Trip overview
The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that approaches the mountain from the north-eastern side, close to the Kenyan border. It is steadily gaining popularity due to its wilderness feel, lower traffic, and relatively gentle gradients, making it one of the easier routes after Marangu.
Rongai is ideal for climbers who wish to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter, more remote trekking experience. The route can be accessed from either the Tanzanian or Kenyan side of the mountain and is typically completed over 7 days, allowing good acclimatization.
The ascent follows the Rongai trail, and during the final stages, the route joins the Marangu Route for descent. Along the way, trekkers encounter unique features such as natural caves, some of which are used as overnight shelters, adding to the route’s distinctive character.
Tour Highlights
A remote and quiet climb away from the crowds
The only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north
An excellent option during the rainy season
Rongai route map
Itinerary
7 days Rongai route
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. Upon arrival, you will meet your mountain guide who will brief you on the upcoming trek and conduct a full equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day. You will spend the night at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, allowing time to rest and prepare for the climb.
Driving distance: 55 km
Driving time: Approximately 1 hour
Habitat: Cultivated zone
Accommodation: Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 1 - MOSHI - RONGAI GATE - SIMBA CAMP
You’ll be picked up from your Arusha or Moshi hotel after breakfast and make your way to the Marangu gate for the formalities of climber registration.
You’ll then be transferred overland to the Rongai Gate, which is located roughly 2.5 hours drive away.
You’ll begin your hike from the village of Nale Moru, hiking through gently swaying fields of corn before entering a shady pine forest.
Today’s hiking is a gentle ascent through some breathtaking country before you settle down for the evening at Simba Camp.
- Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meal provided: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
DAY 2 - SIMBA CAMP - 2nd CAVE CAMP
Today is a more relaxed day, allowing time to acclimatize to life on the mountain during an enjoyable hike toward Second Cave Camp. You will arrive in time for a hot lunch, followed by a restful afternoon to relax and prepar
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 - 2nd CAVE CAMP - KIKELEWA CAMP
Today is another short day of hiking, with a 3–4 hour trek to Kikelewa Camp. As you gain altitude, the sense of height becomes more apparent, and by evening you’ll be rewarded with spectacular night skies and sweeping views of the Tanzanian landscape stretching out below.
- Elevation: 3,600 meters to 3,900meters
- Distance covered: 10 km
- Approximate time taken: 4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - KIKELEWA CAVE - MAWENZI TARN CAMP
Today’s hike is short but steep, ascending from Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m). The trail passes through alpine moorland, dotted with unique plant species found nowhere else in Tanzania.
Set beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak, Mawenzi Tarn Camp offers breathtaking scenery and a truly distinctive high-altitude camping experience.
- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
- Distance: 9km/5mi
- Walking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - MAWENZI TARN CAMP - KIBO HUT
Today you will hike for 4–5 hours toward Kibo Hut, located in the Kibo Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The trail crosses the true alpine desert, a stark and dramatic landscape that highlights the raw beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro.
You will overnight at Kibo Hut, resting and preparing for your summit attempt.
- Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
- Distance: 9km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 - KIBO HUT - UHURU PEAK - HOROMBO HUT
Today begins very early — just after midnight. Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack as you prepare your daypack for the summit attempt.
You will hike in complete darkness for 5–7 hours, moving steadily toward Stella Point, which you will reach a few hours before dawn. From here, it’s another two hours of demanding hiking along the crater rim to reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak. Standing at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise and enjoy sweeping panoramic views — a moment of true achievement.
After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, you will descend via Kibo Hut and continue down to Horombo Hut. With a total trekking time of 12–16 hours, this is one of the longest and most challenging days of the climb, but also one of the most rewarding.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 - HOROMBO HUT - MARANGU GATE - MOSHI
Today is a day of celebration as you enjoy one final breakfast on the mountain before beginning the descent to Marangu Gate. The walk covers nearly 20 km, but the steady downhill trail makes it far easier than the ascent.
Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll celebrate your achievement with your guides and porters, tip the team for their hard work, and collect your summit certificate. Your driver will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for some well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 3 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the Parkview Inn
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 2- way private airport transfers
- Oxygen cylinder
- Oximeter
Excluded
- Flights
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance
