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.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a Kilimanjaro Mavens representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the afternoon, your lead guide will conduct a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. This is a vital session where we discuss the “Pole Pole” philosophy, safety protocols, and perform a thorough gear check. If any equipment is missing, we will assist you in renting high-quality gear locally. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner, allowing you to meet your fellow climbers and rest before the adventure begins.
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 will be served. We will then continue trekking through moorland with
low vegetation and expansive views, traversing to the East approaching the majestic peak
of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night. Dinner will follow shortly,
then a long rest waiting for the next day.
Elevation: 2,635m to 3,599m | Distance: 12km | Time: 6-8 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 acclimatization 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.
Night 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
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
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
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
After a final breakfast and a relaxing morning reflecting on your achievement, we provide a private transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). For those not heading home, this is the perfect time to start your Tanzania Wildlife Safari or catch a flight to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar.
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