7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking, Rongai Route
Start your adventure on the Rongai Route, near Kenya. Walk through forests, see wildlife, and climb higher every day. The path changes from green forests to rocky deserts. Rest at camps and get used to the high altitude. The last climb to the top of Kilimanjaro is tough, but the view from Uhuru Peak is amazing. A journey full of memories and challenges.
- ✅ This is a budget camping trip it includes overnight stay at tents.
- ✅ On this tour, you'll be part of a group of fellow travelers. Each group can have up to 20 people.
- ✅ This tour can begin any day, based on availability.
- ✅ For individual travelers, they are welcome to join this group tour, but it only operates if at least two people sign up.
- Any additional accommodation can be booked before or after the tour at an extra cost.
Day
Accommodation
Meals Included
Day 1: Trekking from Nalemoru gate to Simba Camp
Pick up from your hotel in Arusha to Rongai Gate Starting at Nale Moru (6,400 feet), the ascent follows a narrow road that passes through potato and maize fields before entering a pine forest. The trail then begins to slowly but steadily climb through a lovely woodland that is home to a variety of species, including Colobus monkeys. These monkeys are black with a flowing white tail and a long white “cape” of hair. At the edge of the moorland zone, the woodland starts to get thinner. Then, as we reach Rongai One Camp, our first campsite, we take in the expansive vistas of the Kenyan plains (8,500 ft). [3–4 walking hours].
Main destination: Mt. Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Simba Campsite
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 2: Simba Camp – Rongai 2nd Cave
With spectacular views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim, the morning trek is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft). We depart the main trail after lunch and take a smaller path southeast across the moorland in order to reach the craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Near the Kikelewa Caves, our campground is in a valley that is shaded and ornamented with enormous special plants (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours on foot].
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Kikelewa Campsite
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
A short but steep ascent is rewarded with breath-taking views in every direction and a real sense of wilderness. Shortly before arriving at the following camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), which is magnificently located in a cirque immediately beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, we leave vegetation behind. The afternoon will be free for you to relax or tour the neighborhood to help you acclimate. [3–4 walking hours].
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Kikelewa Campsite
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 4: : Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Turn Campsite
The ascent to Mawenzi Tarn is a challenging yet rewarding experience, offering climbers stunning panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment. Situated at an elevation of 4,300 meters, this camp provides a perfect opportunity for acclimatization before attempting the summit. Climbers are encouraged to use the free afternoon to rest or explore the nearby terrain, which can contribute to a successful acclimatization process and increase the chances of reaching the peak.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Mawenzi Turna Campsite
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 5: Mawenzi Turna to Kibo Hut
To get to Kibo Hut (15,400 feet), located at the base of the crater wall, we have to go across the lunar desert in the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Resting up for an early morning final ascent takes up the rest of the day. 5 to 6 hours of walking.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 6: Kibo Hut - Summit - Horrombo Hut
Around one in the morning, we begin the hardest and last section of the climb by torchlight. To get to the lip of the crater at Gillman’s Point, we make our way very slowly through loose volcanic scree on a switchback track in the pitch-blackness (18,600 ft). We take a little break here to relax and take in the magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi. The three-hour round climb to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), which passes close to the breath-taking glaciers and ice cliffs that still comprise the majority of the summit region, is an option for those who are still in good physical condition. It is surprisingly quick to descend to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft), and after some refreshments, we proceed to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft). [11–15 walking hours].
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 7: Descent from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate
We descend steadily through the moorland to reach Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). At the Marangu Gate (6,000 feet), we continue our descent through a wonderful, lush forest on an excellent trail before being driven back to your hotel in Arusha or a similar establishment for a hot shower and celebration.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Things to Note
✅ Prices are per person and do not include any extra items or costs that are not mentioned on the day by itinerary to or from your home country.
✅ This tour welcomes children aged 1 year and older. There is no charge for children under 6 years old.
| Start dates | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Machame Route | $3900 | $3050 | $2782 | $2735 | $2670 | $2555 | $2480 |
Cost Includes
- Park Fees – All entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
- Accommodation – 4 nights in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo)
- Meals & Drinks – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee, and drinking water
- Professional Mountain Guides & Porters – English-speaking, certified guides and a team of porters to carry luggage and equipment
- Transportation – Round-trip transfers from your hotel to Marangu Gate and back to Moshi/Arusha
- Emergency Oxygen – Available in case of altitude sickness or breathing issues
- First Aid Kit – Provided by the guides for minor injuries and medical concerns
- Summit Certificate – Official certificate for climbers who reach the summit
- Mountain Equipment – High-altitude food, trekking poles, and required safety gear
- Climbing Permit – Kilimanjaro National Park climbing permits
- Rescue Team – Emergency rescue services on standby
- Environmental Fees – For conservation and maintenance of the Kilimanjaro National Park
- Pre-climb Briefing – Orientation session about the climb, safety tips, and what to expect
Cost excludes
- Personal Gear: sleeping bag, warm clothes, hiking boots, gaiters, trekking poles, rain jacket, etc.
- Flights: International and domestic flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel Insurance: Required for the climb (covering emergency medical, evacuation, and high-altitude trekking)
- Visa Fees: Tourist visa for entry to Tanzania (if applicable)
- Tips for Guides & Porters: Recommended tipping is $200-$250 per climber for the entire team
- Extra Accommodation: Hotel nights before or after the climb (can be arranged separately)
- Personal Expenses: souvenirs, extra snacks, bottled drinks, and other personal items
- Drinks: soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages not included in meals
- Medical Care: Any medical services required during or after the trek
- Emergency Evacuation: In case of early descent or emergencies (usually covered by insurance),
- Optional Extra Activities: Such as a trip to a hot spring or safari (available upon request)
- Laundry Services: Laundry at huts or hotels
- Hotel or Transport Extensions: Additional nights before or after the trek
- Porter Tips: Porter tips should be given directly at the end of the trek
- Internet/Wi-Fi: Available at hotels but not on the mountain.
