Rongai Route — 7 Days
Overview
The only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It is drier than the southern routes (a good choice in the wetter months), the quietest of the popular routes, and has a genuine wilderness feel with a real chance of spotting wildlife on the lower slopes. It descends via the Marangu route on the far side. Approach: North · Sleeping: Tents · Highlights: Remote and quiet, Mawenzi Tarn, drier weather
Itinerary
Distance ~8 km · 3–4 hours · Forest. A gentle climb through pine forest and farmland on the northern flank.
Distance ~6 km · 3–4 hours · Moorland. Steady climbing with expanding views of Kibo's eastern icefields.
Distance ~9 km · 5–6 hours · Moorland. The trail turns toward the jagged spires of Mawenzi across open moorland.
Distance ~6 km · 4–5 hours · Alpine. A steep climb to a beautiful camp beside a tarn in a cirque beneath Mawenzi's cliffs. Afternoon acclimatisation walk.
Distance ~9 km · 5–6 hours · Alpine desert. Cross "The Saddle" to join the Marangu trail at Kibo Hut. Rest early.
12–15 hours. The midnight summit ascent to Gilman's Point and on to Uhuru Peak, then a long descent down the Marangu side to Horombo.
Distance ~20 km · 5–6 hours. Final descent through moorland and forest to the gate.
Price Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping/hut and rescue fees
- Licensed, experienced mountain guides, cook and porter team
- Mountain tents, mattresses and camping equipment
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Purified drinking water throughout the trek
- Transport to/from the trailhead gate
- Summit certificate
Price Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance (including emergency evacuation cover)
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, sleeping bag, warm clothing)
- Meals and accommodation before/after the trek in Moshi or Arusha
- Optional oxygen cylinder or private toilet tent hire
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