Trekking · Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro's Only Northern Trail
Rongai is the only route that climbs Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It sits in the mountain’s rain shadow, which makes it noticeably drier than the southern trails — the route of choice during the April–May and November rains.
It is also the quietest side of the mountain. The trail passes beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, includes a full acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn, and crosses the lunar expanse of The Saddle before the summit push. You descend the completely different Marangu Route, so you never walk the same ground twice.
- The only route approaching from Kilimanjaro's northern slopes
- Driest trail on the mountain — ideal in rainy season
- Full acclimatisation day at Mawenzi Tarn
- Ascend Rongai, descend Marangu — two routes in one
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak — 19,341 ft
7 Days
6 Nights on the Mountain
73 km
Total Trekking Distance
North
Remote Rongai Approach
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Moshi – Rongai Gate – Rongai Cave
Drive around the mountain to the Rongai trailhead near the Kenyan border, then ascend gently through maize farmland and pine forest to the first camp, with colobus monkeys in the canopy.
- ⛰️ 6,398 → 9,300 ft
- 📏 8 km
- 🕐 3–4 hrs
- 🌿 Rainforest
Day 2
Rongai Cave to Kikelewa Cave
A steady ascent with Kibo dominating the skyline ahead, before the trail bears east toward the jagged spires of Mawenzi and the sheltered Kikelewa caves.
- ⛰️ 9,300 → 11,811 ft
- 📏 12 km
- 🕐 6–7 hrs
- 🌾 Heath
Day 3
Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
Short but steep, climbing grassy slopes to the tarn cradled beneath Mawenzi’s towering spires. The afternoon is left free to rest and let the altitude settle.
- ⛰️ 11,811 → 14,160 ft
- 📏 5 km
- 🕐 3–4 hrs
- 🏜️ Alpine Desert
Day 4 · Acclimatisation
Rest Day at Mawenzi Tarn
A crucial acclimatisation day with a morning hike up the Mawenzi Ridge for panoramic views over The Saddle and across to Kibo, returning to camp to sleep low.
- ⛰️ 14,160 → 14,400 ft
- 📏 4 km return
- 🕐 2–3 hrs
- 🏜️ Alpine Desert
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Cross The Saddle — a wide, barren, lunar plain between Mawenzi and Kibo. An early dinner and rest at Kibo Hut before the pre-midnight wake-up call.
- ⛰️ 14,160 → 15,430 ft
- 📏 8 km
- 🕐 5–6 hrs
- 🏜️ Alpine Desert
Day 6 · Summit
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Depart just before midnight for the switchbacks to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, arriving for a spectacular sunrise, then continue around the rim to Uhuru Peak before the long descent to Horombo.
- ⛰️ 15,430 → 19,341 → 12,250 ft
- 📏 6 km up · 16 km down
- 🕐 6–8 hrs up · 4–5 down
- ❄️ Arctic
Day 7
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi
A final descent through moorland and rainforest on the Marangu trail to the gate, where summit certificates are issued, then transfer back to Moshi.
- ⛰️ 12,205 → 6,046 ft
- 📏 20 km
- 🕐 5–7 hrs
- 🌿 Rainforest
Cost
What Your Trip Covers
What’s Included
- Base and airport transfers
- Full-board trek accommodation & hotel before/after
- All park fees and government taxes
- Professional English-speaking guide, porters & cook
- Tents, mattresses & private chemical toilet
- Boiled water, first-aid kit & supplementary oxygen
- 3 porters per climber · head guide with assistant
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
- Dining tent, table and chairs on the mountain
Not Included
- Laundry, sleeping bags & climbing gear
- Beverages
- International flights, visas & taxes
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal items not listed
Get Your Tailored Quote
Rates vary with group size, season and accommodation level. Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll send a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — usually much faster on WhatsApp.
Map
Where You'll Be Travelling
The Quiet Side of Kilimanjaro
Drier, emptier and every bit as spectacular. Tell us your dates and we’ll do the rest.