Side
Northern
Approach
Days
6/7
options
Distance
75 Km
round trip
Grade
Easy
Success
High
Trip overview
Rongai is the only Kilimanjaro route that starts on the northern
slope of the mountain. Although this side of the mountain is less
visited by hikers, it is just as interesting as the popular southern
and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to those who enjoy
quieter hiking experiences.
Getting to the trailhead at Nalemuru Gate usually takes 3-4 hours
from your hotel in Moshi. Rongai is also the only route that passes
by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the
third-highest peak in Africa. The descent takes place through
Marangu, allowing you to experience both sides of the mountain.
Six- and seven-day programs are available for the Rongai Route,
with the longer option recommended for better acclimatisation.
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
Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer
to your hotel in Moshi. Your guide will then meet you for
a trek briefing and equipment check to ensure you
have all the necessary mountain gear. Overnight and
dinner at the hotel.
dinner and breakfast
Driving distance: 55 km
Driving time: Approximately 1 hour
Habitat: Cultivated zone
Accommodation: Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY 1 - MOSHI - NALEMORU GATE
Your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at your hotel in the morning for a
short briefing. You will then travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s northern
entrance, Nalemoru Gate (2364 m). After completing the park formalities, obtaining
your climbing permits, and registering with the search and rescue service, you will
begin your trek to Simba Camp (2,671 m).
The trek is moderate and takes you through the coniferous forest along Kilimanjaro’s
northern slope. Take your time and maintain a comfortable pace throughout the hike.
By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have prepared
your tents and started preparing dinner.
- 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
You will continue hiking through the moorland zone to the
Second Cave Camp. Along the way, you will have good
views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields along the crater
rim.
Overnight at Second Cave Camp (3,450 m).
Approx.
- 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
Another beautiful day begins with stunning views of the eastern ice
fields along the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanic
peaks that form Mount Kilimanjaro.
You will trek for about 3 hours through the moorland zone along a
smaller trail toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi (5,149m). You will
reach Kikelelwa Camp in time for lunch and overnight.
Approx.
- 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 is a short but steep climb up grassy slopes,
rewarding you with stunning panoramic views and a strong
sense of wilderness. The camp is spectacularly located in a
cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
You will have free time in the afternoon to rest or explore the
surrounding area as part of your acclimatization.
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330 m).
Approx.
- 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 cross the lunar desert of the Saddle
between Kibo and Mawenzi to reach Kibo Hut. You will
spend the afternoon having lunch and resting at Kibo Hut
in preparation for the final ascent to the summit at
midnight.
- 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
The final ascent will begin around midnight. This is considered the steepest and most
demanding part of the trek. Your guide will set a steady pace, allowing you to walk slowly
and conserve your energy.
In the darkness, you will climb for several hours to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m), where you
will take a short rest with a cup of tea while enjoying the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.
From Gilman’s Point, you will continue for almost 1 hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Along the
way, you will pass close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy much of
the summit area.
After taking photos at the Roof of Africa, you will descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and
hot lunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
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
Wake up as usual and begin the descent through the moorland to
Mandara Hut. You will have a hot lunch there before continuing
through the tropical rainforest to the park gate.
A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where it is
definitely time to celebrate!
Then: Departure / Other Destination in Tanzania
Later in the evening or the next day, you will be transferred to
Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Kilitop
Adventure can also organize an affordable cultural tour or safari to
some of Tanzania’s best destinations, including Tarangire National
Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
- 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
