A remote, less-crowded route from the Kenya-facing side of the mountain.
Drier weather than the southern routes, good in the rainy months.
A wilder feel, with a descent by the Marangu trail.
Overview
Rongai is the only route that reaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It is quieter and drier than the routes on the southern slopes, and the gradient is gentle for most of the trek.
The seven-day itinerary adds nights at moderate altitude, which makes acclimatisation smoother. You approach Kibo from the east, with a great view of Mawenzi, and descend by the Marangu route. Compare it with the Machame route.
Tour facts
Difficulty
Challenging
Group sizes
Private, Small group
Great for
12+
Languages
English, Swahili
Start point
Moshi
Guest rating
4.8 / 5
Best months to travel
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1Rongai Gate to Simba CampMount Kilimanjaro
We drive to Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border and walk through pine forest and farmland to Simba Camp at about 2,600 metres.
Day2Simba Camp to Second CaveMount Kilimanjaro
The forest thins into moorland. You climb to Second Cave at about 3,450 metres, with long views of the northern plains.
Day3Second Cave to Kikelewa CaveMount Kilimanjaro
A short, steady day to Kikelewa Cave at around 3,600 metres, keeping the pace slow for acclimatisation.
Day4Kikelewa to Mawenzi TarnMount Kilimanjaro
You cross to the base of Mawenzi Peak and camp at Mawenzi Tarn at about 4,330 metres, one of the most dramatic sites on the mountain.
Day5Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo HutMount Kilimanjaro
A walk across the alpine desert of the Saddle to Kibo Hut at about 4,700 metres. You eat early and sleep in the afternoon.
Day6Summit night: Uhuru Peak and Horombo HutMount Kilimanjaro
Start around midnight for the summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, then descend to Kibo and continue to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day7Horombo to Marangu GateMount Kilimanjaro
Walk down through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, collect your certificate and drive back to your hotel.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
KINAPA park fees, camping or hut fees and rescue fee for the route and nights sold
Chief guide, assistant guides, cook and porters within park crew ratios
Tents or huts as the route requires, mess tent and three meals a day on the mountain
Private transfers from your Moshi or Arusha hotel to the gate and back
Purified drinking water on the mountain
Two nights in a hotel in Moshi or Arusha, bed and breakfast, before and after the climb
Not included
International flights, visa and hotel nights beyond those included
Sleeping bag, down jacket and other personal kit (a hire list is sent with your quote)
Tips for the mountain crew, which we explain before you fly
Travel insurance that covers trekking to 6,000 metres, which is required
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
High season
1 Jan – 31 Mar
$2,050
High season
1 Jun – 31 Oct
$2,050
Low season
Best value
1 Apr – 31 May
$1,905
Low season
Best value
1 Nov – 31 Dec
$1,905
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Low season rate.
1 traveller
$2,896
--52%
2 travellers
$1,905
-0%
3 travellers
$1,848
-3%
4 travellers
$1,810
-5%
5 travellers
$1,772
-7%
6 travellers
$1,734
-9%
7 travellers
$1,715
-10%
8 travellers
$1,695
-11%
Frequently asked questions
Why choose Rongai?
It is quieter than most routes, dry in the rainy seasons and gentle at the start. It is a good choice if you want fewer people on the trail.
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need mountaineering experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on consecutive days. Hill walking in the months before helps a lot.
What are the chances of reaching the summit?
They depend mostly on time to acclimatise, your pace and the weather. Longer routes and a slow pace give the best chance, but no operator can guarantee a summit.
