Introduction

The Rongai Route offers a peaceful climb up Kilimanjaro’s northern side, passing through pine forests and farmland with chances to spot colobus monkeys. At Genes Adventures, we offer both 6- and 7-day trekking options, with the 7-day trek including a scenic detour to Mawenzi Tarn for better acclimatization and summit success. After conquering the peak, descend through the lush Marangu rainforest. With its gentle slopes and quiet trails, Rongai is ideal for a rewarding and less crowded adventure.

Highlights

Moshi

Mount Kilimanjaro

Map

Tanzania

Start Point: Moshi

Day 1 - 2

Moshi Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Day 3 - 7

Mount Kilimanjaro Budget camping

Day 8

Moshi Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Day 9

Kilimanjaro Airport (No accommodation)

End Point: Moshi

Day 1

Arrival

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Genes Adventures representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Salinero Kilimanjaro Hotel in Moshi. Relax, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for your adventure.

Activity Day 1

Arrival
Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to hotel/lodge in Moshi.
Hotel Drop Off

Accommodation Day 1

Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Hotel

Standard room

Day 2

Resting Day & Pre-Climb Briefing

After a long international flight, taking a full resting day before starting your Kilimanjaro climb is essential. This day allows your body to recover, adjust to the environment, and prepare for the challenge ahead. After a relaxed breakfast, your Mountain Head Guide will visit you at the hotel for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing. During this meeting, the upcoming climb will be explained in detail, questions can be asked, and everyone’s equipment will be carefully checked. If any items are missing or need upgrading, suitable gear can be rented through Genes Adventures, ensuring you begin the climb fully prepared and with confidence.

Activities Day 2

Morning

Meet & Greet

Rest of Day

Relaxing

Accommodation Day 2

Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Hotel

Standard room

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 3

Start Climb - Rongai 1

After breakfast, transfer to the Rongai Gate at the northern side of Kilimanjaro. While your guide secures the climbing permits, enjoy a coffee or tea and take in the quiet surroundings. Begin your climb through maize and potato fields before entering the cool shade of a pine forest. Keep an eye out for black-and-white Colobus monkeys along the way. As you reach the edge of the moorland zone, take in sweeping views over the plains before arriving at Rongai One Camp.

Altitude: 2,590 meters.

Activities Day 3

Morning

Hotel Pick Up
Transfer by Road, Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel to Mount Kilimanjaro

Rest of Day

Day hike, Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation Day 3

Budget camping

Tent

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 4

Kikelewa Caves

Following breakfast, continue your steady ascent towards Second Cave, where you’ll enjoy a well-earned rest and a hot lunch. Marvel at the striking views of Kibo Peak before trekking further across open moorland to reach Kikelewa Caves, your camp for the night.

Altitude: 3,595 meters.

Activity Day 4

All Day

Day hike, Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation Day 4

Budget camping

Tent

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 5

Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with superb views of the remote wilderness. The vegetation zone soon gives way to an Alpine desert as you approach Mawenzi Tarn, set dramatically beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing or exploring the surrounding area with your guide.

NOTE: overnight in tents next to the huts.

Altitude: 4,330 meters.

Activity Day 5

All Day

Day hike, Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation Day 5

Budget camping

Tent

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 6

Kibo Hut

After breakfast, continue your ascent on the eastern side of Kibo, crossing the wide saddle that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut where the remainder of the day is dedicated to resting and preparing for your final summit push, which begins around midnight.

NOTE: overnight in tents next to the huts

Altitude: 4,695 meters.

Activity Day 6

All Day

Day hike, Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation Day 6

Budget camping

Tent

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 7

Summit day - Horombo Hut

Summit Day! Begin in the dark, guided by stars and determination. Push onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) just in time for sunrise—a moment that will stay with you forever. After celebrating at the roof of Africa, descend carefully back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and refreshments before continuing down to Horombo Hut for a well-earned overnight stay.

NOTE: overnight in tents next to the huts

Altitude: 3,720 meters.

Activity Day 7

All Day

Day hike, Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation Day 7

Budget camping

Tent

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 8

Relaxed descent

On your final day, stroll down through the forest, where lush greenery and lively birdlife welcome you back. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, celebrate your success with a festive champagne brunch hosted by Genes Adventures. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower, rest, and time to relive your incredible journey.

Activities Day 8

Morning

Half day hike, Mount Kilimanjaro

Afternoon

We'll take you to your hotel this afternoon.
Transfer by Road, Mount Kilimanjaro to Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Rest of Day

Relax and generally take it easy to allow yourself to both process and recover from all of the excitement that you’ve enjoyed on your safari so far.

Accommodation Day 8

Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Hotel

Standard room

Meal Plan Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9

Departure – End of Your Adventure

Your Kilimanjaro adventure has come to an end. Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be picked up from Salinero Kilimanjaro Hotel and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey back home. As you depart, take with you not only memories of reaching the Roof of Africa, but also the spirit of adventure and the connections made along the way. From all of us at Genes Adventures, thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us — we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania one day.

Note: Should you wish to extend your journey, it is of course possible to add a private safari to Tanzania’s iconic national parks and/or a relaxing beach stay on Zanzibar. We are happy to tailor this entirely to your wishes.

Activity Day 9

We will transfer you to the airport.

Ready to Share

9-Day Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route - Tents

Introduction

Highlights

Arrival

Activity Day 1

Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Resting Day & Pre-Climb Briefing

Activities Day 2

Morning

Rest of Day

Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Start Climb - Rongai 1

Activities Day 3

Morning

Rest of Day

Budget camping

Kikelewa Caves

Activity Day 4

All Day

Budget camping

Mawenzi Tarn

Activity Day 5

All Day

Budget camping

Kibo Hut

Activity Day 6

All Day

Budget camping

Summit day - Horombo Hut

Activity Day 7

All Day

Budget camping

Relaxed descent

Activities Day 8

Morning

Afternoon

Rest of Day

Salinero Hotel - Kilimajaro Hotel

Departure – End of Your Adventure

Activity Day 9

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

9 Days / 8 Nights

9-Day Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route - Tents

Included

Excluded