Rongai Route

Package Overview

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It is a scenic and less-crowded route with a high success rate and gradual ascent profile.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights   |   Difficulty: Moderate   |   Accommodation: Camping Only

Itinerary

• Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,625m)
  Distance: 8 km   |   Time: 3–4 hours   |   Zone: Rainforest
  Drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. Trek through lush forest with a gentle ascent to Simba Camp.
  Overnight at Simba Camp.
• Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
  Distance: 6 km   |   Time: 3–4 hours   |   Zone: Moorland
  Ascend steadily through moorland with views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields. Reach Second Cave for rest and acclimatization.
  Overnight at Second Cave Camp.
• Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)
  Distance: 9 km   |   Time: 5–6 hours   |   Zone: Moorland
  Leave the main trail and hike across the eastern side of the mountain. Enjoy clear views and sparse vegetation. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp nestled in a sheltered valley.
  Overnight at Kikelewa Camp.
• Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310m)
  Distance: 6 km   |   Time: 3–4 hours   |   Zone: Alpine Desert
  A short but steep climb up grassy slopes with breathtaking views. Camp beneath Mawenzi’s jagged spires at a stunning alpine tarn.
  Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
• Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
  Distance: 9 km   |   Time: 5–6 hours   |   Zone: Alpine Desert
  Cross the lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, your base for the summit. Rest and prepare for the midnight ascent.
  Overnight at Kibo Hut.
• Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then down to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
  Distance: 6 km up / 16 km down   |   Time: 6–8 hrs up, 6–8 hrs down   |   Zones: Arctic to Moorland
  Start the summit push at midnight, passing Hans Meyer Cave to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), then on to Uhuru Peak — Africa’s highest point. After celebration and photos, descend to Horombo Hut.
  Overnight at Horombo Hut.
• Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870m)
  Distance: 20 km   |   Time: 5–6 hours   |   Zone: Rainforest
  Descend through moorland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi/Arusha.
  End of trek.

Exclusions

• International flights and visa
• Tips and personal gear
• Travel insurance
• Additional hotel stays

Price & Season

Starting From: $1,800 USD (depends on group size and route)

Best Seasons: January–March and June–October