Rongai — 6 Days
Approaching from the drier, quieter northern side near the Kenyan border, Rongai offers a gentle, gradual ascent with fewer crowds and different scenery from the southern routes.
Day-by-day itinerary
Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
Start on the mountain's quieter northern side, walking through pine forest into moorland with far-reaching views into Kenya.
Simba Camp → Second Cave / Kikelewa Camp
Open moorland walking beneath Mawenzi's jagged peak, with the crowds of the southern routes far behind you.
Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn
A steeper climb up to the dramatic bowl of Mawenzi Tarn, tucked beneath Mawenzi's sheer cliffs — an excellent acclimatization stop.
Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut
Cross the stark, lunar landscape of "The Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach base camp for the summit push.
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
Depart around midnight for the summit push, reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then descend to Horombo the same day.
Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
Descend through moorland and rainforest on the southern side to Marangu Gate for your summit certificate.
What's included
Included
- Park fees, rescue fees & hut/camping fees
- Certified guide, cook & porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Transport to and from the trailhead gate
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Personal climbing gear
- Tips for guides, cooks & porters
- Travel and medical insurance
- Private departures — choose your own start date
- Small groups of climbers welcome too
- Response within a day, usually sooner
Other Kilimanjaro routes
Ready to book the Rongai climb?
Send us your preferred dates and group size, and we'll reply with a full quote and gear list.