Rongai Route – 7 Days (Northern approach)
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate → Simba Camp → Second Cave → Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo → Marangu Gate
Trek Types: Private • Small-Group on request • Camping (with hut night on descent)
Starting Point/End: Moshi or Arusha (hotel pickup/drop-off)
Overview
The Rongai Route climbs Kilimanjaro from the dry, northern side near the Kenyan border—quieter trails, stable weather, and big views of Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. It’s an excellent choice in the shoulder/wet seasons and for trekkers who prefer gradual gradients. You’ll camp most nights, traverse to Kibo Hut for the summit push, then descend via the Marangu side with a final night at Horombo.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate → Simba Camp
Drive to the north-side gate for registration. Gentle hike through heather and pine to Simba Camp (≈2,625 m). Sunset views toward the Kenyan plains.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 2: Simba Camp → Second Cave
Steady climb on open moorland to Second Cave (≈3,450 m). Easy afternoon acclimatization walk toward the Eastern Icefields outlook (optional).
Hike: ~3–4 hrs (+1–2 hrs optional)
Day 3: Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp
Traverse beneath Mawenzi’s spires to Kikelewa (≈3,630 m). Shorter day; hydrate and rest for tomorrow’s gain.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 4: Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn
Superb, steeper ascent to the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn camp (≈4,330 m) tucked below Mawenzi. Afternoon acclimatization loop on nearby ridges.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs (+1 hr optional)
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (Summit Base)
Cross “The Saddle”—a high alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo—to Kibo Hut (≈4,700 m). Early dinner, gear check, and rest before summit night.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs
Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo → Uhuru Peak → Horombo
Midnight start via Gilman’s Point and Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise. Celebrate, then descend to Kibo for a hot drink and continue down to Horombo (≈3,720 m).
Hike: 12–15 hrs total (ascent + descent)
Day 7: Horombo → Marangu Gate → Moshi/Arusha
Final descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate for certificates. Private transfer to your hotel—hot shower and celebration.
Hike: ~5–6 hrs
Safari Booking
Professional mountain team: lead guide(s), assistant guides, cook, and porter crew
Kilimanjaro park/conservation fees and mountain camping fees
Quality camping gear: sleeping tents, dining tent with tables/chairs, sleeping mats
All meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, packed or hot lunches, hot dinners) + hot drinks
Treated drinking water throughout the trek
Basic medical kit on the mountain (pulse oximeter; supplemental oxygen for emergencies)
Pre-trek briefing and gear check in Moshi/Arusha
Private transfers: hotel ↔ park gates (start and finish)
Summit certificates
International flights and Tanzania visa
Pre/post-trek hotels in Moshi/Arusha (available on request)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, down jacket; rentals available)
Travel insurance (recommended for high-altitude trekking)
Optional upgrades (private toilet tent, single-tent supplement)
Snacks/energy gels, bottled drinks, and personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for the mountain crew
Any services not mentioned as included