The only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. Drier, quieter and gentle underfoot. Choose 6 or 7 days with local guides from Moshi.
Get a free quoteSee itinerariesAs the only route that approaches the mountain from the north, Rongai is quite different from the others. You start close to the Kenyan border and walk through areas of wilderness, then join the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp, at the base of the summit massif. You come down on Marangu, so the trip is almost a complete north to south traverse of Kilimanjaro.
The northern slopes lie in the rain shadow and receive lower precipitation, so this trail is more sheltered and a good choice for the rainy season. Rongai is also much quieter than the other routes, mainly because of the extra time it takes to reach the gate at the start. For many climbers that peace makes it their favourite.
The gradient is gentle and the path is steady, taking you from farmland and pine forest onto open moorland, then up to the jagged spires of Mawenzi and across the saddle to Kibo. On the lower slopes you may see wildlife such as colobus monkeys, and the views across the plains towards Kenya are memorable.
| Stage (7 day plan) | Altitude | Distance | Walking time | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rongai Gate to Simba Camp | 1,950 to 2,626 m | ~7 km | 3–4 hrs | Farmland and pine forest |
| Simba to Second Cave | 2,626 to 3,450 m | ~6 km | 4–5 hrs | Forest and heath |
| Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp | 3,450 to 3,600 m | ~5 km | 3–4 hrs | Moorland |
| Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp | 3,600 to 4,315 m | ~4 km | 3–4 hrs | Alpine desert |
| Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp | 4,315 to 4,700 m | ~9 km | 5–6 hrs | The saddle |
| Kibo to Uhuru Peak, down to Horombo | 4,700 to 5,895 to 3,720 m | ~5 km up, ~15 km down | 12–15 hrs | Arctic summit |
| Horombo to Marangu Gate | 3,720 to 1,970 m | ~20 km | 5–7 hrs | Moorland to forest |
Distances and times are approximate and vary with pace and conditions. The 6 day plan skips the separate night at Second Cave. The drive to Rongai Gate adds time on day one.
A quicker northern climb for fit trekkers with limited time.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp.
Day 2: Simba to Kikelewa Camp.
Day 3: Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp.
Day 5: Summit night to Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo.
Day 6: Horombo to Marangu Gate.
Our recommended option. An extra night for a slower pace and better acclimatisation.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp.
Day 2: Simba to Second Cave.
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp.
Day 4: Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Camp.
Day 6: Summit night to Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo.
Day 7: Horombo to Marangu Gate.
Confirm the exact inclusions for your booking when you request a quote.
The driest and clearest months are January to March and June to October. Because the north side is in the rain shadow, Rongai is also a good pick in the wetter months, but the summit can still be cold and cloudy, and you should pack waterproofs. Dry-season dates fill up early, so book ahead.
Expect a quiet start through farms and pine forest, wide moorland, sweeping views across the plains towards Kenya, the dramatic peaks of Mawenzi from Mawenzi Tarn and the lunar landscape of the saddle before Kibo.
You leave Kibo Camp around midnight and climb slowly through scree to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. It is very cold. Walk “pole pole” (slowly), drink plenty and tell your guide about any headache or nausea. The 7 day plan gives a better acclimatisation profile than 6 days.
Layered clothing, a warm summit jacket, waterproof shell, broken-in boots, gloves, hat, headlamp, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated to about –10°C and a 2 to 3 litre water system. Tents and mats are provided, but bring your own sleeping bag.
Rongai is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It is quieter and drier than the southern routes, with a gentle gradient and wilderness scenery.
We recommend 7 days. The extra night gives more time to acclimatise before the summit, which improves your chances.
Yes. The north side sits in the rain shadow and gets lower precipitation, so it is more sheltered than other routes, though the summit can still be cold and wet.
The gradient is gentle, but summit night is the same long, cold climb as on every route. No technical climbing is needed, but good fitness is important.
It starts at Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border, joins the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp and descends via Marangu to Marangu Gate.
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