🏔️ Rongai Route – 6 or 7 Days to the Summit
Route Type: Camping Route (Tent Accommodation)
Duration: 6 or 7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Rongai Gate (Northern Approach)
Ending Point: Marangu Gate
The Quiet Trail from Kilimanjaro’s North
The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s only route approaching from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. Known for being quiet, dry, and scenic, it offers a unique perspective of the mountain and is ideal for those looking to avoid the crowds—especially during the rainy season when other routes can get muddy.
While the trail is less varied than routes like Machame or Lemosho, Rongai provides excellent wildlife viewing on the lower slopes and a gradual ascent profile, especially if trekked over 7 days (highly recommended for acclimatization).
The descent follows the Marangu Route, providing a diverse full-mountain experience.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary (7-Day Option Recommended)
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,620m)
Transfer from Moshi to Rongai Gate (~3–4 hrs)
Begin hike through pine forest with chances to see colobus monkeys
Camp at Simba on the edge of moorland
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Simba
Day 2: Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
Trek through moorland terrain with views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks
Enjoy the wide open landscapes of the northern side
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Second Cave
Day 3: Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp (3,630m) (For 7-Day Option)
A short but steep hike to Kikelewa, passing giant groundsels and lobelias
Rest afternoon or short acclimatization walk
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Kikelewa
Day 4: Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Climb steadily to Mawenzi Tarn beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak
Excellent location for acclimatization
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Mawenzi Tarn
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Cross the high-altitude saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
Arrive at base camp and prepare for summit push
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Midnight wake-up for summit attempt via Gilman’s Point
Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight rest
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Accommodation: Hut at Horombo
Day 7: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Moshi
Final descent through moorland and rainforest
Receive your summit certificate and return to Moshi by vehicle
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (not included unless arranged)
Book Climbing
✅ What’s Included
All park fees, camping permits, and rescue fees
6 nights on the mountain (tents & hut at Horombo)
Certified English-speaking mountain guides, cook, and porters
Daily meals and purified drinking water
Transfers to/from Rongai and Marangu gates
Oxygen cylinder, first aid kit, and pulse oximeter
❌ What’s Not Included
Pre/post-trek accommodation in Moshi
International or domestic flights
Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, headlamp, etc.)
Tips for mountain crew
Snacks, energy drinks, or alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance (required)