or a walking safari.
Coffee Cooperative and Village Tour - Visit the village of Uru on the slopes of Kilimanjaro which produces some of the world's finest coffee. Get an understanding of village life for people living on Africa's highest mountain.
Mountain Biking - Day trips are available to stretch your legs and explore the backcountry.
In the evening, join a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide. You retire early for a good night's rest - Kilimanjaro awaits you!
Begin with a scenic two-hour drive from Moshi to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border, located in the village of Nale Moru. While waiting for your permits, observe the busy preparations of many crews. Start your trek through a manmade pine forest, followed by beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails. Your guide shares information about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife, such as the Black and White Colobus Monkey. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Enjoy excellent views of the Kenyan plains before reaching camp.
Hiking time: 4 hours Distance: 7 km/4.5 miles Rainforest Elevation: 1,800 m/5,900 ft to 2,600 m/8,400 ft
Begin your trek through the moorland zone, steadily gaining height and enjoying superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. After crossing the moorland zone, leave the main trail and take a smaller path toward the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Temperatures start to drop as you descend into the valley to the Kikelewa Caves, where camp is set up.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles Heath Elevation: 2,600 m/8,400 ft to 3,600 m/ 11,800 ft
Today involves a relatively short but steep trek through grassy slopes, leading to some of the most iconic views of the mountain. Camp is set at Mawenzi Tarn, at the foot of Mawenzi’s cirque, directly beneath its towering, jagged spires. This makes it one of the most spectacular sites for an overnight camp. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the area.
Hiking time: 4 hours Distance: 6 km/4 miles Alpine Desert Elevation: 3,600 m/11,800 ft to 4,320 m/ 14,200 ft
through the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. Depart from Mawenzi Tarn Camp and cross the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Rest at Kibo Camp to prepare for the final ascent, which begins shortly after midnight.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours Distance: 9 km/6 miles Alpine Desert Elevation: 4,320 m/14,200 ft to 4,750 m/ 15,400 ft
Start around midnight, following the moonlit path as you zigzag up the loose volcanic scree slope. This is the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, with extreme conditions due to the elevation and time of night. It takes at least five hours to reach Gillman’s Point (5,679m/18,600ft), which offers great views of the Eastern Ice fields. Watch the sunrise behind Mawenzi Peak, illuminating the plain. Continue for another hour around the crater and up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the spectacular glaciers lit by sunrise. Take a moment to enjoy this incredible accomplishment before descending to Horombo Hut, with a rest and lunch at Kibo Hut along the way. It is strongly recommended gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain.
Hiking time: 8-11 hours Distance: 6 km/4 miles up - 16 km/10 miles down Arctic Glacier Elevation: 4,750 m/15,400ft up to 5,895 m/19,340 ft down to 3,690 m/12,200 ft
After breakfast, engage in a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew before bidding goodbye. Resume the descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch, and then continue descending to Marangu Gate. After collecting your certificates, transfer to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and a comfortable bed.
Hiking time: 5-7 hours Distance: 20 km/12.2 miles Rainforest Elevation: 3,690 m/12,200 ft to 1,830 m/6,000 ft
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, meet your Kilimanjaro Airport transfer and arrive at the airport on time for your flight. Return home, or extend your trip to the white sands of Zanzibar!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge. prior to departure
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
The ship company they sent us on was perfect in every detail
lisa wegener
1 day ago
I’m so glad we found AdventureLife. Jess, our planner, was such a pleasure to work with. She readily shared her extensive knowledge about Panama, she offered good suggestions and creative ideas, kept everything organized and handled the details each step of the way.
Tim King
2 days ago
Jessica was wonderful! She made every effort to ensure our trip was just what we wanted.
Celine Krafft
2 days ago
Erin was easy to work with and very helpful. She was patient and helped us figure out the adventure tour we were hoping for in Belize. Can’t wait to go on this trip!
Sam Wedll
3 days ago
Jason has gone above and beyond. We have so much appreciation for him!
