Kilimanjaro Trek, 9 Days
7-Day Rongai Route
The only route approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. Drier conditions, remote wilderness feel. From $2,560 per person (group of 10–12 People).
Kilimanjaro Trek, 9 Days
Rongai Route, The Northern Approach
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, starting near the Kenyan border. It offers a remote, wilderness feel with far fewer trekkers than the southern routes. The northern face tends to be drier, making it a great option during the April/May rains.
The descent is via the Marangu Route, meaning you see the mountain from two completely different sides. Suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
9 Days Total
Total Trip
From $2,560
Per person · group of 10–12 People
5,895m
Summit
Price Per Person (USD)
Day by Day
9-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Moshi
Airport transfer to hotel. Guide briefing and equipment check. Dinner included.
Day 2
Rongai Gate (1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,625m)
Drive to the remote Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. Trek through farmland and forest. Distance: 7km / Duration: 3–4 hours.
Day 3
Simba Camp (2,625m) → Second Cave (3,450m)
Continue through open moorland as the vegetation becomes sparser. Excellent views of the northern Kibo slopes. Distance: 8km / Duration: 4–5 hours.
Day 4
Second Cave (3,450m) → Kikelewa Cave (3,600m)
Short acclimatization day. Option to hike higher before returning to sleep lower. Alpine desert begins. Distance: 4km / Duration: 3–4 hours.
Day 5
Kikelewa Cave (3,600m) → Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m)
Steep ascent to the dramatic Mawenzi Tarn, a glacial lake beneath the rugged Mawenzi peak. Distance: 5km / Duration: 4–5 hours.
Day 6
Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m) → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Cross the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. Exposed, lunar landscape. Arrive at the final camp. Early dinner and rest. Distance: 9km / Duration: 4–5 hours.
Day 7
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Summit push begins at midnight. Gillman's Point at sunrise, then Uhuru Peak. Descend all the way to Horombo Hut on the Marangu side. Distance: 20km / Duration: 12–16 hours.
Day 8
Horombo Hut (3,720m) → Marangu Gate (1,830m)
Final descent through heathland and forest. Certificates at Marangu Gate. Celebration dinner at the lodge. Distance: 19km / Duration: 6–7 hours.
Day 9
Departure from Moshi
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or onward to safari.
What's Included
Not Included
Take the Road Less Traveled
The Rongai Route gives you Kilimanjaro almost to yourself. Our guides know every turn of this quieter, more remote path.