7-Day Rongai Route Trek
trip overview
Africa's highest peak, by its quietest northern route.
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border, on the drier side of the mountain. This 7-day trek starts quietly through pine forest and moorland, passes beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi and crosses the Saddle to Kibo Hut before a pre-dawn push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. You'll be supported by experienced guides, porters and a cook throughout, and descend by the Marangu Route to Marangu Gate.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you walk, how high you climb, and where you sleep each night.
You'll camp at Simba Camp on Night 1, Second Cave on Night 2, Kikelewa on Night 3 and Mawenzi Tarn on Night 4, then sleep in huts at Kibo on Night 5 and Horombo on Night 6. Hours and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and the conditions.
Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
After breakfast, your guide collects you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drives you to Rongai Gate on the northern side of the mountain, close to the Kenyan border. You'll register with the park, meet your crew and begin walking through pine forest and farmland, with a chance of spotting colobus monkeys.
You'll arrive at Simba Camp in the afternoon, where your tent is set up and dinner is served.
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
You'll climb steadily out of the forest and into open heather and moorland, with views opening up across the plains to the north. The pace is slow and steady to help your body adjust to the altitude.
You'll arrive at Second Cave Camp in the afternoon, with time to rest before dinner.
Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Today is a shorter walk across wild, quiet moorland, with the jagged peaks of Mawenzi coming into view ahead. The route is lightly used, and the shorter day gives your body extra time to adapt.
You'll reach Kikelewa Camp early in the afternoon for lunch and a long rest.
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
You'll climb steeply up the ridge towards Mawenzi, gaining height quickly before arriving at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set beneath the rock face of Mawenzi. Climbing high and resting here helps prepare your body for the higher camps ahead.
The afternoon is free to rest, drink plenty of water and enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery.
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Today you'll cross the Saddle, the high alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, a stark and open landscape with very little vegetation. The air is thinner and the walking is slow.
You'll arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon for an early dinner and a few hours of rest before the summit attempt, with your guide briefing you on the night ahead.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Horombo Hut
You'll be woken around midnight for tea and a light snack, then set off in the dark for the summit. The climb up the steep scree slope to Gilman's Point is the hardest part of the trek, and you'll reach the crater rim around sunrise.
From there you'll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, you'll descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and meal, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate — Trek Ends
After breakfast, you'll walk down through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate if you reached Gilman's Point or Uhuru Peak, and say goodbye to your crew.
You'll have lunch at the gate before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your trek.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Licensed English-speaking mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters and a mountain cook
- 4 nights camping with sleeping tents and a mess tent, and 2 nights in mountain huts (Kibo and Horombo)
- All meals on the mountain, as listed above
- Drinking water on the mountain
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping, hut & rescue fees
- Transfers between your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and the park gates
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Tips for your mountain crew — we'll share a guideline before the climb
- Personal climbing gear — ask us about rental options
- Hotel nights before or after the trek
- Meals in town and drinks not listed above
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
Important to know before booking
- Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — ask us when booking if you need a night either side.
- You'll sleep in tents for the first four nights and in shared mountain huts at Kibo and Horombo. Facilities on the mountain are basic, so bring your own warm sleeping bag.
- The 7-day Rongai schedule climbs gradually on the drier northern side of the mountain, with a night at Mawenzi Tarn to help acclimatisation.
- Summit night is long and cold, with temperatures well below freezing — warm layers, a headlamp and good boots are essential.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m is required for all climbers.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
- A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country. Reaching the summit depends on weather, altitude and fitness and cannot be guaranteed.
what to bring
Your packing list for the climb.
The trek passes from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so layers are the key. Here's what to pack for the 7 days.
- Moisture-wicking base layers, top and bottom
- 2–3 quick-dry t-shirts and hiking trousers
- Fleece or insulated mid layer
- Warm down or synthetic jacket for summit night
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat and a sun hat or cap
- Neck gaiter or buff and UV sunglasses
- Thin liner gloves and warm waterproof gloves
- Waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus warm socks for camp
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential for summit night
- Trekking poles
- Daypack (25–35 L) with rain cover
- Soft duffel bag for the porters to carry
- Warm sleeping bag for freezing temperatures
- 2–3 litres of water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal first aid kit, blister plasters and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and toilet paper
- Energy bars and snacks you enjoy
- Power bank and camera
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries
- Passport and Tanzania e-Visa
- Travel insurance details covering trekking to 6,000 m
- Yellow fever certificate, if required
- Small US dollar notes for crew tips
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Camp shoes or light sandals for the campsites
- Warm layers for evenings, which get cold at the higher camps
- Earplugs for windy nights in camp
- A book, journal or cards for the evenings
- Zip-lock or dry bags to keep gear dry
Packing tips
- Your main bag is carried by the porters, while you carry only your daypack. Pack the main bag in a soft duffel, and we'll confirm the weight limit when you book.
- Dress in layers: the trek moves from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so being able to add and remove layers matters more than any one item.
- Ask us if you'd rather rent some of the heavier items, such as a sleeping bag, jacket or trekking poles, than bring them.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day Rongai Route trek 4 nights camping, 2 nights in huts, all meals on the mountain, park fees included | $2,300 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
The trek starts at Rongai Gate on the northern side of the mountain on Day 1, with a pick-up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, and ends at Marangu Gate on Day 7 before you are driven back to your hotel.
You'll camp in tents at Simba, Second Cave, Kikelewa and Mawenzi Tarn, then sleep in shared mountain huts at Kibo and Horombo. Our crew sets up and takes down camp each day.
The route is gradual and no technical climbing is needed, until summit night, which is steep, cold and long. A good level of fitness and some hiking experience helps. No technical climbing is needed.
Yes. Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — just let us know when booking.
Most nationalities need a Tanzania e-Visa, available at immigration.go.tz. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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