Explore Tour
Unforgettable 7-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Expedition
With a remarkable 97 % success rate, ascend the legendary Rongai route to summit the snow-capped Kilimanjaro.
Find comfort in high-altitude tents for a well-rested adventure, whether it’s your first 5000-er or a milestone in the Seven Summits challenge. Stand atop Africa and conquer the world’s largest free-standing mountain at the breathtaking summit.
Tour Plan
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and begin your adventure!
A scenic 1-hour drive takes you to the vibrant town of Moshi, nestled at an altitude of 890 m, your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Driving time: 1 hour
After breakfast, depart Moshi for the northeastern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park — Nale Moru Gate 1950 m. The trek on the Rongai Route typically begins here, where we register and go through the necessary formalities before starting the ascent.
The initial part of the trail takes trekkers through a dense and lush forest. The forested section is characterized by a variety of plant and tree species, and the trail may be shaded by the canopy.
The trail gradually ascends through the forest, providing a relatively gentle introduction to the trek. We may start to experience changes in vegetation as we gain elevation.
Along the way, we pass a ranger's post where park authorities monitor and manage the trail.
Simba Camp is the first camp situated in a clearing and provides basic facilities for trekkers. Simba means "lion" in Swahili, and the camp is named after the Simba River, which is nearby.
Guides will conduct briefings on safety, altitude sickness, and the plan for the following day.
Be prepared with suitable gear and footwear for the muddy terrain often found at these lower altitudes.
Driving time: 2 hours
Hiking duration: 4-5 hours / Distance: km
Ascent: m
The trail from Simba Camp to Second Cave involves a gradual ascent through the moorland zone. The landscape transitions from the forested area around Simba Camp to the more open moorland characterized by grasses, heath, and scattered shrubs.
As we progress, we may notice changes in vegetation, with hardy plants and grasses adapted to the higher elevations. The moorland ecosystem is known for its unique and often surreal beauty.
Guides will emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining a steady pace to minimize the risk of altitude-related issues.
We will finally reach ‘Second Cave’ 3450 m, which is located in a sheltered valley close to Kikelewa Caves and surrounded by giant senecio plants.
Hiking duration: 3-4 hours / Distance: km
Ascent: m
The trail from Second Cave 3450 m to Third Cave takes climbers through the moorland zone, characterized by open terrain with grasses, heath, and occasional shrubs.
The ascent is generally gradual, allowing trekkers to acclimate to the increasing altitude. Kilimanjaro's landscapes, including the distant peaks, may be visible during clear weather conditions.
Eventually we reach Third Cave 3872 m which is the third campsite along the Rongai Route, where we spend overnight.
Hiking duration: 3-4 hours / Distance: km
Ascent: m
Descent: m
The ascent from Third Cave (3872 m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310 m) is gradual, allowing trekkers to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
Following a short but steep climb up grassy mountainside, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view as your reward. The heathland gives way to rocky highlands, littered with large and small volcanic boulders that testify to a previous period of volcanic activity.
After a couple more hours on the trail, we will reach the site of your overnight accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Hut 4310 m - which enjoys a spectacular location, nestling in a valley between the towering spires of Mawenzi 5149 m.
Hiking duration: 4-5 hours / Distance: km
Ascent: m
The trail from Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Huts is a pivotal part of the Kilimanjaro climb, marking the transition from the scenic alpine landscapes to the higher-altitude and more challenging environments near the summit.
The trail initially takes us across the Mawenzi Saddle, a broad, high-altitude plateau that connects Mawenzi to Kibo and provides stunning panoramic views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.
Afternoon arrival to Kibo Huts 4700 m and spend the rest of the day relaxing and go to bed early to ensure your ‘human batteries’ are fully charged for Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge.
Early bedtime is crucial for the energy needed for the ultimate challenge: Kilimanjaro's summit!
Hiking duration: 6-8 hours / Distance: km
Ascent: 390 m
As dawn approaches, a light meal precedes the nocturnal hike starting around midnight.
Negotiating the challenging terrain scattered with loose rocks is often considered the climb's toughest segment. The aim: reach Gilman’s Point by sunrise to set sights on Uhuru, Kibo's pinnacle. Pause briefly at Gilman’s Point for a breathtaking panorama before proceeding along the crater's edge towards Uhuru, marking the final ascent with a steady incline.
Depending on the timing, snow might greet you on the path toward Uhuru Peak – Kilimanjaro's zenith at 5895 m. Celebrate this monumental achievement with a photo at the Uhuru Peak Sign amidst the astounding views.
Returning to Kibo Huts swiftly follows, allowing for a well-deserved lunch break before continuing to the Horombo Huts, where a restful night's sleep awaits.
Hiking duration: 12-15 hours / Distance: 22 km
Ascent: 1192 m
Descent: 2175 m
Completing the ultimate descent through the rainforest towards the Marangu Gate, we'll gather for a farewell lunch bidding adieu to our incredible mountain crew.
Exiting Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, we'll journey back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and a memorable celebratory dinner!
Hiking duration: 6-7 hours / Distance: 20 km
Descent: 1877 m
Driving time: 1 hour
From Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or off to the wonders of Safari and Zanzibar – your journey continues beyond the trails.
Driving time: 1 hour
Included
- Meet & greet at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Return airport transfer and all land transfers within the tour
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, taxes, and permits (worth cca $900)
- 2 x accommodation in a hotel in Moshi area on bed & breakfast basis in twin or double rooms
- Accommodation in tents for two people on the mountain,
- Local team: qualified guides, assistant guides, porters, waiter, cook – depending on the number of people in the group
- A porter that carries 15 kg of your luggage (duffle bag)
- All the food on the mountain: breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner
- Water for everyday personal care/hygiene,
- Unlimited amount of (cold or hot) water on Kilimanjaro trekking for drinking
- A pulse oximeter, Emergency oxygen, and Complete First Aid kit
- Summit certificate of National Park Kilimanjaro
- Organization and taxes
Excluded
- Compulsory tips for the guides, porters and cook - $200 per hiker
- Tanzanian visa (on arrival) - $50 per person for EU citizens
- Single room in Moshi – cca 30-50 €/per night per person
- Heath and travel insurance that covers hiking up to 6000 m
- Flights or tour extensions like Safari or Zanzibar
- Food and drinks before/after the climb, personal expenses, and souvenirs.
Other Information
Trip Information
Accommodation
Before and after the trek you are accommodated in a hotel/lodge in the Moshi area in double or twin rooms. A single-room supplement is not obligatory unless you want a room for yourself; otherwise, we find you a same-sex roommate. Triple rooms are possible to arrange on request.
During the Kilimanjaro Rongai 7-day hiking tour you sleep in the high altitude tents. For your comfort bring a comfortable sleeping mat, warm sleeping bag and a pillow.
Transportation
Our Izimanija team members will wait for you outside Kilimanjaro International Airport JRO and take you to the accommodation in Moshi area. All land transports within the program are already included in the price. For smaller groups we use taxis / cars / vans and for bigger groups minibuses / buses, private “dala dala”.
Food and drinks
Our cook will daily provide you proper amount of food. Breakfast consists of eggs, pancakes, jam, peanut butter, bread, tea, coffee and similar. For lunch and dinner a soup, rice, French fries, pasta, potatoes, salad, various meat (chicken, beef, pork), fresh fruits and similar are served.
Unlimited amount of hot or cold water is provided daily during the trek. We provide you tea bags, coffee, milk powder and similar; but it is advisable to bring your extras to mix the cold water.
Health and safety
You need to have your health insurance that covers trekking up to 6000 m with you. Since 2023 there is a rescue helicopter as well. For your safety the main guide carries first aid kit, oximeter and emergency oxygen. Please consult with your doctor before coming.
Tanzania is generally safe country and people we work with are very trustworthy.
Tips and money
Official currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian shilling TZS (1 € = cca 2650 TZS) and you can change it at the airport on arrival or in the town of Moshi. Majority of the bigger payment you will make in USD, like the balance payment, visa, tips, safari and alike.
For appreciation of the staff there is a compulsory tip of $200, which you give to the main guide on the last morning of the trek, so he can share with other team members.
Equipment and luggage
We send you the equipment list once you apply for the tour. Unfortunately there is no possibility of renting the equipment (like sleeping bag) in Moshi, so you need to bring everything from the list with you.
During Kilimanjaro trekking you can leave your extra stuff at the accommodation till you return. Luggage storage is free of charge.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
300 € at the time of booking; the rest on arrival in American dollars USD.
For cancellations more than 30 days prior arrival we keep 50 € per person; for cancellations 29-15 days prior arrival we keep 100 € per person; for cancellations 14 days prior arrival or no-show we keep the full amount.
*The trip can only be rescheduled once free of charge if we are informed no later than 30 days before the arrival. Price difference may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the environment on Kilimanjaro look like?
The trek starts in the village crossing the rain forest with monkeys, later the trees become lower to bush. Above 4000 m we get to the alpine desert without vegetation and near the summit we can find snow.
What to pack?
The equipment list we send you once you sign in for the tour. In short you need a warm sleeping bag, comfortable hiking boots, and warm clothes, because the temperatures can be as low as – 10 °C.
Can I rent the equipment in Moshi?
Unfortunately not. If it happens your duffle bag is lost by the airline, we will try to provide you complementary equipment for trekking, which might be of a lower quality.
How to prepare for trekking Kilimanjaro?
If you are sporty person there should not be a problem. It is advisable you run, cycle or do other cardio sports. Mountains experiences are very helpful. We recommend you to do some 12h-long night hike with cca 2000 m elevation gain and 3-day hike with cca 1600 m+ elevation gain daily. After all, you need to be stubborn, persistent, motivated and goal-oriented.
Who can climb Kilimanjaro?
Anyone who is physically and mentally fit can climb Kilimanjaro with some preparations beforehand. You need to be at least 10 years old; if you are 90 years old or older you are likely to set the record of being the oldest on the Kilimanjaro. You are never too old for this lifetime experience.
Which Kilimanjaro route to choose?
You can choose one of the following routes: Machame Route (Whiskey Route), Rongai Route, Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route), Umbwe Route, Northern Circuit Route, Lemosho Route, and Shira Route. All of them are picturesque and bring you to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Depending on how much time you have and the preference, you choose the route.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
You can climb Kilimanjaro any time of the year, but you should consider rainy and dry seasons. Traditionally the best weather is expected from December to mid-March, and from mid-June to October. During this time you will get more chances of great views, clear skies, sunshine and little to no rain. November and April are usually the rainiest months. As the climate changes, it is hard to predict the weather.
How difficult is the Rongai 7 days route?
The 7-day itinerary allows for a more gradual ascent, providing additional time for acclimatization compared to shorter routes. This can be beneficial for climbers who may need more time to adapt to the higher altitudes. It’s important for climbers to be adequately prepared, both physically and mentally, and to be aware of the potential challenges associated with high-altitude trekking.
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