Tel: +255 696 109 086 | info@nksafaris.com
Tour Type
Mountain Climbing
Tour Duration
9 Days (8 Nights)
Minimum number of travellers
1 One
tour price
Budget
On Request
Midrange
On Request
Luxury
On Request
The Price Includes
- Professional English speaking mountain guides
- All park entry fees and camping fees
- Rescue fees and government taxes
- All meals during the trek
- Quality camping equipment including tents and sleeping mats
- Porters and cook services
- Airport transfers and ground transportation
- Summit certificates
- Pre climb briefing and equipment check
The Price Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
Tour Overview
The 9 Days Rongai Route Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is one of the most scenic, less crowded, and gradually ascending routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it an excellent choice for climbers seeking a quieter path with strong acclimatization benefits. As the only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the northern side near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route offers a unique wilderness experience with expansive views, untouched landscapes, and diverse ecological zones that few other routes can match.
This carefully designed 7 days hiking itinerary, combined with arrival and departure logistics, allows climbers to adjust comfortably to altitude while enjoying a steady ascent profile. The route passes through remote montane forests, open moorlands, dramatic alpine deserts, and finally the glacial summit zone of Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters above sea level. Wildlife sightings such as colobus monkeys and antelope are occasionally seen during the early stages, adding to the sense of adventure and exclusivity.
Unlike busier routes, the Rongai Route is known for its high summit success rate, especially for climbers who prefer a slower, more manageable climb with fewer steep sections. The descent is completed via the Marangu Route, allowing trekkers to experience multiple sides of the mountain in one journey. With professional mountain guides, well trained porters, quality camping equipment, and a strong safety focus, NK Safaris ensures a safe, comfortable, and memorable Kilimanjaro trekking experience.
This itinerary is ideal for first time climbers, photographers, adventure travelers, and anyone seeking a peaceful yet rewarding Kilimanjaro climb supported by a reputable local tour company in Tanzania.
Day To Day
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, guests are warmly welcomed by the NK Safaris team and transferred to their hotel in Arusha town, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventures. The drive covers approximately 50 kilometers and takes around 1 hour, passing through scenic landscapes with views of Mount Meru. After hotel check in, guests meet their mountain guide for a detailed pre climb briefing, equipment inspection, and discussion of safety procedures. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and preparation ahead of the climb.
Extra Activities
Arusha city tour
Cultural market visit
Mount Meru viewpoints
Day 2: Drive from Arusha to Rongai Gate and Trek to Simba Camp
After an early breakfast, guests depart Arusha for the Rongai Gate located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border. The journey covers approximately 130 kilometers and takes around 4 to 5 hours, including registration procedures at the park gate. From the gate at 1,950 meters, the trek begins through lush montane forest, a habitat rich in birdlife and occasional wildlife sightings. The gradual trail leads to Simba Camp at 2,600 meters, offering stunning views of the Kenyan plains.
Hiking Distance Approximately 8 kilometers
Hiking Time 3 to 4 hours
Extra Activities
Nature photography
Bird watching
Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
This day involves a steady ascent across open moorland with expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. The trail climbs gradually, allowing excellent acclimatization while maintaining a comfortable hiking pace. The trek covers approximately 7 kilometers and takes 3 to 4 hours, reaching Second Cave Camp at 3,450 meters. The landscape becomes drier and more dramatic, with volcanic rock formations and sweeping vistas.
Extra Activities
Altitude acclimatization walks
Landscape photography
Day 4: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
The trail becomes steeper as climbers move closer to the alpine zone. The route passes through sparse vegetation and rocky terrain, offering panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak. After trekking approximately 6 kilometers over 3 to 4 hours, guests arrive at Kikelewa Camp at 3,600 meters, one of the most scenic camps on the Rongai Route.
Extra Activities
Short acclimatization hikes
Sunset viewing
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
This shorter but more intense trek ascends sharply toward the spectacular Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. The hike covers approximately 6 kilometers and takes around 4 hours, reaching an altitude of 4,330 meters. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and acclimatization in preparation for higher altitudes.
Extra Activities
Acclimatization hikes
Photography around Mawenzi Tarn
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
The trail crosses the alpine desert zone between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. This section is dry, barren, and otherworldly, emphasizing the scale of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek covers approximately 9 kilometers and takes 5 to 6 hours, arriving at Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters. Early dinner and rest are essential ahead of summit night.
Extra Activities
Summit preparation briefing
Short acclimatization walks
Day 7: Summit Day Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut
The summit attempt begins around midnight, ascending steep switchbacks through the Arctic zone. After reaching Gilman’s Point, climbers continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, the descent continues to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters, covering a total trekking time of 10 to 14 hours.
Extra Activities
Summit photography
Crater views
Day 8: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Transfer to Arusha
The final descent passes through moorland and rainforest zones, covering approximately 20 kilometers over 5 to 6 hours. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, climbers receive summit certificates before being transferred back to Arusha, a drive of approximately 90 kilometers taking around 2 hours.
Extra Activities
Souvenir shopping
Relaxation at the hotel
Day 9: Departure from Arusha
After breakfast, guests are transferred from their hotel in Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport for their onward international departure, marking the end of an unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro trekking experience with NK Safaris.
At NK Safaris, we believe every safari should be as unique as the traveler experiencing it. Our journeys are thoughtfully designed with flexibility at their core, allowing us to craft tailor made itineraries that match your interests, travel style, and preferred pace. From the very first conversation, our experienced safari specialists work closely with you to understand your vision and transform it into a seamless and unforgettable adventure across Tanzania. This is more than a holiday, it is your personal safari story, carefully curated, expertly guided, and delivered with passion, authenticity, and attention to every detail.
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Contact Us
- NK Safaris
- nksafaris.africa
- +255 696 109 086
- +255 696 109 086
- in**@*******is.com
- Arusha, Tanzania
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