Rongai Route — 6 Days

Rongai Route — 6 Days · 6 days

Package Overview

Rongai is the only route that climbs Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. The northern slopes get less rain than the south, which makes it a good choice in the wetter months, and the trail is quieter and gentler than Machame or Umbwe. You camp beneath the jagged Mawenzi peak on day three, then descend on the Marangu side, so you see both faces of the mountain.

Highlights

• Drier northern slopes
• Camp beside Mawenzi Tarn below the Mawenzi spires
• Few other climbers
• Descent on the Marangu side for a different view

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 • Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp

First Cave Camp

A scenic drive round the mountain to Rongai Gate (1,950 m), then a gentle climb through pine forest and farmland edges to First Cave Camp (2,650 m).

Day 1 Accommodation, First Cave Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 2 • First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Climb steadily through moorland towards Mawenzi to Kikelewa Camp (3,660 m).

Day 2 Accommodation, Kikelewa Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3 • Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

A short, steep morning to Mawenzi Tarn (4,305 m), a small lake right under the jagged towers of Mawenzi.

Activity · Mawenzi acclimatization walk (Optional)

An afternoon walk higher up the Mawenzi ridges to help your body adjust before you sleep.

Day 3 Accommodation, Mawenzi Tarn Hut Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4 • Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to Kibo Hut (4,720 m).

Note: Early dinner and lights-out: the summit push begins around midnight.

Day 4 Accommodation, Kibo Hut Meal Plan: Full board

Day 5 • Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo Hut

Uhuru Peak, sunrise

A midnight start to Gilman's Point and around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise, then down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).

Day 5 Accommodation, Horombo Hut Meal Plan: Full board

Day 6 • Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Descend through moorland and forest to Marangu Gate (1,860 m), collect your certificates and transfer back to your hotel.