Overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches 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, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.
African Scenery offers Rongai as a seven day group climb or a six or seven private climb. The six day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.
Altitude profile
From Rongai Gate to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) and back down.
7-day itinerary
Hiking times are a guide; your guide sets the pace for safe acclimatisation.
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Day 1Rongai Gate Rongai Cave
- Elevation
- 6,398 ft → 9,300 ft
- Hiking time
- 3-4 hours
- Distance
- 8 km | 5 miles
- Habitat
- Rain Forest
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
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Day 2Rongai Cave Second Cave Kikelewa Cave
Rongai Cave to to Second Cave
- Elevation
- 9,300 ft → 11,300 ft
- Hiking time
- 3-4 hours
- Distance
- 6 km | 4 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation
- 11,300 ft → 11,811 ft
- Hiking time
- 3-4 hours
- Distance
- 6 km | 4 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
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Day 3Kikelewa Cave Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation
- 11,811 ft → 14,160 ft
- Hiking time
- 3-4 hours
- Distance
- 5 km | 3 miles
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
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Day 4Mawenzi Tarn Mawenzi Ridge Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation
- 14,160 ft → 14,400 ft
- Hiking time
- 1-2 hours
- Distance
- 2 km | 1 miles
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation
- 14,400 ft → 14,160 ft
- Hiking time
- 1-2 hours
- Distance
- 2 km | 1 miles
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
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Day 5Mawenzi Tarn Kibo Hut
- Elevation
- 14,160 ft → 15,430 ft
- Hiking time
- 5-6 hours
- Distance
- 8 km | 5 miles
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
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Day 6Kibo Hut Uhuru Peak Horombo Hut
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation
- 15,430 ft → 19,341 ft
- Hiking time
- 6-8 hours
- Distance
- 6 km | 4 miles
- Habitat
- Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation
- 19,341 ft → 12,250 ft
- Hiking time
- 4-5 hours
- Distance
- 16 km | 10 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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Day 7Horombo Hut Marangu Gate
- Elevation
- 12,205 ft → 6,046 ft
- Hiking time
- 5-7 hours
- Distance
- 20 km | 12 miles
- Habitat
- Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
What's included
Flights, tips and personal gear are not included.
- Certified mountain guides, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping or hut and rescue fees
- Quality tents, sleeping mats, mess tent and private toilet tent
- Three hot meals a day and treated drinking water on the mountain
- Transfers between your hotel and the park gate
- Daily health checks with pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
