7 Days Mount. Kilimanjaro Climb (Rongai Route)

The 7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro climb takes you through the Rongai route which is known to be less challenging. This is perfect for those of you with less trekking experiences/who desire a more moderate ascent. The Rongai route will usher hikers up to the Kilimanjaro Mountain summits and the target will be to conquer the Uhuru peak.

The Rongai route is notably the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the North, close to the Kenyan border. It is one route that is less crowded and comes with more gradual slope than the rest of the other hiking routes. As per this itinerary, your climbing expedition will begin and end in Arusha in Tanzania.

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Transfer by road from Arusha to Rongai gate, trek to Simba Camp

After a hefty breakfast, your professional safari guide will pick you up from the hotel in Arusha. Your road trip to Rongai gate will run for about 4 hours and arrive at Kilimanjaro National Park early. You will be registered at the park gate and after, proceed on 70km to the Rongai start point located at elevation of 1950m. At the altitude of 1950m, set off on a guided hike from Nale Moru village taking a gradual and winding trail. Walk via the farm fields prior accessing the lush rainforest where you stand a chance to encounter some amazing animals.

Today’s hike will go for about 4-5 hours and on arrival at the Simba Camp, you will be provided with boiled washing water and some snacks. It is here where you will have the rest of evening relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Depart from Simba Camp for Second Cave Camp (5-6 hours)

Wake up early to have a delicious breakfast and after, you will set off from Simba camp with an expert on lead. Today, you will proceed with a hike to Kibo and this involves navigating via slopes flanked with heather and Erica with a nice view on the twin peaks of Kilimanjaro (Kibo and Mawenzi peaks). There will be a chance to view the ice fields along the Eastern crater rim and when you approach the second cave, get a welcome from the team at the camp. You will be served lunch and also spend your time relaxing, take photos.

Day 3: Transfer from the second camp to Kikelewa camp

With your expert, today, you will be leaving the second cave camp for Kikelewa camp about 2-3 hours hike. Conquer the altitude range of 3487m to 3675m while you cross the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The short trek day will bring you closer to the Eastern ice fields and while here, you will definitely appreciate the natural beauty. The Kikelewa camp lies in an area with caves around the Kikelewa River and in the surrounding, there are giant groundsels and lobelias.

Day 4: Hike to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Embark on a hike through elevation range of 3487 to 4302m. Today’s trek will be short but takes you through steep hike through grassy slopes and comes with remarkable views. Walk via the moorland vegetation and Mawenzi Tarn Hut lies right in one of the cirques beneath the jagged teeth of Mawenzi.

Have some relaxation and in the afternoon, you will be led on a guided walk up the ridge in the west for better acclimatization. On a clear day, expect to have excellent view of the Kibo peak.

Day 5: To Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you will embark on the 5-6 hours trek with an expert. You will cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo as you access the Kibo campsite at the base of the Kibo crater wall. At Kibo campsite, enjoy the breathtaking view of Kibo peak. Later in the afternoon, you will be briefed on how you should prepare for your summit day. Have enough time to relax, cross check your equipment and clothing. In the evening, have a leisurely dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Conquering the Kilimanjaro summits & descend to Horombo hut

Wake up when fit enough and ready for your journey to Uhuru peak. First, you will have breakfast and after, depart the camp for gradual walk navigating through different landmarks along the way including William’s Point (5,131m) and Hans Meyer Cave (5,259m). At Gilman’s Point (5,681m), you will enjoy the sunrise view, take photos and do not miss the incredible view of Mawenzi. Proceed with the hike along the Marangu route about 1 to 2 hours as you finally conquer the Uhuru peak at 5985m. At this point, you will be standing on the roof of Africa, take pictures to share with your loved ones back home.

After the exciting moment, begin descending and lunch break be enjoyed at Kibo. Then you will proceed to Horombo hut.

Day 7: Depart from Horombo Hut to Marangu gate, transfer to Arusha

Enjoy a celebratory breakfast at the camp and later, meet the expert who will be accompanying you back to Marangu gate. At Marangu gate, meet the driver guide for you to be transferred back to Arusha or Moshi.

End of safari

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.Game drive security is assured.Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.