DAY 1 · FOREST AND HEATH
Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Through farmland and pine forest at the edge of the mountain, near the Kenyan border, to a quiet first camp.
- DISTANCE
- 8 km
- WALKING
- 3 to 4 hours
- TONIGHT
- Simba Camp, 2,650 m
KILIMANJARO
Rongai
Seven days up the quiet northern side of the mountain.
DURATION
7 days
6 possible
DISTANCE
74 km
Gate to gate
SUMMIT
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Gentle and steady
SLEEP
Private camps
Tents, every night
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Quiet, gentle, and the driest side of the mountain.
Rongai starts near the Kenyan border and climbs the drier northern side of Kilimanjaro, passing beneath the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. It’s quiet and steady, and a good choice when the southern slopes are wetter.
Quiet trailsThe drier northern sideA gentle, steady climbA night at Mawenzi Tarn
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
Rongai is the calmest way up the mountain.
It’s gentle, quiet and dry, with one of the most beautiful camps on Kilimanjaro at Mawenzi Tarn. It suits climbers who want a steady pace, away from the crowds.
Rawan Dakik
FOUNDER · ALL SEVEN SUMMITS
THE CLIMB
From the gate to the roof of Africa.
DAY 2 · MOORLAND
Simba Camp to Second Cave
A steady climb onto open moorland, with Kibo and Mawenzi coming into view.
- DISTANCE
- 6 km
- WALKING
- 3 to 4 hours
- TONIGHT
- Second Cave Camp, 3,450 m
DAY 3 · MOORLAND
Second Cave to Kikelewa
A short day across the moorland toward the spires of Mawenzi.
- DISTANCE
- 6 km
- WALKING
- 3 to 4 hours
- TONIGHT
- Kikelewa Camp, 3,600 m
DAY 4 · ALPINE DESERT
Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn
A steep climb to one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain, beside a small lake beneath Mawenzi’s cliffs.
- DISTANCE
- 4 km
- WALKING
- 3 to 4 hours
- TONIGHT
- Mawenzi Tarn Camp, 4,330 m
DAY 5 · ALPINE DESERT
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Across the bare Saddle to high camp. A summit briefing, an early dinner and rest.
- DISTANCE
- 9 km
- WALKING
- 4 to 5 hours
- TONIGHT
- Kibo Hut Camp, 4,720 m
DAY 6 · ARCTIC SUMMIT
Summit day: Uhuru Peak
You set off around midnight, reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at dawn, then follow the rim to Uhuru Peak. Then the long walk down to Horombo.
- DISTANCE
- 21 km
- WALKING
- 12 to 14 hours
- TONIGHT
- Horombo Hut, 3,720 m
DAY 7 · RAINFOREST
Horombo to Marangu Gate
Down through the forest on the Marangu trail, a farewell with your crew, and your summit certificate at the gate.
- DISTANCE
- 20 km
- WALKING
- 6 to 7 hours
- TONIGHT
- Your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything on the mountain is taken care of.
INCLUDED ON EVERY CLIMB
- Oxygen on every climb+ pulse oximeters
- First Responder guides1 guide : 2 guests
- Health checksEvery night
- Porter load limit18 kg max
- Park feesAll included
- Evacuation protocolAlways on call
- Private campMess and sleeping tents
- Meals on the mountainCooked fresh at camp
- Airport transfersJRO pickup + hotel night
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Tips for your crew
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
LUXURY CLIMB
The mountain, with every comfort.
$3,100 per person
Everything above, plus:
- 5 star accommodation in Arusha
- Lebanese culinary dining
- Spacious standing expedition tent
- Sleeping bed with mattress
- 1 dedicated guide per climber
- Hot shower every day
- Portable solar charging
WHEN TO GO
Our pick is June.
The start of the dry season, cool and clear, and the northern side is the driest part of the mountain. June to October and January to February are all great.
OUR PICK
JFMAMJJASOND
BestSome cloudRainy
The gradient is gentler, but it has fewer chances to climb high and sleep low, so the extra day at Mawenzi Tarn matters.
The northern side of Kilimanjaro sits in the mountain’s rain shadow, so it gets less rain than the southern routes.
Rongai is one of the quietest routes on the mountain. Your camp is always private.
No. You climb from the north and descend on the southern side, on the Marangu trail, so you see both sides of the mountain.
START PLANNING
Ready to climb Rongai?
Tell us a little about your plans and we’ll get back to you within a few hours.
Let's talk about your Tanzania.