Incredible
Visiting Tanzania and seeing the parks was a wonderful experience. Tony and Inocent were our guides and they were lovely. A 10/10 trip. (automatic translation from Spanish)
MartaSpain · Visited June 2026
Kilimanjaro trek · Private climbFrom Rongai Gate to Uhuru Peak
7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route
The only approach from the north: true wilderness early on and an extra acclimatisation day beneath Mawenzi.
Duration7 days
Summit5,895 m
SleepingCamping
Summit successMedium
About this route
Rongai Route
Rongai is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. The early stages feel like true wilderness, with far fewer climbers than on the southern routes. An extra day at Mawenzi Tarn helps acclimatisation before the summit push, which from the north is a tough night. You descend on the Marangu Route. Fully catered camping throughout.
- Only northern approach to Kilimanjaro
- Wilderness feel on the early stages
- Camp beneath the spires of Mawenzi
- Descend via the Marangu Route
Climb at a glance
- Route
- Rongai Route
- Duration
- 7 days
- Start
- Rongai Gate
- Sleeping
- Camping
- Acclimatisation
- Good, with an extra day at Mawenzi Tarn
- Price
- On request
Day by day
The climb, stage by stage
Day 1
Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
Day 2
Rongai Cave to Second Cave
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelelwa Cave for the night.
Day 3
Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Day 6
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Route profile
Distances, hiking times and habitats
| Day | Stage | Elevation | Distance | Hiking time | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave | 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft | 8 km/5 miles | 3-4 hours | Rain Forest |
| 2 | Rongai Cave to Second Cave | 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft | 6 km/4 miles | 3-4 hours | Heath |
| 2 | Second Cave to Kikelelwa Cave | 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft | 6 km/4 miles | 3-4 hours | Heath |
| 3 | Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn | 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft | 5 km/3 miles | 3-4 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 4 | Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge | 14,160 ft -14,400 ft | 2 km/1 mile | 1-2 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 4 | Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn | 14,400 ft -14,160 ft | 2 km/1 mile | 1-2 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 5 | Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut | 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft | 8 km/5 miles | 5-6 hours | Alpine Desert |
| 6 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak | 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft | 6 km/4 miles | 6-8 hours | Arctic |
| 6 | Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut | 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft | 16 km/10 miles | 4-5 hours | Heath |
| 7 | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate | 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft | 20 km/12 miles | 5-7 hours | Rain Forest |
Price on request
The price depends on your group size, dates and whether you add a safari or Zanzibar afterwards. Send us your dates and we will reply with a clear per-person price.
After the summit
Add a safari or Zanzibar.
Most climbers rest their legs on a northern circuit safari or on a Zanzibar beach. We plan the whole trip as one.
Reviews
★★★★★ 5.0/5 · 8 verified reviews on SafariBookingsWhat travellers say
Knowledgeable and very respectful with animals.
The safari with Antony was amazing. We trusted him our itinerary and it was worth it. In my opinion, the best thing about it was his knowledge and how respectful he is with wildlife. It is amazing finding people that really love their job and show it.
Cristian PintoUnited Kingdom · Visited October 2024Excellent
Was an interesting trip, a wonderful place and a perfect experience
Moisés RodríguezPeru · Visited January 2023Personal planning
Planning your climb?
Tell us your dates, group size and any altitude experience. We will confirm the best route and send a full proposal.
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- 30% deposit to confirm your booking
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While you travel
- Your own private vehicle and guide
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- Park fees and taxes included and paid in advance
| If you cancel | Cancellation charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days before arrival | Deposit retained, or moved to new dates within 12 months |
| 59 to 30 days before arrival | 50% of the total trip price |
| 29 to 15 days before arrival | 75% of the total trip price |
| Less than 15 days before arrival | 100% of the total trip price |
Park fees and flights already paid to third parties may be non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation. Full refund policy
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