The quietest ascent — Kilimanjaro’s northern approach.
The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s only trail that approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border, and descends via the Marangu Route. It’s a quieter, drier route with gentle gradients — ideal for less-experienced trekkers seeking a more remote experience and a gradual ascent. It is not as scenic as the other routes because of its geographical location.
Your adventure begins around 8am when our guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive around 73km/104 miles – taking about 4 hours – to the Rongai Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registration and lunch, we begin trekking through cultivated farmland and pine forest — a peaceful start to the climb.
The trail is gentle, with occasional sightings of colobus monkeys and forest birds. Simba Cave Camp sits on the edge of the forest zone. We will get there in the evening and you will find your tent erected and dinner being prepared in the kitchen tent. Dinner will follow shortly before we go to bed for a long rest looking forward to day two trekking.
Elevation: 1,997m to 2,635m | Distance: 7km | Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to the First Cave and on to the Second Cave. Here lunch and dinner will be served and we will have an overnight stay at the Second Cave.
Elevation: 2,635m to 3,487m | Distance: 5km | Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We continue through moorland with low vegetation and expansive views. The trail is steady and allows for gradual acclimatisation. Kibo’s snowy summit begins to appear ahead.
After 3-4 hours of trekking, we will finally arrive at the Kikelelwa Campsite. Dinner will follow shortly, then a long rest waiting for the next day.
Elevation: 3,487m to 3,599m | Distance: 9km | Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A short but steep climb takes us to Mawenzi Tarn — one of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic campsites. Leaving the bushy heath, we emerge into the lower part of Kilimanjaro’s Alpine desert where the landscape changes dramatically.
Our camp today is situated at the foot of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. This stage of the trek is relatively short and is commonly finished before noon, allowing enough time to rest and embark on an acclimatisation hike later in the day. Lunch will be served shortly after our arrival. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Elevation: 3,599m to 4,330m | Distance: 5km | Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today’s trek involves a gradual climb across the “Saddle” — a wide, barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo. The trail is long but gentle, with views of both volcanic peaks. You will notice the air becoming thinner as you walk.
Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the base of the summit trail and serves as our base camp. Dinner is early, and rest is essential before the midnight ascent.
At the end of this day, we have two destinations to choose from – Kibo Hut or School Hut. The two base camps are located on the lower Eastern slopes of the Kibo summit and are only about 30 minutes apart.
Elevation: 4,330m to 4,714m | Distance: 8km | Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We begin the final push around midnight. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent, short, breaks. After about 5-6 hours, we reach Gilman’s Point, right at the edge of the crater rim. If you started the trek at midnight, you’ll be able to watch the beautiful sunrise over the Mawenzi Peak.
We continue to Stella Point (5,745m) on the rim of the Kibo crater and from there, we continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!
Elevation: 4,714m to 5,895m | Distance: 6km | Time: 7-8 hours
After celebrating at the summit and a brief rest, we descend to Horombo Hut, via Kibo Hut and across the Saddle.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep after a long, tiresome hike.
Elevation: 5,895m to 3,719m | Distance: 15km | Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Our last day is a long trek, mostly downhill. A gentle descent through moorland and then forest brings us to Marangu Gate, where certificates are collected.
A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory lunch and then back to your hotel, where you can treat yourselves to warm showers and cold beers. Your trek comes to an end. Your guide will advise you on final arrangements and you will have a chance to thank the entire team before parting ways.
Elevation: 3,719m to 1,905m | Distance: 20km | Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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