Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft) · Quiet northern wilderness approach
Trip Info
-
Accommodation
Mountain tents
-
Departure City
Moshi / Arusha
-
Arrival City
Moshi / Arusha
-
Best Season
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
-
Guide
Guided mountain crew
-
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
-
Group Size
1 – 12 guests
-
Stay Category
Camping
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It is drier, quieter and offers a true wilderness feel, with a night at the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn before the summit and a descent via Marangu.
This 7-day itinerary is led by our professional mountain crew of guides, cooks and porters. Every day is paced to help you acclimatize, with daily health checks, hot meals and a carefully planned summit night to give you the best chance of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Quiet northern wilderness approach
- Drier side of the mountain
- Camp beside Mawenzi Tarn
- See both sides of Kilimanjaro
- Descent via the Marangu Route
Places You’ll See
Rongai Route
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides & porters
- Camping equipment & tents
- All meals on the mountain
- Rescue fees
- Airport transfers (Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport)
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal trekking gear rental
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
-
Day 01: Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
Drive to the Nale Moru trailhead on the northern side of the mountain and walk through farmland and pine forest to Simba Camp.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 7 km
- Starting Altitude: 1,950 m / 6,398 ft
- Ending Altitude: 2,625 m / 8,612 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Simba Camp
-
Day 02: Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
A steady climb through heath and moorland with views over the Kenyan plains to Second Cave Camp.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Starting Altitude: 2,625 m / 8,612 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,450 m / 11,319 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
-
Day 03: Second Cave Camp – Kikelewa Camp
Leave the main trail and strike out towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi to the sheltered Kikelewa Caves.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,450 m / 11,319 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
-
Day 04: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut
A short, steep climb up grassy slopes to the stunning Mawenzi Tarn, set beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,330 m / 14,206 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Hut
-
Day 05: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Hut
Cross the high desert of the Saddle to Kibo Hut at the foot of the summit cone. Early dinner and rest.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 9 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,330 m / 14,206 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,705 m / 15,436 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut
-
Day 06: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Begin around midnight, climbing switchbacks to Gilman's Point on the crater rim and on to Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and continue to Horombo Hut.
- Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
- Distance: 21 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,705 m / 15,436 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
-
Day 07: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi
Descend through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Distance: 20 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- Ending Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This package is specifically the Rongai Route for 7 days. Other day options are listed as separate packages.
No technical climbing is required, but good fitness and preparation help a lot.
Dry seasons January–March and June–October are the most popular.
