The Rongai Route is a favorite among seasoned trekkers, offering a less crowded, more rugged approach to Kilimanjaro. Starting from the north side near the Kenyan border, this trail features dry, open terrain and sweeping views of the savannah.
After summiting, your descent follows the Marangu Route on the southern side—giving you the rare chance to experience two distinct environments in one epic journey.
This route spans six days on the mountain, but we strongly recommend adding a seventh acclimatization day to give your body more time to adjust to the altitude and boost your summit success rate.
Itinerary Summary – Rongai Route
Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your Kiware Africa guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Relax and attend a pre-climb briefing to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Begin Trek: Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp
- Rongai Gate (1,950 m) → First Cave Camp (2,650 m)
- A scenic drive takes you to the northern trailhead, where you’ll begin your journey through lush forest, arriving at First Cave Camp after a 3–4 hour hike.
Day 3 – First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
- 2,650 m → 3,660 m
- Today’s 5–6 hour hike leads you across open moorland with fantastic views. You’ll pass Second Cave and reach Kikelewa Camp, nestled near a sheltered valley.
Day 4 – Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 3,660 m → 4,305 m
- Climb steeply to Mawenzi Tarn, located beneath Mawenzi’s towering peak. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing at one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro.
Day 5 – Cross the Saddle to Kibo Huts
- 4,305 m → 4,720 m
- Today’s trek crosses the high alpine desert saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll arrive at Kibo Huts Camp by early afternoon to rest before the summit push.
Day 6 – Summit Day: Uhuru Peak & Descend to Horombo Huts
- Kibo Huts → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Huts (3,720 m)
- At midnight, begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. Witness sunrise from the summit, then descend via Kibo to Horombo Huts for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7 – Final Descent to Marangu Gate & Return to Hotel
- Horombo Huts → Marangu Gate (1,860 m) → Hotel
- After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your driver will then return you to the hotel for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.
Days 8–9 – Departure or Safari/Beach Extension
- Enjoy your final hours in Tanzania before your transfer to the airport for your flight home—or extend your trip with a safari or Zanzibar beach getaway.
Why Choose Kiware Africa Safari Tours?
✅ Exceptional Service – We are committed to delivering the highest level of care from start to finish.
✅ Fastest Response Times – Your questions are answered quickly and professionally.
✅ 100% Tanzania Focused – We specialize exclusively in Tanzania, offering deep local expertise.
✅ Local Travel Experts – Our skilled consultants live and work in Tanzania, giving you insider access.
✅ World-Class Safari Guides – Travel with experienced, passionate guides who bring every journey to life.
✅ Competitive Pricing – Enjoy outstanding value without compromising quality.
✅ Top-Rated Private Safaris – Experience Tanzania your way with highly personalized, private tours.
Trip Info
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Private safari
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2 - 7 Persons
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Bus, Airlines
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English, Spanish, French, Chinese
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Arusha
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Arusha
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Unlimited drinking
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All meals during the trek
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Available
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Hard
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15
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60
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Kiware Africa Safari Tours guide will be waiting to welcome you with a friendly smile. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind after your flight and begin soaking in the adventure ahead.
Later in the day, you'll meet with your mountain guide for a personal pre-climb briefing. You'll receive important information on what to wear, what to pack, and how to prepare for the days ahead—ensuring you're fully ready for your Kilimanjaro experience.
Route: Rongai Gate (1,950 m / 6,398 ft) → First Cave Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft)
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins! After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel and drive you approximately two hours to Rongai Gate—the only route that begins on the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border.
From the trailhead, you’ll hike through a lush forest zone, alive with birdsong and the occasional sighting of wildlife like colobus monkeys or antelope. After a lunch stop along the trail, you'll continue ascending to First Cave Camp, a peaceful site tucked into the moorlands with fewer crowds and great chances to enjoy nature in solitude.
Route: First Cave Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) → Kikelewa Camp (3,660 m / 12,007 ft)
Today’s 5–6 hour hike begins with a steady uphill climb, offering your first views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s jagged eastern summit. As you gain altitude, you may start to feel the effects of thinner air—so remember to take it slow and steady.
You’ll reach the First Cave, a notable volcanic feature where you can take a short break before continuing to the Second Cave for lunch. In the afternoon, the trail becomes more gradual as you approach Kikelewa Camp, located in a sheltered valley near the Third Cave area. This quiet spot provides a peaceful resting point and excellent stargazing once night falls.
Route: Kikelewa Camp (3,660 m / 12,007 ft) → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,305 m / 13,238 ft)
This morning’s 4 to 5-hour hike leads you on a steep but rewarding ascent, offering panoramic views as you rise above the moorlands. The trail becomes rockier and more alpine in nature as you approach one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.
You’ll arrive by early afternoon at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled in a glacial cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. With sweeping views of both Mawenzi and Kibo, this is a perfect place to relax, acclimatize, and take in the wild beauty of Kilimanjaro.
Route: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,305 m / 13,238 ft) → Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m / 15,485 ft)
Today’s 5–6 hour trek takes you through a stark and beautiful alpine desert, often compared to a lunar landscape. As you cross the expansive Saddle, the barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, the trail offers wide-open views and a sense of isolation that’s both surreal and awe-inspiring.
You’ll reach Kibo Huts Camp, located just below the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. After arriving, you'll rest, hydrate, and enjoy a nourishing meal in preparation for the midnight summit push—the most challenging and rewarding part of your journey.
Route: Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m / 15,485 ft) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft) → Horombo Huts (3,720 m / 12,204 ft)
Around midnight, your summit attempt begins under a sky filled with stars. Using headlamps, you’ll make the challenging climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m), a steep and demanding stretch requiring mental strength and determination.
From Gilman’s Point, the path continues more gently along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable moment—one of pure triumph and awe as the golden light breaks over the clouds below.
Route: Horombo Huts (3,720 m / 12,204 ft) → Marangu Gate (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) → Hotel
Your final day on the mountain begins with a scenic 5–6 hour descent through Kilimanjaro’s lush montane rainforest. The trail winds past towering trees, vibrant plant life, and the sounds of tropical birds—offering one last chance to soak in the mountain’s natural beauty.
At Marangu Gate, the official park exit, your group gathers to receive summit certificates and share a heartfelt celebration of your achievement.
From there, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel, where a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a well-earned rest await.
After your incredible Kilimanjaro climb, it’s time to relax and reflect. Spend your final hours in Tanzania enjoying a slow morning at the hotel or exploring the local area before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
Not ready to leave? You can easily extend your adventure with a wildlife safari in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, or unwind on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. Just let us know—we’ll help you design the perfect add-on.
