Tour Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that starts from the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the border with Kenya. It is known for being quiet, dry, and less crowded.
This route is a good choice during the rainy season because it receives less rain. It also offers a different view of the mountain, with wide open landscapes and fewer trees.
The 7-day itinerary gives enough time for acclimatization, which helps improve your chance of reaching the summit.
The highlight of the trek is reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After the summit, you descend through the southern side via the Marangu Route.
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Climbers who want a quieter route and a gradual climb
Itinerary
Elevation: 1,950 m → 2,600 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Simba Camp (tents)
You drive to Rongai Gate for registration, near the Kenya border.
The hike starts through farmland and forest. You may see wildlife like monkeys.
The trail is gentle and not steep, making it a good start. You arrive at Simba Camp in the afternoon and relax.
Activities
Trekking from Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
Elevation: 2,600 m → 3,450 m
Distance: 6–7 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (tents)
You leave the forest and enter open moorland. The views become wider.
The trail climbs slowly. You will see great views of Kibo Peak.
You arrive at Second Cave Camp and rest.
Activities
Trek from Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp
\Elevation: 3,450 m → 3,600 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (tents)
Today is a shorter day to help with acclimatization.
The trail becomes steeper in some parts. You walk slowly and enjoy the views.
You arrive early at Kikelewa Camp and have time to rest.
Activities
Trek from Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,330 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents)
You continue climbing to Mawenzi Tarn, located below Mawenzi Peak.
The landscape is rocky and very beautiful. The views of Mawenzi are amazing.
This is a good place for acclimatization. You arrive early and relax.
Activities
Climb from Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: 4,330 m → 4,700 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Kibo Hut Camp (tents)
Today you cross the “Saddle,” a wide, dry area between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
The trail is long but not very steep. The environment is dry and windy.
You arrive at Kibo Camp, where you prepare for the summit. Eat early and rest.
Activities
Trek from Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut Camp
Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance: 6 km up + 15 km down
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Camp (tents)
You wake up around midnight and start the summit climb in the dark. It is very cold and steep.
After several hours, you reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
After celebrating, you descend to Kibo Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Camp.
This is the longest and most challenging day.
Activities
Trek from Kibo Camp → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Camp
Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,860 m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
After breakfast, you continue descending through the rainforest.
The air becomes warmer, and walking is easier.
At Marangu Gate, you receive your summit certificate. Your driver will take you back to your hotel.
Activities
- Descent from Mweka Camp
- Transfer to hotel in Moshi/Arusha
