Simba Camp
Tented camp
Northern foothills, 2,625m
All Kilimanjaro routes
Rongai Route
7-Day Rongai Route – Mount Kilimanjaro
Rongai with an extra acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn for a markedly higher summit success rate.
7 days / 6 nights90% summit successModerateFrom $2,300 pp
Route overview
The seven-day Rongai adds a full rest and acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), which is exactly where the extra night pays off. Dry northern trails, few other climbers and the strongest success rate on this side of the mountain.
- Acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)
- Rain-shadow trails, excellent in shoulder seasons
- Northern ice fields in view for three days
- Full traverse — ascend Rongai, descend Marangu
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Moshi to Simba Camp
Drive around the mountain to the Kenyan border side and trek through farmland and pine.
- Elevation:
- 1,950m → 2,625m
- Distance:
- 8 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Simba Camp
- 2
Simba to Kikelelwa Camp
Steady moorland climb with constant views of Kibo's northern ice fields.
- Elevation:
- 2,625m → 3,600m
- Distance:
- 9 km · 6–7 hrs
- Overnight:
- Kikelelwa Camp
- 3
Kikelelwa to Mawenzi Tarn
Short steep day to the tarn beneath the spires of Mawenzi — superb acclimatisation.
- Elevation:
- 3,600m → 4,330m
- Distance:
- 6 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 4
Acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn
Rest day with an afternoon hike towards Mawenzi's ridges, sleeping again at the tarn to consolidate acclimatisation.
- Elevation:
- 4,330m → 4,600m → 4,330m
- Distance:
- 4 km · 3 hrs
- Overnight:
- Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 5
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Cross the high-altitude Saddle desert to the base of the summit cone.
- Elevation:
- 4,330m → 4,703m
- Distance:
- 9 km · 5–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Kibo Hut
- 6
Summit day: Uhuru Peak to Horombo
Midnight start to Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend the Marangu side.
- Elevation:
- 4,703m → 5,895m → 3,720m
- Distance:
- 21 km · 12–14 hrs
- Overnight:
- Horombo Hut
- 7
Horombo to Marangu Gate and Moshi
Final descent through moorland and forest, certificates and transfer to Moshi.
- Elevation:
- 3,720m → 1,860m
- Distance:
- 20 km · 5–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Moshi hotel (own account)
Camps, huts and lodges
Kikelelwa Camp
Tented camp
Moorland, 3,600m
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Tented camp
Two nights, 4,330m
Kibo Hut
Stone hut
Summit base, 4,703m
Horombo Hut
Mountain hut
Descent night, 3,720m
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 climber | $2,700 |
| 2 climbers | $2,450 |
| 3–4 climbers | $2,300 |
| 5–6 climbers | $2,200 |
| 7+ climbers | $2,120 |
What's included
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping/hut and rescue fees
- KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain plus filtered drinking water
- Quality four-season tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Daily pulse-oximeter health checks and emergency oxygen
- Return transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the park gate
- 18% VAT and government taxes
- Summit certificate at Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and evacuation insurance (compulsory)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag hire
- Tips for the mountain crew (KPAP guideline: ~$250 per climber)
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
Other Kilimanjaro routes
Questions before you commit to the mountain?
Talk to a Kilimanjaro specialist about fitness, gear hire and the route with the best summit odds for you.
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