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The only route ascending from Kilimanjaro's remote northern side
Less crowded trail offering a peaceful and secluded experience
Drier climate—ideal during wet seasons
Gradual ascent profile, great for acclimatization
Panoramic views over the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi Peak
The7-day Rongai Route is the only trail that ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border, offering a quieter and more remote trekking experience. This route features a gradual ascent through diverse scenery—from open savannah and forest to alpine desert—making it suitable for trekkers seeking a less crowded, scenic approach. With generally drier conditions and fewer climbers, Rongai is an excellent option during the rainy season. The route joins the Marangu Trail for the final summit push and includes an extra day for acclimatisation, improving success rates and overall comfort during the trek.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp Distance: 6km Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for about five hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registration at the gate, the hike begins through forested trails where you may see or hear wildlife. Lunch is taken along the trail before continuing to Simba Camp, the first overnight stop. The Rongai Route follows the northern side of Kilimanjaro, which is drier and less forested, offering a quieter approach to the mountain.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp Distance: 9km Hiking Time: 6–7 hours Habitat: Moorland
The trail continues with a steady ascent through moorland, where vegetation becomes sparser and views more expansive. Mawenzi Peak comes into view ahead, creating a dramatic backdrop. The Rongai Route is relatively steep but allows for shorter hiking durations, which helps with acclimatization as you reach Kikelewa Camp for the night.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp Distance: 6km Hiking Time: 4 hours Habitat: Moorland
Today involves a shorter but steeper climb to reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The trail leads to a scenic spot nestled below the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is an ideal location for acclimatization, offering stunning views of both Mawenzi and the distant Kibo cone. The afternoon is free for rest and exploring the surrounding terrain.
Day 4: Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn Distance: Varies (acclimatization walk) Hiking Time: Flexible Habitat: Alpine Desert
This rest day at Mawenzi Tarn is designed for acclimatization. A short hike to a higher elevation is recommended before returning to camp. This gradual adjustment to altitude increases your chances of a successful summit and reduces the risk of altitude-related discomfort.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp Distance: 4km Hiking Time: 3 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues across the high-altitude saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail is dry, rocky, and barren, resembling a lunar landscape. The day ends at Kibo Camp, located directly below the summit cone, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent.
Day 6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Distance: 6km ascent / 16km descent Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent / 5–6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic
Around midnight, the summit attempt begins. Hiking under headlamps, you'll ascend steep scree slopes toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging section due to the steepness and high altitude. From Gilman’s, it’s a gradual climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit and taking in the views, you descend back to Kibo for a brief rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the final overnight on the mountain.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Distance: 20km Hiking Time: 5–7 hours Habitat: Moorland to Rain Forest
The final day features a steady descent through alpine moorland and lush rainforest. This scenic trail leads you down to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificate. Vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Included:
Kilimanjaro park fees
Climbing permits and fees, gate, camp/hut fees.
Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters' salaries
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next camp
3 meals per day and bottled water/drinks (1.5 litres per person per day)
Rescue fees (required by the national park)
Transport/from the hotel to the gate
All camping equipment, foam sleeping pads, pillows and sleeping bags with cotton liners for Kilimanjaro temperatures, as well as cooking equipment, tables, chairs and eating utensils
The 7-day Rongai Route is the only trail that ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border, offering a quieter and more remote trekking experience. This route features a gradual ascent through diverse scenery—from open savannah and forest to alpine desert—making it suitable for trekkers seeking a less crowded, scenic approach. With generally drier conditions and fewer climbers, Rongai is an excellent option during the rainy season. The route joins the Marangu Trail for the final summit push and includes an extra day for acclimatisation, improving success rates and overall comfort during the trek.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
You will be driven from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for about five hours to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registration at the gate, the hike begins through forested trails where you may see or hear wildlife. Lunch is taken along the trail before continuing to Simba Camp, the first overnight stop. The Rongai Route follows the northern side of Kilimanjaro, which is drier and less forested, offering a quieter approach to the mountain.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The trail continues with a steady ascent through moorland, where vegetation becomes sparser and views more expansive. Mawenzi Peak comes into view ahead, creating a dramatic backdrop. The Rongai Route is relatively steep but allows for shorter hiking durations, which helps with acclimatization as you reach Kikelewa Camp for the night.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today involves a shorter but steeper climb to reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The trail leads to a scenic spot nestled below the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is an ideal location for acclimatization, offering stunning views of both Mawenzi and the distant Kibo cone. The afternoon is free for rest and exploring the surrounding terrain.
Day 4: Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn
Distance: Varies (acclimatization walk)
Hiking Time: Flexible
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This rest day at Mawenzi Tarn is designed for acclimatization. A short hike to a higher elevation is recommended before returning to camp. This gradual adjustment to altitude increases your chances of a successful summit and reduces the risk of altitude-related discomfort.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues across the high-altitude saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The trail is dry, rocky, and barren, resembling a lunar landscape. The day ends at Kibo Camp, located directly below the summit cone, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent.
Day 6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Distance: 6km ascent / 16km descent
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent / 5–6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Around midnight, the summit attempt begins. Hiking under headlamps, you'll ascend steep scree slopes toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging section due to the steepness and high altitude. From Gilman’s, it’s a gradual climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit and taking in the views, you descend back to Kibo for a brief rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the final overnight on the mountain.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Distance: 20km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland to Rain Forest
The final day features a steady descent through alpine moorland and lush rainforest. This scenic trail leads you down to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificate. Vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Included:
Kilimanjaro park fees
Climbing permits and fees, gate, camp/hut fees.
Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters' salaries
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next camp
3 meals per day and bottled water/drinks (1.5 litres per person per day)
Rescue fees (required by the national park)
Transport/from the hotel to the gate
All camping equipment, foam sleeping pads, pillows and sleeping bags with cotton liners for Kilimanjaro temperatures, as well as cooking equipment, tables, chairs and eating utensils
Excluded:
International flights
Optional activities and personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips for the mountain crew
Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
Travel insurance