Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,625 m)
Drive from Arusha to the Kenyan border at Rongai Gate. Begin your trek through pine and juniper forest on Kilimanjaro's drier, quieter northern slopes.
DAY 1
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS TANZANIA
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route — 7-Day Northern Approach
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Safari Overview
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border, offering a completely different perspective of the mountain. Its drier climate and gentler gradient make it an excellent choice during the rainy season, while its remote character guarantees a more intimate wilderness experience.
Beginning at the Rongai Gate (1,950m), the trail winds through pine and heather forest before opening onto sprawling moorlands. On clear days, spectacular views of Kenya's Tsavo plains stretch to the north. The route is uniquely positioned to witness the mountain's northern glaciers and ice cliffs — features rarely seen from other approaches.
The path joins the summit trail at School Hut before the final midnight push to Gilman's Point and onward to Uhuru Peak. Descent is via the Marangu Route, giving you a completely different experience going down — a true traverse of Kilimanjaro.
Perfect for trekkers who value solitude and want to avoid the busier southern routes, particularly during peak climbing season (January-March, June-October).
Route Overview
Follow the itinerary as it moves through each destination, with grouped day ranges for consecutive stays.
3 STOPS2 Destinations: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater
Itinerary
An editorial journey through each day of the safari, with destinations, imagery, and places you will stay.
Simba Camp to Second Cave (3,450 m)
Ascend through heather moorland with views stretching into Kenya. Arrive at Second Cave camp among lava formations.
DAY 2
Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
Traverse rocky terrain toward the Mawenzi massif. Camp at Kikelewa with dramatic views of Mawenzi's jagged pinnacles.
DAY 3
Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn (4,310 m)
Climb steeply to the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn — a glacial lake at the foot of Mawenzi Peak. Afternoon acclimatisation walk.
DAY 4
Mawenzi Tarn to School Hut (4,750 m)
Cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at School Hut for rest before summit night.
DAY 5
Summit Night — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Midnight start across scree to the crater rim. Reach Gilman's Point, then Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend to Horombo Hut.
DAY 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Final descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Summit certificate ceremony and transfer to Arusha.
DAY 7
Inclusions & Exclusions
A clear view of what is covered and what to plan for separately.
Included
✓["All KINAPA park fees","KINAPA-licensed lead guide and assistants","Porters and private camp chef","Quality camping equipment","All meals on the mountain","Purified drinking water","Pulse oximetry health checks","Summit certificate","Airport transfers","Pre-trek hotel night in Moshi"]
✓["Only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north","Views of Kenya's Tsavo plains and the Rift Valley","Northern glaciers and ice cliffs rarely seen from other routes","True traverse: ascend north, descend south via Marangu","Drier climate \u2014 excellent during rainy season","Quieter and more remote than southern approaches","Gentle gradient for comfortable acclimatisation"]
Excluded
×["International flights","Visa fees","Travel insurance (mandatory)","Personal climbing gear","Gratuities for mountain crew","Personal snacks"]
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