7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Via Rongai Route, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Safari In Tanzania

7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour – SAFARI OVERVIEW

This 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking tour via Rongai Route is an adventurous 6 days Mountain Kilimanjaro climbing safari in Tanzania trip that offers you a remarkable lifetime experience of trekking to the top of Africa’s tallest mountain (5895m). Described as the ‘Roof of Africa,’ Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the continent’s most magnificent sights. It is also the highest free-standing mountain on earth.

Your 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking tour takes you via the quiet wilderness of the Rongai Route which is less crowded than the most popular routes. You will approach the striking mountain from the north for the opportunity to see mountainside animals like monkeys and even the occasional elephant.

The trek rises through humid, tropical rainforest to cool moorland and onwards to a dry, cold alpine desert. The summit is a dramatic moonscape of shiny volcanic rock left over from the mountain’s historic final eruption.

This 7 days Mountain Kilimanjaro hiking safari in Tanzania tour allows you an extra day for acclimatization under the imposing jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before the hard final ascent. With an expert crew of local porters, guides, and cooks, you’re in capable hands for a hike that promises to be the unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

You can book or customize this 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking tour to your exact Tanzania safari interests – at an affordable price!

7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour – PRIME SAFARI ACTIVITIES

  • Summit Africa’s tallest mountain
  • Hike through the rainforest, moorland, and Alpine desert
  • Witness stunning viewing of Jagged Mawenzi Peaks
  • Sleep in comfortable tents on the mountain
  • Lay your eyes on unique panoramic views from Northern Kilimanjaro
  • Wander along a trail that is significantly quieter than other routes
  • Experience the incredible African sunrise from Uhuru Peak

7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour – SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Trek from Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m) via a rainforest zone to Simba Camp (2,625 m).

Day 2: Hike through the moorland zone to the Second Cave Camp (3,480 m).

Day 3: Climb through Heather Zone to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m).

Day 4: Trek the alpine desert to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m).

Day 5: Hike across the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ to Kibo Camp (4,700 m).

Day 6: Ascend Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).

Day 7: Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860 m)

7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Via Rongai Route – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Trek from Nalemuru Gate (2,020 m) Via the Rainforest Zone to Simba Camp (2,625 m)

On day one of your 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking safari tour in Tanzania, your guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at your hotel in Arusha in the morning to meet you.

After a quick briefing, you will be driven for about three hours to the northern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Nalemuru Gate 6627 feet (2,020 m) near the Kenyan border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The first day of the Kilimanjaro hike is pleasant.

You trek through the coniferous forest where your guide will reveal insights into the exotic flora and fauna you see and hear. Keep an eye out for the Colobus monkeys of the area with their long white hair that looks like a cape.

You’ll eat lunch on the trail. With a gentle, consistent ascent, you will reach the Simba Camp 8612 feet (2,625 m) at the edge of the moorland zone. From here the forest thins considerably and there’s a great, wide view of the plains of Kenya. You will relax, enjoy dinner, and have an overnight stay.

Accommodation: – Simba Camp

Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner

Duration: – 3-4 hours

Distance: – 5 miles (8 kilometers)

Climb: – 1,985 feet (605 meters)

Habitat: – Rainforest

Difficulty: – Low

Day 2: Hike through Beautiful Moorland Zone to the Second Cave Camp (3,480 m)

After breakfast on day two of the 7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Via Rongai Route, you will leave from Simba Camp in the morning with a steady ascent that is approximately 4 miles (6.5 km)/3 hours to Second Cave Camp at 11417 feet (3,480 m).

You see a more beautiful afro-alpine moorland zone (heather zone), which boasts less biodiversity than the forest but with an assortment of truly unusual vegetation.

You will be hiking along rocky paths among beautiful grasses, giant heathers, red pokers, and yellow proteas. You will also begin to encounter top-heavy giant groundsels and lobelias plants. And there are often great views of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks to either side of you. You’re in the heart of the climb now and can expect to feel some effects of the high altitude.

But as you hike at a good pace, your body should adapt well. When you reach the camp, enjoy lunch. After lunch, have some time to relax before embarking on 328 feet (100m) acclimatization hike towards Kikilewa Camp 11909 feet (3,630 m).  You then descend to Second Cave Camp for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: – Second Cave Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Duration: – 3-5 hours

Distance: – 4 miles (6.5 kilometers)

Climb: – 3133 feet (955 meters)

Descend: – 328 feet (100 meters)

Habitat: – Moorland/heather

Difficulty: – Medium

Day 3: Climb through Heather Zone to Kikilewa Camp (3,630 m)

Your third day of the 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking tour begins with breakfast at the Second Cave Camp. You will then begin hiking to Kikilewa Camp at feet 11909 (3,630 meters).

You see more beautiful moorland (heather) and take in the magnificent views of the Eastern ice fields on the rim of Kibo, the tallest of the three volcanoes that form the entire Mount Kilimanjaro.

This is a day of relief, therefore, after lunch, have time to relax before the next trek towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp 14140 feet (4,310 meters). After dinner in the evening, the guide will check the health conditions of each trekker in the group and give the necessary guidelines for tomorrow’s trek.

Accommodation: – Kikilewa Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Duration: – 3-4 hours

Distance: – 3 miles (5 kilometers)

Climb: – 492 feet (150 meters)

Habitat: – Moorland/heather

Difficulty: – Medium

Day 4: Trek the Alpine Desert to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 m)

Today, climb the steep trail towards the Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 14140 feet (4,310 meters) through the wilderness and semi-desert habitat.

The plants living in the heart of this zone are tough cookies, as they have to put up with the blazing sun during the day and sub-zero temperatures at night. And almost no rain. You’ll find mostly hardy grasses, lichens, and mosses.

The odd eland (a large antelope) might make its way up here on occasion, but basically don’t expect to see any wildlife up in this zone. And don’t listen to that “don’t look down” rule, the view behind is superb so make sure you enjoy it.

Exit the vegetation zone shortly before reaching the Mawenzi Tarn Camp, which is spectacularly situated in a cirque beneath the towering cliffs of Mt Mawenzi, Kili’s second summit. After reaching the camp, have lunch and a two-hour rest. Then go on an acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Volcano with a 200-meter gain in altitude. Return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: – Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Duration: – 5-7 hours

Distance: – 5 miles (8 kilometers)

Climb: –2231 feet (680 meters)

Descend: – 656 feet (200 meters)

Habitat: – Afro-alpine desert

Difficulty: – Medium

Day 5: Hike across the Lunar Desert of the ‘Saddle’ To Kibo Camp (4,700 m)

On day five of your 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking tour, cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo 15486 feet (4700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The trek is not very difficult, just remember to hike at an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trek to the summit.

When you reach the camp, spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early start. We recommend you sleep well and avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much fluid as you can.

Accommodation: – Kibo Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Duration: – 5-6 hours

Distance: – 6 miles (9 kilometers)

Climb: –1280 feet (390 meters)

Habitat: – Alpine desert

Difficulty: – Medium

Day 6: Ascend Via Arctic Zone To Uhuru Peak At 5,895 M. Descent To Horombo Hut (3,720 M)

Start the final and, by far, the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around midnight.

Go very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5685m, or 18651 feet). Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.

If you are still feeling strong, continue on one trek through the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs to Uhuru Peak! At 19,341 feet (5,895 m) above sea level, you’re the highest number of people in Africa when you stand here!

Gaze out over the mighty mountain you’ve just conquered … well, it’s hard to describe all the happy emotions! You’ll just have to experience them for yourself. The descent to Kibo Hut (4,700m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments and rest, you continue descending to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720m).

This is an extremely long and hard day.

Accommodation: – Horombo Hut

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Duration: – 12 -14 hours

Distance: – 13 miles (21 kilometers)

Climb: – 3921 feet (1195 meters)

Descend: – 7136 feet (2175 meters)

Habitat: – Arctic

Difficulty: – High

Day 7: Descend Through The Rainforest To Marangu Gate (1,860m)

You climb down the final bit of the mountain today.

You trek through a lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1860m). This concludes your great Kilimanjaro adventure!

There will be a bit of fanfare to commemorate the experience, as once you arrive, you will be rewarded a certificate of completion. Then you’ll transfer back to Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport), where you will catch your flight home at the end of this 8 days Kilimanjaro hiking tour. Safe travels!

Please note: We can easily extend your 8 days Kilimanjaro hike with an affordable wildlife safari in Tanzania’s top game parks and/or a holiday on the beautiful sandy beaches of Zanzibar. We can also arrange extensions to Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking or a safari in Kenya. For more details, don’t hesitate to contact us.

End of the 7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari In Tanzania Tour

7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Via Rongai Route − SAFARI INCLUSIONS

  • Tented accommodation on Kilimanjaro – modern comfortable 4-season tents.
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
  • All meals on the hike.
  • All drinks on the hike – coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water.
  • 4-inch thick and comfortable sleeping mats.
  • All group equipment – dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery.
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters.
  • GPS-tracking service.
  • Complete medical kits including Diamox.
  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park.
  • Dedicated support crew – assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.
  • Taxes: 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy.

7 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Via Rongai Route − SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

  • General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff,
  • Visa fee
  • Optional Activity fees
  • International flights
  • Airport transfers – can be arranged on request.
  • Accommodation in Arusha – can be arranged on request.
  • Personal gear rentals
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel – before and after the climb.
  • Portable toilets – if required.
  • Mountaineering insurance. You’ll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000m.