Overview
The Rongai route climbs Kilimanjaro from the drier northern side near Kenya, where the scenery is different and there are far fewer climbers than on the southern trails.
Seven days is our longest Rongai plan and gives the best acclimatization of all our Rongai options, with nights at Kikelelwa Caves and beneath Mawenzi's spires. We collect you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day and drive you to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, both included.
You come down on the Marangu route on the southern side, so you see two faces of the mountain. 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 (9 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 a 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 CAMP
After an early breakfast in Marangu you drive to the Rongai (Nale Moru) Gate near the Kenyan border. The trail climbs gently but steadily through unspoiled forest full of wildlife. As the trees thin, you reach the first camp (2,600 m) at the edge of the moorland, with wide views over the plains of Kenya. It is a short first day.
Nale Moru Gate to Rongai Camp: about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
UP TO SECOND CAVE
A steady morning climb to Second Cave (3,450 m) brings great views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields. After a hot lunch you can rest in camp or take an acclimatization walk towards Third Cave.
Rongai Camp to Second Cave: about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
ACROSS THE MOORLAND TO KIKELELWA CAVES
A gradual climb through open moorland heads towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, reaching Kikelelwa Camp (about 3,680 m) in the late afternoon.
Second Cave to Kikelelwa Caves: about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
UP TO MAWENZI TARN
A short but steep climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), with the last plants disappearing just before camp. The afternoon is free to rest or walk a little higher to help acclimatization.
Kikelelwa to Mawenzi Tarn: about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
ACROSS THE SADDLE TO KIBO HUT
You cross the moon-like desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m), at the foot of the crater wall, by early afternoon. There is no running water here. Rest for the remainder of the day before the summit night.
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut: about 5-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO HOROMBO
You wake before midnight and climb slowly by head torch up the zig-zags of volcanic scree to Gillman's Point (5,685 m), resting there as the sun rises over Mawenzi. Climbers who feel good continue on the three-hour round trip along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa's highest point. The descent to Kibo Hut is quick; after refreshments you carry on down to Horombo Hut.
Kibo Hut to the summit and down to Horombo (3,720 m): about 13-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
HOROMBO TO MARANGU GATE
You walk down past Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates, then transfer to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.
Horombo to Marangu Gate: about 6-7 hours on foot. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort with dinner and breakfast included.
DEPARTURE
After saying goodbye to your crew, our included private transfer takes you from Marangu to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), unless you decide to add a short safari or another extension.
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.