7 Days Rongai Route

Overview

A quieter climb from the north, close to the Kenyan border, with a gradual ascent, plenty of acclimatisation time and good summit chances.

Highlights

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

   The first trek through dense forest, with wildlife and lush vegetation.

   2,200 m → 2,750 m~6 km3–4 hoursForestOvernight: Simba Camp

2. Day 2Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

   Climb steadily into the moorland.

   2,750 m → 3,570 m~8 km5–6 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Second Cave Camp

3. Day 3Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

   Continue into the alpine desert.

   3,570 m → 4,300 m~8 km5–6 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Kikelewa Camp

4. Day 4Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

   A short, steep climb to the tarn below Mawenzi.

   4,300 m → 4,550 m~4 km3–4 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

5. Day 5Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

   Cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut.

   4,550 m → 4,700 m~7 km5–6 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Kibo Hut

6. Day 6Summit day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Kikelewa Camp

   Start around midnight and reach Uhuru Peak for sunrise, then descend.

   4,700 m → 5,895 m → 4,300 m~18 km12–14 hoursArctic to alpine desertOvernight: Kikelewa Camp

7. Day 7Kikelewa Camp to Rongai Gate

   The final descent, your summit certificate and the transfer to Moshi or Arusha.

   4,300 m → 2,200 m~12 km4–5 hoursMoorland to forest

Elevation profile

Good to know