Route description
Rongai is the only route that approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border. It's quieter and often drier than the southern routes, then descends via Marangu so you see two sides of the mountain.
Highlights
- Quiet wilderness trails with fewer climbers
- Often drier conditions on the northern side
- Views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields
- Crossing the lunar 'saddle' beneath Mawenzi
- Descent via the Marangu route
Itinerary
Log entry · Day 00
Arrival and pre-climb briefing
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your hotel (bed and breakfast). Your head guide runs a briefing and gear check, and helps you hire anything you're missing.
Overnight: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel, Moshi
Log entry · Day 01
Rongai Gate (2,364m) to Simba Camp (2,671m)
A 3–4 hour drive to the Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate, then a walk past maize and potato fields into the forest.
Overnight: Simba Camp
Log entry · Day 02
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
A steady climb through moorland with superb views of Kibo, reaching camp by lunchtime to help acclimatisation.
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
Log entry · Day 03
Second Cave Camp to Third Cave Camp (3,800m)
Continue across rugged moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Log entry · Day 04
Third Cave Camp to Kibo Hut (4,720m)
Cross the barren lunar 'saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to base camp.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Log entry · Day 05
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Huts (3,720m)
A midnight start past Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak, then descend via Kibo to Horombo.
Overnight: Horombo Huts
Log entry · Day 06
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate, then Moshi
Descend to Marangu Gate, sign out and receive your summit certificate, then drive back to Moshi.
Overnight: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel, Moshi
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Transport to and from the park gates
- Two nights' hotel accommodation in Moshi, before and after the climb
- All park entry, camping/hut and rescue fees
- Government taxes
- Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain and treated drinking water
- Pre-climb briefing and kit check
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa
- Travel insurance (must cover trekking to 6,000m)
- Tips for your guides, cook and porters
- Personal trekking gear (available to hire)
- Snacks, drinks and personal items
- Extra nights or meals outside the itinerary