Overview
This version of the Rongai route climbs from the northern side near Kenya and detours past the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, where you camp right beneath the spires. The northern slopes are drier and quieter than the busy southern trails.
With one more day than our 5-day Rongai climb, you get extra time to adjust to the altitude. Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day; the transfer and your stay at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu are included.
You descend on the Marangu route to the south, seeing both sides of the mountain in one climb. Read our route length guide, or contact us to book.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (7 days)
ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN RESORT
From the airport you are driven to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, on the lower slopes of the mountain. At 5:30 pm your guide holds the pre-climb briefing, checks your gear and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort with dinner and breakfast included.
NALE MORU GATE TO RONGAI ONE CAMP
After an early breakfast in Marangu you drive round to the Rongai (Nale Moru) Gate close to the Kenyan border. The trail climbs gently but steadily through unspoiled forest that is home to plenty of wildlife. As the trees thin out you reach the first camp (2,600 m) at the edge of the moorland, with wide views over the plains of Kenya.
A short first day of about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
SECOND CAVE TO KIKELELWA CAMP
A steady morning climb to Second Cave (3,450 m) opens up views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. After lunch you leave the main path and follow a smaller trail across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, camping at Upper Kikelelwa on a small plateau above a valley of giant groundsels, beyond Kikelelwa Caves (3,750 m).
About 7-8 hours on foot. All meals included.
UP TO MAWENZI TARN CAMP
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes rewards you with views in every direction and a real feeling of remoteness. The last plants disappear just before camp at Mawenzi (4,300 m), set dramatically below the towering spires. The afternoon is free to rest or take a short walk to help acclimatization.
About 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
ACROSS THE SADDLE TO SCHOOL HUT
You cross the moon-like desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to School Hut (4,750 m) at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the afternoon resting and go to bed early before the summit night.
About 5-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT
The steepest and hardest section starts by head torch at about 1 am. You climb very slowly up switchbacks of loose scree to Gillman's Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim and rest there as the sun rises over Mawenzi. If you still feel strong, continue on the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), past glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to School Hut is quick; after refreshments you continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
About 11-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
HOROMBO TO MARANGU GATE
A steady descent through moorland takes you to Mandara Hut (2,700 m) on the Marangu route, then down through green forest on a good path to Marangu Gate (1,830 m).
About 5-6 hours on foot. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort with dinner and breakfast included, followed by your departure transfer.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.