Trekkers on the Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

7-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb

The only approach from the dry northern side near the Kenyan border. Gentle gradients, wilderness feel and the best chance of clear weather in the wetter months.

Duration
7 days
From (per person)
$2,050
Best for
Trekkers climbing in April, May or November, or anyone wanting quiet trails.
Check availabilityRequest a quote

Trip highlights

Why guests choose this trip

  • Driest side of the mountain
  • Quiet trails and a genuine wilderness approach
  • Mawenzi Tarn camp beneath the jagged Mawenzi peak
  • Descends the popular Marangu route

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Moshi to Simba Camp

    Long drive around the mountain to Rongai Gate, then a farm-and-forest walk.

    1,950 m → 2,625 m

  2. Day 2

    Simba to Kikelelwa Camp

    Steady moorland climb with Kibo directly ahead.

    2,625 m → 3,600 m

  3. Day 3

    Kikelelwa to Mawenzi Tarn

    Short, steep climb to a dramatic camp under the Mawenzi spires.

    3,600 m → 4,330 m

  4. Day 4

    Acclimatisation at Mawenzi Tarn

    Morning hike on the Mawenzi slopes, afternoon rest and health checks.

    4,330 m · 3-4 hrs

  5. Day 5

    Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

    Cross the lunar Saddle to Kibo Hut. Early dinner, then sleep.

    4,330 m → 4,700 m

  6. Day 6

    Summit night: Uhuru Peak, then Horombo

    Midnight start to Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo.

    4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m

  7. Day 7

    Horombo to Moshi

    Descent to Marangu Gate, certificates and transfer to your hotel.

    3,720 m → 1,860 m

What's included

  • All park, camping, rescue and conservation fees
  • Certified guides, cook and porters
  • All mountain meals and filtered drinking water
  • Full camping equipment and private toilet tent
  • Daily health checks, emergency oxygen and altitude bag
  • Two hotel nights in Moshi with breakfast and airport transfers

Not included

  • Flights, visa and insurance
  • Personal gear (rental available)
  • Crew tips — roughly USD 300 per climber

Booking inquiry

Reserve your Rongai Route dates

Send us your dates and we'll come back with availability and an honest all-inclusive quote.

Choose an available departure date

Gold dates are prime trekking and game-viewing season.

November 2026
Prime season Shoulder season Closed (long rains)

No date selected yet — we can also advise the best window for you.

  • Prime season: January, February, June to October — dry trails, clear summit views and peak Serengeti wildlife.
  • Shoulder season: March, November, December — quieter mountain, occasional afternoon showers, lower rates.
  • Long rains — closed: April and May: we do not run climbs for safety reasons. Safaris can still be arranged on request.

No deposit needed to get a quote. We only use your details to answer your inquiry.