Kilimanjaro Climb

Rongai Route

The Quiet Northern Approach to Kilimanjaro

About

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. It is known for being quieter, drier, and less crowded than the southern routes, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a more remote experience. The route offers a gradual ascent which aids acclimatisation, and is well-suited for climbers with less high-altitude experience. The descent is completed via the Marangu Route. The 7-day version includes an extra acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn.

Key Information

Duration

6 or 7 days

Best Season

January – March, June – October

Starts At

Moshi, Tanzania

Success Rate

88%

Group Size

1–8 people

Kilimanjaro Climb Tour Itinerary

Rongai Route

Day-by-Day Itinerary · Kilimanjaro Top Hikers

Starts: Moshi, Tanzania From USD 1,996 / person

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY
1

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Cave Camp

3-4 hours 7km 1,997m to 2,635m

Your trek begins in the morning with a transfer from your hotel to Rongai Gate, located near the Kenyan border. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.

After registration and lunch, the hike begins through cultivated farmland and pine forest. The trail is gentle and steady, allowing for a comfortable start to the climb.

You may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys along the way. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Simba Cave Camp, located at the edge of the forest.

1,997m to 2,635m

7km

3-4 hours

Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
2

Day 2: Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp (via Second Cave)

6-8 hours 12km 2,635m to 3,599m

The day begins with a gradual ascent toward the Second Cave, where you will stop for lunch. The trail offers wide views as the vegetation becomes less dense.

After lunch, the route continues across moorland with low vegetation and open landscapes. As you progress, the views of Mawenzi Peak become more prominent.

You will arrive at Kikelelwa Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy the surroundings.

2,635m to 3,599m

12km

6-8 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
3

Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

3-5 hours 5km 3,599m to 4,315m

Today's trek is shorter but steeper. The trail climbs through heath vegetation before reaching the alpine desert zone.

After 3-5 hours, you will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, located beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak.

The remainder of the day is spent resting or taking a short acclimatization hike around the area.

3,599m to 4,315m

5km

3-5 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
4

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

5-6 hours 8km 4,315m to 4,714m

The trek today crosses the Saddle, a wide, barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is dry and open, with little vegetation.

The walk is long but gradual, allowing for steady progress toward Kibo Hut, which serves as your base camp for the summit attempt.

Upon arrival, you will rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the night ascent.

4,315m to 4,714m

8km

5-6 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

NIGHT
4

Night 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)

7-8 hours 4,714m to 5,895m

The summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb is steady and demanding, with frequent breaks to manage the altitude.

After 5-6 hours, you will reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From here, you continue to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

4,714m to 5,895m

7-8 hours

DAY
5

Day 5: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

6-7 hours 5,895m to 3,719m

After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

The descent is long but becomes easier as you lose altitude. You will spend the night at Horombo Hut.

5,895m to 3,719m

6-7 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
6

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

5-6 hours 20km 3,719m to 1,905m

The final day involves a long descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate.

Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates before being transferred back to your hotel.

3,719m to 1,905m

20km

5-6 hours

Breakfast & Lunch

DAY
1

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Cave Camp

3-4 hours 7km 1,997m to 2,635m

Your trek begins in the morning with a transfer from your hotel to Rongai Gate, located near the Kenyan border. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.

After registration and lunch, the hike begins through cultivated farmland and pine forest. The trail is gentle and steady, allowing for a comfortable start to the climb.

You may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys along the way. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Simba Cave Camp, located at the edge of the forest.

1,997m to 2,635m

7km

3-4 hours

Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
2

Day 2: Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp (via Second Cave)

6-8 hours 12km 2,635m to 3,599m

The day begins with a gradual ascent toward the Second Cave, where you will stop for lunch. The trail offers wide views as the vegetation becomes less dense.

After lunch, the route continues across moorland with low vegetation and open landscapes. As you progress, the views of Mawenzi Peak become more prominent.

You will arrive at Kikelelwa Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy the surroundings.

2,635m to 3,599m

12km

6-8 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
3

Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

3-5 hours 5km 3,599m to 4,315m

Today's trek is shorter but steeper. The trail climbs through heath vegetation before reaching the alpine desert zone.

After 3-5 hours, you will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, located beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak.

The remainder of the day is spent resting or taking a short acclimatization hike around the area.

3,599m to 4,315m

5km

3-5 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
4

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn (Acclimatization Day)

This day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.

You may take a short hike toward Mawenzi Ridge or explore the surrounding area before returning to camp. This "climb high, sleep low" approach helps improve your chances of a successful summit.

The rest of the day is spent relaxing and preparing for the next stage of the climb.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
5

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

5-6 hours 8km 4,315m to 4,714m

The trek today crosses the Saddle, a wide, barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is dry and open, with little vegetation.

The walk is long but gradual, allowing for steady progress toward Kibo Hut, which serves as your base camp for the summit attempt.

Upon arrival, you will rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the night ascent.

4,315m to 4,714m

8km

5-6 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

NIGHT
5

Night 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)

7-8 hours 4,714m to 5,895m

The summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb is steady and demanding, with frequent breaks to manage the altitude.

After 5-6 hours, you will reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From here, you continue to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

4,714m to 5,895m

7-8 hours

DAY
6

Day 6: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

6-7 hours 5,895m to 3,719m

After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

The descent is long but becomes easier as you lose altitude. You will spend the night at Horombo Hut.

5,895m to 3,719m

6-7 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

DAY
7

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

5-6 hours 20km 3,719m to 1,905m

The final day involves a long descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate.

Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates before being transferred back to your hotel.

3,719m to 1,905m

20km

5-6 hours

Breakfast & Lunch

What's Included / Excluded

✓ Included

Two nights accommodation on a bed & break fast basis (one night before the trek and one night after the climb)

Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers

Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate

All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits

Camping or hut accommodation fees (depending on the route selected)

Crater camping fees (where applicable)

Emergency rescue service fees

Premium-quality four season mountain tents

Comfortable high-density sleeping mattresses

Experienced, professional and friendly mountain crew, including certified Wilderness First Responder guides, cooks and porters

Three freshly prepared and nutritious meals per day during the trek

Safe, filtered, and treated drinking water throughout the climb

Hot water for basic washing during the expedition

Fair wages and Ethical treatment of all mountain staff in accordance with KINAPA & KIPAP standards

All government taxes and statutory charges

Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

Certified English-speaking mountain guide (other language available upon request)

Pulse Oximeter and first aid kit

Private portable toilet with privacy tent

Mountain communication radio for safety and emergency support

Official Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate

✗ Not Included

International flights to and from Tanzania

Tanzania visa fee (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality)

Travel insurance (altitude coverage required)

Personal trekking gear and equipment rentals

Tips for guides and porters (recommended $300–450 per participant)

Personal expenses and souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why approach from the north?

The northern approach via Rongai is drier and less crowded than the popular southern routes. It offers a completely different perspective of the mountain and a more remote, wilderness feel throughout the trek.

Q: What is the descent route on Rongai?

The Rongai Route descends via the Marangu Route, which means you experience two different trails — ascending from the north and descending through the rainforest on the southeastern side.

Pricing

All prices are per person in USD.

Group Size	6 Days	7 Days
1 person	USD 3,560	USD 3,903
2 people	USD 2,660	USD 2,958
3 people	USD 2,346	USD 2,622
4 people	USD 2,117	USD 2,376
5 people	USD 2,059	USD 2,315
6 people	USD 2,104	USD 2,254
7 people	USD 2,048	USD 2,297
8+ people	USD 1,996	USD 2,242

Itinerary

Day 1 of 7

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Cave Camp

Your trek begins in the morning with a transfer from your hotel to Rongai Gate, located near the Kenyan border. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.

After registration and lunch, the hike begins through cultivated farmland and pine forest. The trail is gentle and steady, allowing for a comfortable start to the climb.

You may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys along the way. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Simba Cave Camp, located at the edge of the forest.

1,997m to 2,635m

7km

3-4 hours

Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 2: Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp (via Second Cave)

The day begins with a gradual ascent toward the Second Cave, where you will stop for lunch. The trail offers wide views as the vegetation becomes less dense.

After lunch, the route continues across moorland with low vegetation and open landscapes. As you progress, the views of Mawenzi Peak become more prominent.

You will arrive at Kikelelwa Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy the surroundings.

2,635m to 3,599m

12km

6-8 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

Today's trek is shorter but steeper. The trail climbs through heath vegetation before reaching the alpine desert zone.

After 3-5 hours, you will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, located beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak.

The remainder of the day is spent resting or taking a short acclimatization hike around the area.

3,599m to 4,315m

5km

3-5 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

The trek today crosses the Saddle, a wide, barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is dry and open, with little vegetation.

The walk is long but gradual, allowing for steady progress toward Kibo Hut, which serves as your base camp for the summit attempt.

Upon arrival, you will rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the night ascent.

4,315m to 4,714m

8km

5-6 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Night 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)

The summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb is steady and demanding, with frequent breaks to manage the altitude.

After 5-6 hours, you will reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From here, you continue to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

4,714m to 5,895m

7-8 hours

Day 5: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

The descent is long but becomes easier as you lose altitude. You will spend the night at Horombo Hut.

5,895m to 3,719m

6-7 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The final day involves a long descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate.

Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates before being transferred back to your hotel.

3,719m to 1,905m

20km

5-6 hours

Breakfast & Lunch

Day 1 of 8

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Cave Camp

Your trek begins in the morning with a transfer from your hotel to Rongai Gate, located near the Kenyan border. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.

After registration and lunch, the hike begins through cultivated farmland and pine forest. The trail is gentle and steady, allowing for a comfortable start to the climb.

You may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys along the way. After 3-4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Simba Cave Camp, located at the edge of the forest.

1,997m to 2,635m

7km

3-4 hours

Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 2: Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp (via Second Cave)

The day begins with a gradual ascent toward the Second Cave, where you will stop for lunch. The trail offers wide views as the vegetation becomes less dense.

After lunch, the route continues across moorland with low vegetation and open landscapes. As you progress, the views of Mawenzi Peak become more prominent.

You will arrive at Kikelelwa Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy the surroundings.

2,635m to 3,599m

12km

6-8 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

Today's trek is shorter but steeper. The trail climbs through heath vegetation before reaching the alpine desert zone.

After 3-5 hours, you will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn, one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro, located beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak.

The remainder of the day is spent resting or taking a short acclimatization hike around the area.

3,599m to 4,315m

5km

3-5 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn (Acclimatization Day)

This day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.

You may take a short hike toward Mawenzi Ridge or explore the surrounding area before returning to camp. This "climb high, sleep low" approach helps improve your chances of a successful summit.

The rest of the day is spent relaxing and preparing for the next stage of the climb.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

The trek today crosses the Saddle, a wide, barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is dry and open, with little vegetation.

The walk is long but gradual, allowing for steady progress toward Kibo Hut, which serves as your base camp for the summit attempt.

Upon arrival, you will rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the night ascent.

4,315m to 4,714m

8km

5-6 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Night 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)

The summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb is steady and demanding, with frequent breaks to manage the altitude.

After 5-6 hours, you will reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From here, you continue to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

4,714m to 5,895m

7-8 hours

Day 6: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

The descent is long but becomes easier as you lose altitude. You will spend the night at Horombo Hut.

5,895m to 3,719m

6-7 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tent

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The final day involves a long descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate.

Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates before being transferred back to your hotel.

3,719m to 1,905m

20km

5-6 hours

Breakfast & Lunch

Pricing

Per person in USD.

Group Size	6 Days
1 person	USD 3,560
2 people	USD 2,660
3 people	USD 2,346
4 people	USD 2,117
5 people	USD 2,059
6 people	USD 2,104
7 people	USD 2,048
8+ people	USD 1,996

Group Size	7 Days
1 person	USD 3,903
2 people	USD 2,958
3 people	USD 2,622
4 people	USD 2,376
5 people	USD 2,315
6 people	USD 2,254
7 people	USD 2,297
8+ people	USD 2,242

Prices include all services listed under "What's Included". International flights and personal equipment are not included.

What's Included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Two nights accommodation on a bed & break fast basis (one night before the trek and one night after the climb)
Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate
All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits
Camping or hut accommodation fees (depending on the route selected)
Crater camping fees (where applicable)
Emergency rescue service fees
Premium-quality four season mountain tents
Comfortable high-density sleeping mattresses
Experienced, professional and friendly mountain crew, including certified Wilderness First Responder guides, cooks and porters
Three freshly prepared and nutritious meals per day during the trek
Safe, filtered, and treated drinking water throughout the climb
Hot water for basic washing during the expedition
Fair wages and Ethical treatment of all mountain staff in accordance with KINAPA & KIPAP standards
All government taxes and statutory charges
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Certified English-speaking mountain guide (other language available upon request)
Pulse Oximeter and first aid kit
Private portable toilet with privacy tent
Mountain communication radio for safety and emergency support
Official Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate

Not Included

International flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fee (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality)
Travel insurance (altitude coverage required)
Personal trekking gear and equipment rentals
Tips for guides and porters (recommended $300–450 per participant)
Personal expenses and souvenirs

Photos

FAQ

Why approach from the north?

What is the descent route on Rongai?

The Rongai Route descends via the Marangu Route, which means you experience two different trails — ascending from the north and descending through the rainforest on the southeastern side.

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Rongai Route

About

Key Information

Rongai Route

Itinerary

Pricing

What's Included

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FAQ

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Rongai Route

About

Key Information

Rongai Route

Itinerary

Pricing

What's Included

Photos

FAQ

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