Kilimanjaro — Rongai Route
The remote northern approach with a 90–95% summit success rate.
- Duration
- 7 days · 6 nights
- From
- On request
- Best season
- January – March · June – October
- Group size
- Up to 8
- Route
- Rongai Gate · Simba Camp · Mawenzi Tarn · Kibo Hut · Uhuru Peak (5,895m) · Marangu Gate
- Meals
- All meals included
- Stay
- Tented camps throughout
Prices are indicative, per person based on two sharing, and vary with group size, accommodation category, travel dates and season.
Overview
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, along the Tanzania–Kenya border — the least-travelled flank of the mountain, with wilder scenery and far fewer climbers on the trail. Seven days allows for a genuine climb-high-sleep-low acclimatisation profile that consistently delivers summit success rates of 90–95%.
The route crests the Mawenzi Tarn, a stark alpine lake beneath Mawenzi's rocky towers, before a rest day and the final push to Kibo Hut and Uhuru Peak. Descent is via the Marangu Route, so you see two different faces of Africa's highest mountain in a single expedition.
The itinerary
A rhythm, not a schedule — every day flexes around what the bush is doing and what you feel like. This outline follows the route; your final day-by-day is confirmed when we tailor the trip.
- Day 01
Rongai Gate → Simba Camp (2,750m)
Drive to the remote Rongai Gate on the northern slopes. Trek through farmland and montane forest to Simba Camp with early views of Kibo.
- Day 02
Simba Camp → Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
Cross open moorland as the vegetation thins and the mountain's scale becomes apparent. Kikelewa Camp sits in a sheltered valley below the Mawenzi peaks.
- Day 03
Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)
A steep climb to the dramatic Mawenzi Tarn — an alpine lake below jagged Mawenzi towers. Superb views and excellent acclimatisation altitude.
- Day 04
Acclimatisation Day at Mawenzi Tarn
A rest and exploration day at Mawenzi Tarn. Short hikes around the tarn and to higher ground help your body prepare for the summit night.
- Day 05
Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Cross the Saddle plateau and reach Kibo Hut for an early dinner and rest before your midnight summit push.
- Day 06
Summit Night → Horombo Hut
Depart at midnight and climb the volcanic scree to Gilman's Point (5,681m) and on to Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend via Marangu to Horombo Hut.
- Day 07
Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha
Final descent through the rainforest, summit certificates at the gate, and transfer back to Arusha.
What's covered
What's included
- Professional licensed mountain guide
- All park, rescue, and hut / camp fees
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water on the mountain
- Porter and cook services
- Pulse oximeters and walking poles
- First aid kit and supplemental oxygen
- Summit certificate
- Return transfers from Arusha / Moshi
Not included
- Personal hiking gear (boots, warm layers, sleeping bag)
- Hotel accommodation before and after the trek
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Landscapes on this journey
Ready to make this journey yours?
Take this itinerary as it is, or tell us what to change — dates, pace, camps, everything is flexible.
- Tanzanian owned
- Licensed DMC
- Tailor-made itineraries
- Fast response