The Rongai Route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the mountain's northeastern side, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains an unspoiled, wilderness feel, offering trekkers a sense of solitude and serenity.
As the only trail approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, the Rongai Route is one of the most remote and wild paths on the entire mountain. Despite its isolation, this route has numerous advantages, making it a highly appealing option for those seeking a unique experience on Africa's tallest peak.
Due to its more secluded nature, the Rongai Route is among the least trafficked of all the Kilimanjaro trails. Climbers opting for this path will enjoy a peaceful trek with few fellow trekkers, until the trail converges with the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp for the final ascent to the summit.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and after clearing customs, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Arusha Farm House Lodge. Here, you'll meet your climbing manager and guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check to ensure you're fully prepared for your climb. Spend the night at Arusha Farm House Lodge.
Accommodations: Arusha Farm House Lodge.
Meals Included: Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll receive an overall briefing from your guide. At 9:00 AM, you’ll meet the rest of the team, including guides and porters, and then drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. After registering at Marangu Park Gate, our staff will complete a final equipment check and pack the vehicles. From there, you'll continue on a bumpy 70-kilometer drive to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters.
The trek begins in Nale Moru village, following a gradual, winding path that first passes through maize and potato fields before entering the rainforest, home to various wildlife. After 4-5 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Simba Camp, where you’ll be greeted with boiled washing water and snacks before dinner is served in the mess tent.
Simba Camp to 2nd Cave Camp
Altitude Gain: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 4 miles
Approx. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
After your first night on the mountain, you'll be woken at 6:30 AM with a warm drink in your tent (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate). After breakfast, you'll continue your climb along a trail that winds upward towards Kibo, with stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo. As you approach the Eastern crater rim, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the ice fields.
Upon reaching the 2nd Cave Camp, our cook will greet you with boiled drinking water and hot washing water. Relax with some snacks and a hot lunch, then enjoy some downtime to take in the camp's atmosphere and snap some photos.
2nd Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Altitude Gain: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 4 miles
Approx. Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
From Second Cave, the trail turns abruptly southeast, heading directly toward the jagged peak of Mawenzi. As you traverse the open moorland, you'll make your way to Kikelewa Camp, which sits near a couple of caves by the Kikelewa River.
Here, you'll find the striking presence of giant groundsel and lobelias flourishing around you. The views continue to expand, and from Kikelewa Camp, you’ll be able to see just how immense Mount Kilimanjaro truly is.
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Altitude Gain: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 3 miles
Approx. Hiking Time: 4 hours
The journey to Mawenzi Tarn Hut is relatively short, covering less than 4-5 km, and typically completed in the morning. However, this section is steep, with an elevation gain of 660 meters. The path gradually sheds the moorland vegetation as you climb.
Once you reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut, you'll find it nestled in one of the most breathtaking locations, sitting in a cirque beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. In the afternoon, an optional acclimatization walk up a nearby ridge will offer stunning views, and if the sky is clear, you may even catch a magnificent view of Kibo.
Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
Altitude Gain: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 5 miles
Approx. Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Today begins with a slight retracing of your steps, followed by a westward trek, crossing a ridge and descending the slope as you gently make your way along the northern edge of the barren Saddle. With stunning panoramic views to both the east and west, this day offers some of the most picturesque scenes on the mountain. The day's destination is Kibo Camp, where you'll once again be treated to a spectacular view of Kibo.
You'll arrive at the camp early and enjoy a hot lunch. In the afternoon, the guides will provide a final briefing to prepare you for the summit push. This is your time to relax, double-check your equipment, and ensure your clothing is ready for the ascent.
Dinner will be served early to ensure you get plenty of rest before the big day. We recommend you head to bed before 7:00 PM to ensure you're well-rested for your wake-up drink at 11:30 PM.
Kibo Hut to Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Altitude Gain: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 4 miles ascent, 10 miles descent
Approx. Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-5 hours descent
At 11:30 PM, you'll be woken with tea and biscuits before starting your summit challenge at midnight. With only headlamps lighting the way and your guides leading you, the ascent begins in the darkness. The golden rule here is "pole, pole" - slowly, slowly - as you pace yourself for the long climb ahead. Along the way, you'll pass key landmarks like William's Point (5,131 m) and Hans Meyer Cave (5,259 m), each offering a moment to check your progress.
At Gilman's Point (5,681 m), you'll experience what might be the most awe-inspiring sunrise of your life, with a spectacular view of Mawenzi. After snapping some photos, the climb continues for 1-2 more hours along the Marangu Route until you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the continent - the Roof of Africa! Congratulations! You'll have time for some photos to commemorate the achievement.
Due to the extreme altitude and cold, it's important to begin descending shortly after your summit celebration. After descending back to Kibo Camp, you'll enjoy a hot lunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut. After this long and fulfilling day, enjoy a well-deserved dinner and your final night on the mountain.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha
Altitude Loss: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 12 miles
Approx. Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Start your final day on the mountain with a celebratory breakfast, where your team will thank you and congratulate you in their own special way. It's also a chance for you to express your gratitude to the guides and porters for their support, and show appreciation by offering a tip.
The descent begins as you pass Mandara Hut and continue down to Marangu Gate. Upon reaching the gate, you can enjoy a celebratory beer while the team loads your equipment into the van.
Then, it's off to a restaurant in Moshi for lunch, where you will be presented with your summit certificate. Afterward, you'll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower.
