Rongai Route

The Rongai route is the only route approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, those who would like a more remote hike, and those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately complex route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai compensates by passing through actual wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. The descent is via the Marangu route.

Detailed Itinerary

Rongai Route Map
Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp

Day 1: Arrival day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp. The Camp offers a range of wellness facilities, including a hot tub and a sauna with a spacious and elegant tent, a private pool, a spa, and a breathtaking view of the majestic Kilimanjaro. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

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Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 2: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft Altitude gained: 638m

A 4-5 hour drive from Moshi will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife you will likely see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

Read More
Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 3: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft Altitude gained: 852m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Read More
Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 4: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft Altitude gained: 449m

After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.

Read More
Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 5: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft Altitude gained: 1238m

As you depart the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning, begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.

Read More
Kilimanjaro Summit

DAY 6: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 721m Descent to 3721m/12,208ft Altitude lost: 2174m

Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, it ascends through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

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Gran Melia Hotel Arusha

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft Altitude lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you from the gate and drive you to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.

  • Also, driving Distance: 135 / km (2 Hours)
Read More
Airport

Day 8: Departure After breakfast

Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!

Read More

Day 1: Arrival day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp. The Camp offers a range of wellness facilities, including a hot tub and a sauna with a spacious and elegant tent, a private pool, a spa, and a breathtaking view of the majestic Kilimanjaro. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp

DAY 2: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft Altitude gained: 638m

A 4-5 hour drive from Moshi will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife you will likely see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 3: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft Altitude gained: 852m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 4: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft Altitude gained: 449m

After breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.

Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 5: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft Altitude gained: 1238m

As you depart the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning, begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.

Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 6: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 721m Descent to 3721m/12,208ft Altitude lost: 2174m

Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, it ascends through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Kilimanjaro Summit

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft Altitude lost: 1816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters since you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you from the gate and drive you to your luxury accommodation in Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.

  • Also, driving Distance: 135 / km (2 Hours)
Gran Melia Hotel Arusha

Day 8: Departure After breakfast

Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!

Airport

Inclusions

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Book your trip

Select Month

Rongai Route

January 31, 2026

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
February 7, 2026

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$320

own room

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Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $320 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

December 31, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
January 7, 2026

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

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Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

November 30, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
December 7, 2024

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

October 31, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
November 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

September 30, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
October 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

September 30, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
October 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

August 31, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
September 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

July 31, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
August 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

June 30, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
July 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

May 31, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
June 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

April 30, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
May 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

March 31, 2025

Open for bookings

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
April 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!

Rongai Route

February 28, 2025

Few spaces left

From USD2250
Deposit USD750
March 7, 2025

(+2 nights lodge)*

+$220

own room

hotspt4
Upgrade to your own room by
paying a charge of $220 Otherwise you
will share a room with another traveller!
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FAQs

What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route? For all operators combined, it is estimated that the 6-day Rongai route has a success rate of approximately 90%, and the 7-day Rongai route has a success rate of about 98%.

The Rongai Route is moderately complex and highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. Although the scenery is not as varied as that of the western routes, Rongai compensates by passing through wilderness areas nearly the entire way. The descent is made via the Marangu route.

The Rongai Route: A Remote and Wildlife-Rich Adventure

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the northern or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to its more remote location, this route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience. In addition, it provides a unique opportunity to witness large wildlife. Such as antelope, elephant, and buffalo, which are less commonly seen on the other routes. Furthermore, the Rongai trail is known for its quieter atmosphere. As it tends to attract fewer climbers, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience in nature. However, despite its beauty and tranquility, the route is still challenging and requires proper preparation. Especially due to the varying terrain and altitude. As a result, it is an excellent choice for those seeking both adventure. And a chance to connect with the mountain’s natural surroundings. Ultimately, the Rongai Route offers a distinct Kilimanjaro experience, combining wilderness, wildlife, and the thrill of summit success.

Elevation Gain: 2,175m/7,140ft

The trail consists mainly of steep switchbacks. With a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you.  Approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m). As a result, this section of the climb can be physically demanding, requiring both mental focus and physical strength. However, the challenge rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the summit of Kilimanjaro in sight. Moreover, the altitude increase adds an extra layer of difficulty, making it essential to pace yourself and take frequent breaks. Additionally, climbers prepared for changes in weather, which can vary significantly as you ascend. On the other hand, the sense of accomplishment once you reach Gilman’s Point is unparalleled. As you’ve conquered one of the most challenging parts of the climb. Therefore, the elevation gain from this section marks an important milestone in your journey to the summit.

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