OVERVIEW
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended to allow enough acclimatization before summit session. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo Hut. This route descends down via Marangu route Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES
Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Chagga villages and farmland to Kilimanjaro’s quiet northern side. After registration at the Nalemoru Gate, set off along a small winding path through lush montane forest filled with birdlife and colobus monkeys. The trail gently climbs with occasional clearings that offer first views of Kenya’s plains. Arrive at Simba Camp in a grassy clearing on the edge of the moorland zone. Settle in, enjoy tea or coffee, and watch the sun set behind Mawenzi’s jagged peak. Your team prepares a hearty dinner as temperatures begin to cool in the evening.
-Elevation: 6,400 ft / 1,950 m → 8,530 ft / 2,600 m
-Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-HHabitat: Montane Forest
-Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Simba Camp.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp (via Second Cave)
-Today is a long but rewarding hike. Leaving Simba Camp, you’ll trek through wide-open moorland filled with giant heather and unique alpine flora. You’ll pass Second Cave around midday, taking a rest for lunch and acclimatization at 3,450 m. Here you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Kibo’s eastern ice fields and Mawenzi’s jagged spires before continuing on a more rugged and less-traveled trail. The path steepens slightly as you approach Kikelelwa Camp in a beautiful sheltered valley with a seasonal stream. This quieter camp offers incredible close-up views of Mawenzi, dramatic high-altitude scenery, and a sense of real mountain solitude.
-Elevation: 8,530 ft / 2,600 m → 11,810 ft / 3,600 m
-Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 miles
-Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Kikelelwa Camp.
Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
-A shorter but steeper climb today leads you out of the valley onto a high ridge with breathtaking panoramic views. The vegetation thins quickly as you cross into alpine desert. Mawenzi Tarn Camp lies in a stunning amphitheater beneath Mawenzi’s towering cliffs, with a small alpine lake reflecting the crags above. This is one of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular campsites. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing, exploring the area on short walks, or simply soaking up the eerie beauty of the landscape as the light changes across Mawenzi’s spires.
-Elevation: 11,810 ft / 3,600 m → 14,160 ft / 4,315 m
-Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn (Acclimatization Day)
-A vital acclimatization day to improve summit chances. After breakfast, take a guided hike higher up Mawenzi’s ridges before returning to camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adapt to the thin air. Enjoy dramatic views of the Saddle—a vast desert plateau connecting Mawenzi and Kibo—and watch clouds drift across the surreal volcanic landscape. The afternoon is for rest, journaling, photos, or chatting with guides about Kilimanjaro’s geology and history. A hot dinner and clear mountain night await, with unforgettable stargazing opportunities.
-Elevation: 14,160 ft / 4,315 m
-Distance: Variable (acclimatization hikes)
-Hiking Time: 2–4 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
-Today’s route crosses the hauntingly barren Saddle—a high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The wide, stark landscape offers incredible views of both volcanic peaks, with little vegetation and surreal, almost lunar scenery. The air is thin but the trail is mostly gradual. As you approach Kibo Hut, the summit cone looms ever closer. Arrive in the afternoon for an early dinner and detailed briefing for the summit bid. You’ll organize gear, refill water bottles, and rest as much as possible before your pre-dawn departure for the Roof of Africa.
-Elevation: 14,160 ft / 4,315 m → 15,430 ft / 4,703 m
-Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Kibo Hut.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
-You’ll wake around 11 PM for tea and biscuits before beginning the summit push under starlight. The route ascends steep, switchbacking scree to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (18,640 ft / 5,681 m), where you’ll pause for sunrise views. Continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. Celebrate with photos and congratulations at 19,341 ft (5,895 m), then carefully descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and brunch. After regrouping, you’ll continue down to Horombo Hut for your final night on Kilimanjaro, passing from alpine desert into moorland. Expect to arrive exhausted but elated.
-Elevation: 15,430 ft / 4,703 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 12,205 ft / 3,720 m
-Distance: ~22 km / 13.7 miles
-Hiking Time: 12–16 hours
-Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
-The final day is a long, scenic descent through diverse ecological zones. Hike through heather-covered hills, giant lobelias, and dense rainforest echoing with birdsong. You’ll pass Mandara Hut (for a break) before continuing down the well-maintained path to Marangu Gate. Celebrate your achievement, receive your summit certificate, and take photos with your team. Vehicles await to drive you back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned shower, a proper meal, and the satisfaction of having conquered Africa’s highest peak by one of its most remote and scenic routes.
-Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 6,046 ft / 1,843 m
-Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
-Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
-Meals: Breakfast.
WHAT INLCUDED IN PACKAGE
-Bed and Breakfast, all transfer and all stated in the itinerary including entrance fees.
-The right is reserved to substitute hotels when necessary, for those described in this package.
