Rongai Route – Northern Approach
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights on the mountain
Route Name: Rongai Route
Climb Type: Guided trekking with camping
Starting Point: Rongai Gate (Northern Kilimanjaro, near Kenyan border)
🌟 Route Highlights
Approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern (drier) side
Ideal for climbs during the rainy seasons
Less crowded than other popular routes
Offers a gentle ascent with beautiful wilderness scenery
Great chance to spot wildlife in early days (colobus monkeys, antelope)
Itinerary (7-Day Version Recommended)
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Drive to Rongai Gate (1,950m)
Hike through forest to Simba Camp (2,620m)
Look for monkeys and forest birds along the way
Approx. 4–5 hours of hiking
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Trek through moorland to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
Enjoy wide views over the Kenyan plains
Approx. 4–5 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Continue through open heathland to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
Afternoon rest with views of Mawenzi Peak
Approx. 3–4 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) below towering Mawenzi
Optional short acclimatization walk in the afternoon
Approx. 4–5 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Mawenzi to Kibo Hut
Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Early dinner and full rest before summit night
Approx. 5–6 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then to Horombo Hut
Midnight start for summit attempt via Gilman’s Point
Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise
Descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for overnight
Approx. 13–15 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Final descent through rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860m)
Receive summit certificates and return to Moshi
Approx. 5–6 hours of hiking
Meals: Breakfast
SAFARI BOOKING
✅ Included in This Climb
All park, camping, and rescue fees
Professional mountain guide, cook, and porter team
Tents, mattresses, dining equipment
All meals and drinking water on the mountain
Pre-climb briefing and transfers to trailhead
Emergency oxygen and first aid
KPAP-standard ethical porter care
❌ Not Included
International flights
Tanzania visa and insurance
Tips for crew (guides, porters, cooks)
Sleeping bags and personal gear (available for rent)
Hotel stays before/after the trek
Personal expenses and snacks