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The quiet northern route from the Kenyan border, drier in the rainy months
Rongai is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It sees fewer climbers, lies in the mountain's rain shadow, and is a good choice in the wetter months. The trail is gentle, and our six-day version spends a night at Mawenzi Tarn under the jagged peaks of Mawenzi before crossing the Saddle to Kibo Hut. You descend on the Marangu route, so you see both sides of the mountain. Private climb with hotel nights in Moshi, all park fees, tents and cooked meals.
Warm and mostly dry, clear summit mornings
Long rains: quiet trails and our lowest prices
Cool and dry, the most popular climbing months
Short rains, mostly afternoon showers
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive about 45 minutes to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening your lead guide runs the briefing and checks every item of gear with you, so anything missing can be hired before the climb. Rongai starts at Nale Moru on the north side, about 3 to 4 hours' drive from Moshi.
Drive round the mountain to the Rongai Gate, then walk through pine plantations and farmland edge into forest and up to the first camp. Hike about 3 to 4 hours, roughly 7 km, from 1,950 m to 2,625 m.
Climb steadily through heath with Kibo and Mawenzi growing ahead, past Second Cave to Kikelewa. Hike about 6 to 7 hours, roughly 12 km, from 2,625 m to 3,600 m.
A short, steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn, set in a cirque under Mawenzi. Afternoon acclimatisation walk. Hike about 3 to 4 hours, roughly 5 km, from 3,600 m to 4,330 m.
Private transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport and your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, one way, for up to 4 people with luggage.
One more night in a mid-range Moshi hotel with breakfast, per person sharing. Useful before the climb to rest after a long flight.
Four-season sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, gaiters, waterproof trousers and a head torch, ready at your gear check in Moshi or Arusha.
A portable flush toilet in its own tent for your group, carried and cleaned by a dedicated porter for the whole climb. Price per group.
One more night on the mountain to help your body adjust, including park fees, crew and meals. Raises your chance of reaching the summit.
Tell us your dates and party size — we'll confirm availability and send a clear quote.
Cross the high desert of the Saddle to Kibo Hut. Early dinner and rest before the summit. Hike about 5 to 6 hours, roughly 9 km, from 4,330 m to 4,720 m.
Wake around 23:00 for tea and biscuits, then climb slowly by head torch from Kibo Hut. Most climbers reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim around sunrise, then walk 45 minutes more to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After photos you descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and hot lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m). Summit push about 6 to 8 hours, descent 5 to 6 hours, roughly 17 km in total. The longest and hardest day of the climb.
Walk down through moorland and forest to Marangu Gate to collect your certificate, then drive to Moshi. Hike about 6 hours, roughly 20 km.
Breakfast, then a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or onward to Arusha to start a safari or fly to Zanzibar.
Flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, transfers, three nights in a Nungwi beach hotel on half board and Zanzibar visitor insurance. Per person sharing.