Kilimanjaro trekking via Rongai Route
Tanzania 8 Days 7 Nights From $2,509

Kilimanjaro trekking via Rongai Route

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The Rongai Route offers a quieter and more scenic alternative to the popular southern approaches to Mount Kilimanjaro. As part of our professionally guided Kilimanjaro climbing tours, this route begins on the mountain’s northern slope and takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to open moorland and alpine desert.

The Rongai Route offers a quieter and more scenic alternative to the popular southern approaches to Mount Kilimanjaro. As part of our professionally guided Kilimanjaro climbing tours, this route begins on the mountain’s northern slope and takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to open moorland and alpine desert.

Often combined with an unforgettable Tanzania safari, the Rongai Route provides a unique opportunity to experience both mountain adventure and Tanzania’s world-class wildlife in one seamless journey.

One of the route’s standout features is its approach toward Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic volcanic cones. This perspective is unique to the Rongai Route, offering breathtaking views rarely seen on other trails.

The gradual ascent profile allows for steady acclimatization, though certain sections present a rewarding challenge as you gain altitude. Throughout the trek, you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery and a quieter, more remote trekking experience.

With Oreteti Safaris, your 8-day Rongai Route climb includes all essential gear, meals, and full support from experienced guides and crew, ensuring your safety, comfort, and success on the mountain.

If you’re seeking a scenic, less crowded, and truly rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure, the Rongai Route is an excellent choice.

Book your 8-day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek today and begin your journey to the Roof of Africa.

Trip Summary

Day 1

ARRIVAL

Planet Lodge KIA
Day 2

TREKKING FROM NALEMURU GATE TO SIMBA CAMP

SIMBA CAMP
Day 3

TREKKING FROM SIMBA CAMP TO KIKILEWA CAMP

KIKILEWA CAMP
Day 4

TREKKING FROM KIKILEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP

MAWENZI TARN CAMP
Day 5

TREKKING FROM MAWENZI TARN CAMP TO SCHOOL HUT CAMP

SCHOOL HUT CAMP
Day 6

TREKKING TO UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO CAMP

HOROMBO CAMP
Day 7

DESCENT FROM HOROMBO CAMP TO MARANGU GATE

Planel Lodge KIA
Day 8

DEPARTURE

2026/2027 Rates Per Person

Dates 2–3 Pax 4–5 Pax 6 Pax
1 Jun - 31 Oct $2,509$2,467$2,400
22 Dec - 31 Mar $2,472$2,380$2,410
1 Nov - 21 Dec $2,423$2,391$2,300
1 Apr - 31 May $2,397$2,313$2,289

Tour Features

Tour level

Classic Safari

Best-value experience with trusted comfort.

Private tour

Private Tour

Private guide & vehicle exclusively for you.

Customizable

Customizable

Tailored to your dates, pace and comfort level.

Guaranteed departure

Guaranteed Departure

Available year-round. Start any day.

Planning Guides

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ARRIVAL
Day 1
Trekking

ARRIVAL

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Oreteti Safaris representative, and transfer to accommodation in Arusha for relaxation, Dinner, and overnight. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

🏨 Accommodation & Meals
Planet Lodge KIA
🍽 Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Planet Lodge KIA Planet Lodge KIA
TREKKING FROM NALEMURU GATE TO SIMBA CAMP
Day 2
Trekking

TREKKING FROM NALEMURU GATE TO SIMBA CAMP

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's northern entrance: Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Simba Camp (2,625 m). Your trek this day will be moderate and take you through the coniferous forest up Kilimanjaro's northern slope. Remember not to hurry and always keep a comfortable pace. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put up tents and cook dinner for you.

🏨 Accommodation & Meals
SIMBA CAMP
🍽 Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
TREKKING FROM SIMBA CAMP TO KIKILEWA CAMP
Day 3
Trekking

TREKKING FROM SIMBA CAMP TO KIKILEWA CAMP

After an early breakfast, begin your trek from Simba Camp toward Kikelewa Camp, ascending steadily through the rugged and increasingly open landscapes of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. As you gain altitude, the terrain transitions from forested areas into heath and moorland, offering expansive views of the surrounding wilderness.

This stage of the climb is more physically demanding than previous days, with a gradual but noticeable increase in elevation. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Kibo Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest summit, weather permitting.

Arrive at Kikelewa Camp (3,630m) in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to rest, rehydrate, and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Take in the peaceful mountain atmosphere as you prepare for the next stage of your ascent.

An early dinner and proper rest are essential, allowing your body to recover and adjust for the days ahead.


🏨 Accommodation & Meals
KIKILEWA CAMP
🍽 Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
TREKKING FROM KIKILEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP
Day 4
Trekking

TREKKING FROM KIKILEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP

Early wakeup, breakfast, and the start of trekking to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is situated at the foot of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro's second summit. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and a two-hour rest, after which there will be an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude, followed by a hike back down to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, where you will have dinner in the evening

🏨 Accommodation & Meals
MAWENZI TARN CAMP
🍽 Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
TREKKING FROM MAWENZI TARN CAMP TO SCHOOL HUT CAMP
Day 5
Trekking

TREKKING FROM MAWENZI TARN CAMP TO SCHOOL HUT CAMP

This day will be spent trekking towards School Hut Camp (4,715 m). The landscape will change significantly to give way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

🏨 Accommodation & Meals
SCHOOL HUT CAMP
🍽 Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
TREKKING TO UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO CAMP
Day 6
Trekking

TREKKING TO UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO CAMP

Night departure from School Hut Camp (4,715 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. For the entire length of the trekking, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720 m).

Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails. 

🏨 Accommodation & Meals
HOROMBO CAMP
🍽 Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 7
Trekking

DESCENT FROM HOROMBO CAMP TO MARANGU GATE

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

🏨 Accommodation & Meals
Planel Lodge KIA
🍽 Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 8
Departure

DEPARTURE

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before your departure. After breakfast, take time to unwind and reflect on your incredible journey before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Please note that standard hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you have an evening flight, a late check-out can be arranged at an additional cost for your comfort and convenience.

As your Kilimanjaro adventure comes to an end, many travelers choose to extend their experience with a memorable Tanzania safari, completing the ultimate East African journey.

We wish you a safe journey and look forward to welcoming you back again.


Package Includes

Tour price includes (climbing)

Transfers:

  • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Arusha;
  • Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

  • Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees, and all others). 

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation at 3* to 4*hotel  one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a swimming pool;
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);

Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. A single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

  • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
  • All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
  • All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
  • All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
  • Complete medical kits including Diamox.

Climbing crew:

  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holders of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

We are proud to be the members of Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators,  Oreteti Safaris is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks, and other Kilimanjaro teammates. 

Taxes:

  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL, and 0.3% Service Levy. Oreteti Safaris is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Package Doesn't Include

  • International flights;
  • Tips (200 - 250 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
  • Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3-4 people);
  • Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.

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