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The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, close to the border with Kenya. It is one of the quietest and least crowded routes, offering a wilderness feeling in the early stages. The 7-day itinerary provides excellent acclimatization and a gradual ascent, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. The route features open landscapes, unique views of Mawenzi Peak, and a beautiful descent through the Marangu trail.
Rongai Route
7 Days | 6 Nights
2 Pax Min
Your journey begins at the Rongai Gate on the northern side of the mountain. After registration, you start trekking through farmland and pine forests. The trail is gentle and offers expansive views over Kenya. By late afternoon, you arrive at Simba Camp (2,620m), located near the edge of the moorland zone.
After breakfast, you continue hiking through open moorland with wide views of the plains. The trail climbs gradually, making it an excellent day for acclimatization. You reach Second Cave Camp (3,450m) in the early afternoon. The camp sits beneath the impressive Mawenzi Peak, offering stunning views during sunset.
The trail continues steadily upward, with clear views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape becomes more rugged as you enter the high moorland. After a few hours of hiking, you arrive at Kikelewa Camp (3,600m). The surrounding valleys and giant heathers create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for rest and acclimatization.
Today is a shorter but steeper climb, taking you up to Mawenzi Tarn (4,315m), located in a stunning alpine cirque beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most beautiful camps on the entire mountain. The afternoon is spent resting or taking an acclimatization hike around the tarn.
After your acclimatization at Mawenzi, you trek across the wide Saddle, a barren desert-like area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The path is gradual but long as you approach Kibo Hut (4,703m), your base for the summit climb. You arrive in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest before the midnight ascent.
Summit day begins around midnight. You climb slowly and steadily along steep switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m). After reaching the crater rim, you continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for dinner and overnight.
Your final day takes you through the moorland and lush rainforest zones as you descend to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for a warm shower and a well-deserved rest after your successful summit.
Wild and Nature Safaris is a Tanzanian-owned safari company created from our love for adventure, nature, and our beautiful country. We are based in East Africa and we offer unforgettable safaris to Tanzania’s top destinations — including the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
