The best 8 Days Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Climbing 2025/2026

The Rongai Route is extremely popular with experienced climbers. It is the only path to the summit of Kilimanjaro that begins in the northern region, close the Kenyan border. The mountain’s northern flank is windier and dryer. As a result, there is less vegetation and you can often see for a long distance, overlooking the stunning Kenyan environment.

The descent is by the Marangu Route (south), allowing you to see both sides of Kilimanjaro. The full ascent (including descent) on the Rongai Route takes six days. If you desire, you can add another day of trekking. This is highly recommended! An extra day allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro without developing altitude sickness.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

• Arusha Town/Moshi Town

ROUTE

• Rongai

PRICE

• 2 PAX – 2,396$
• 4 PAX – 2,213$
• 6 PAX – 2,229$

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Summerwinter Africa Adventures guide will be waiting to greet you. You will be transferred to your hotel for a good night’s rest before starting your journey.

Preparation for the Climb
Meet your guide and receive a briefing on the Rongai Route. Your guide will provide helpful advice on what to pack and wear, ensuring you are fully prepared for the climb ahead.

Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Your adventure begins at Rongai Gate (1,950m / 6,398ft), where you will start your trek through the scenic mountain forest. As you ascend gradually, you will pass through lush vegetation and spot wildlife along the way. Your destination for the day is Simba Camp (2,620m / 8,598ft), where you’ll have the opportunity to rest and acclimatize.
Elevation: 1,950m (6,398ft) – 2,620m (8,598ft)

Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

On Day 2, you will trek from Simba Camp (2,620m) to Second Cave Camp (3,450m / 11,319ft). This day offers incredible views of Kibo Peak, and as you ascend, you will experience a change in the landscape, moving from forest to alpine meadows.
Elevation: 2,620m (8,598ft) – 3,450m (11,319ft)

Day 4: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

From Second Cave Camp (3,450m), you will continue your journey to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m / 11,811ft). The route offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, and the terrain becomes increasingly rugged as you get higher.
Elevation: 3,450m (11,319ft) – 3,600m (11,811ft)

Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

On Day 4, you’ll hike from Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m / 14,200ft), located at the base of the dramatic Mawenzi Peak. This is a shorter day but a steep one, helping you acclimatize to the higher altitudes. Enjoy the stunning views of Mawenzi and the surrounding area.
Elevation: 3,600m (11,811ft) – 4,330m (14,200ft)

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

On Day 5, you will ascend from Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) to Kibo Camp (4,700m / 15,419ft), located at the base of the summit. This will be a challenging day, as the air thins and you’ll begin to feel the altitude. Once you arrive at Kibo, you’ll rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which begins in the middle of the night.
Elevation: 4,330m (14,200ft) – 4,700m (15,419ft)

Day 7: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Gate

This is the most exciting day of your trek! You’ll begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) around midnight. The ascent will be tough, but the stunning sunrise from the summit will make it all worthwhile. After celebrating at the peak, you will descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,171ft) to rest and recover.
Elevation: 4,700m (15,419ft) – 5,895m (19,340ft) – 3,100m (10,171ft)

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On the final day, you’ll descend from Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m / 5,413ft), where you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate your successful climb. You’ll then be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Elevation: 3,100m (10,171ft) – 1,650m (5,413ft)