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Gentle & Steady Ascent — Ideal for Acclimatization
Drier Climate with Spectacular Views
Wilderness Experience with Rich Wildlife
Merges with Marangu Route for Summit Ascent
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Known for its gentle ascent and remote wilderness experience, it offers trekkers a quieter and less crowded alternative to the southern routes. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful, scenic climb with a gradual acclimatization profile.
Unlike other routes, the Rongai Route passes through authentic wilderness areas, including forests and moorlands, before merging with the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut for the final summit attempt. Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, the Mawenzi peak, and vast open landscapes.
With its drier climate and high success rate, the Rongai Route is ideal for first-time climbers, especially during rainy seasons, while still offering a rewarding adventure to the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border, taking approximately 5 hours. After park registration and briefing, the trek starts through forested paths where you might encounter wildlife. The trail steadily climbs through less dense forests compared to the southern routes, offering peaceful surroundings. Lunch is taken en route before reaching Simba Camp for the night.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The trail ascends steadily through moorland vegetation, offering expansive views across the landscape. As you climb higher, Mawenzi Peak comes into view, rising dramatically ahead. Although the path is relatively steep, the day’s trek is manageable, ending at Kikelewa Camp where you'll rest and enjoy the alpine scenery
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today is a shorter but steeper hike, designed to aid acclimatization. The path climbs up grassy slopes before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful campsite situated beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak. You’ll have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize while enjoying panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail crosses the barren saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, resembling a lunar desert landscape. This steady walk leads to Kibo Camp, located directly beneath the Kibo summit cone. Rest well here, as the next day involves the final push to the summit.
Day 5: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Ascent Distance: 6 km
Descent Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent, 6–8 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
You'll begin your summit attempt just after midnight. The climb to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim is the most challenging section, with steep, rocky terrain. From Gilman’s, a gradual ascent takes you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you'll descend back to Kibo Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland & Rainforest
The final descent takes you through moorland and lush rainforest trails. Be cautious, as the trail can be slippery. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates. Afterward, a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your incredible Kilimanjaro journey.
Included in the Package
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
Climbing permits and camping/hut fees
Professional guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters' salaries
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides
Porters to carry luggage between camps
Three meals per day on the mountain
Bottled water (1.5 liters per person per day)
Rescue fees as required by the National Park
Transport to and from your hotel to the Kilimanjaro Gate
All camping equipment, including tents, foam sleeping pads, pillows, sleeping bags with cotton liners
Cooking equipment, tables, chairs, and eating utensils
Excluded from the Package
International flights
Optional activities and personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tanzania visa fees
Tips for the mountain crew (guides, cook, porters)
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Known for its gentle ascent and remote wilderness experience, it offers trekkers a quieter and less crowded alternative to the southern routes. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful, scenic climb with a gradual acclimatization profile.
Unlike other routes, the Rongai Route passes through authentic wilderness areas, including forests and moorlands, before merging with the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut for the final summit attempt. Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields, the Mawenzi peak, and vast open landscapes.
With its drier climate and high success rate, the Rongai Route is ideal for first-time climbers, especially during rainy seasons, while still offering a rewarding adventure to the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border, taking approximately 5 hours. After park registration and briefing, the trek starts through forested paths where you might encounter wildlife. The trail steadily climbs through less dense forests compared to the southern routes, offering peaceful surroundings. Lunch is taken en route before reaching Simba Camp for the night.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The trail ascends steadily through moorland vegetation, offering expansive views across the landscape. As you climb higher, Mawenzi Peak comes into view, rising dramatically ahead. Although the path is relatively steep, the day’s trek is manageable, ending at Kikelewa Camp where you'll rest and enjoy the alpine scenery
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today is a shorter but steeper hike, designed to aid acclimatization. The path climbs up grassy slopes before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful campsite situated beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak. You’ll have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize while enjoying panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail crosses the barren saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, resembling a lunar desert landscape. This steady walk leads to Kibo Camp, located directly beneath the Kibo summit cone. Rest well here, as the next day involves the final push to the summit.
Day 5: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Ascent Distance: 6 km
Descent Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent, 6–8 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
You'll begin your summit attempt just after midnight. The climb to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim is the most challenging section, with steep, rocky terrain. From Gilman’s, a gradual ascent takes you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you'll descend back to Kibo Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland & Rainforest
The final descent takes you through moorland and lush rainforest trails. Be cautious, as the trail can be slippery. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates. Afterward, a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your incredible Kilimanjaro journey.
Included in the Package
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
Climbing permits and camping/hut fees
Professional guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters' salaries
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides
Porters to carry luggage between camps
Three meals per day on the mountain
Bottled water (1.5 liters per person per day)
Rescue fees as required by the National Park
Transport to and from your hotel to the Kilimanjaro Gate
All camping equipment, including tents, foam sleeping pads, pillows, sleeping bags with cotton liners
Cooking equipment, tables, chairs, and eating utensils
Excluded from the Package
International flights
Optional activities and personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tanzania visa fees
Tips for the mountain crew (guides, cook, porters)
Personal spending money for souvenirs and extras
Travel insurance (highly recommended)