Kilimanjaro route
Rongai Route
The 6 and 7-day itineraries from Nale Muru Gate to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Every day's distance, walking time and habitat, gate to summit.
- Duration
- 6–7 days
- Price from
- $2,320
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Starting point
- Nale Muru Gate
About the Rongai Route
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north near the Kenyan border and is one of the quieter routes on the mountain. It offers a more gradual ascent with drier conditions, making it a strong option for trekkers seeking a remote and steady climb.
- Accommodation: Camping and huts
- Best for: Fewer crowds, gradual ascent, northern approach
Prices
Prices are per person and vary slightly based on group size and season. Contact us for an exact quote.
| Duration | Itinerary | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 6 days | Day by day below | $2,320 |
| 7 days | Day by day below | $2,410 |
6-day Rongai Route itinerary
The 6 day Rongai Route follows the same path but removes the acclimatization day, resulting in a faster ascent and more physically demanding schedule.
Nale Muru Gate to Simba Camp
- 1,997 m / 6,552 ft → 2,635 m / 8,645 ft
- 7 km / 5 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through forest to Simba Camp.
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- 2,635 m / 8,645 ft → 3,487 m / 11,440 ft
- 6 km / 3.6 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Moorland
Ascend through moorland terrain toward Second Cave.
Second Cave to Kibo Huts
- 3,487 m / 11,440 ft → 4,700 m / 15,430 ft
- 10–12 km / 6–7 miles
- 6–8 hours
- Alpine Desert
Continue through increasingly exposed terrain toward Kibo Huts. This is a longer and more demanding day due to the elevation gain.
Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
- 4,700 m / 15,430 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- 4 km / 2.5 miles up; 15 km / 9 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 5–6 hours down
- Arctic to Moorland
Begin the summit attempt around midnight, ascending steep terrain in cold and dark conditions. The climb is physically demanding as you approach the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit, descend to Horombo Huts for overnight rest.
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate
- 3,720 m / 12,205 ft → 1,860 m / 6,100 ft
- 20 km / 12.5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Descend through forest to Marangu Gate.
Departure and transfer
- about 1,400 m / 4,590 ft
- Rainforest
Transfer back to Arusha or onward travel.
7-day Rongai Route itinerary
The 7 day Rongai Route includes additional acclimatization, improving summit success and allowing for a more gradual and comfortable progression.
Nale Muru Gate to Simba Camp
- 1,997 m / 6,552 ft → 2,635 m / 8,645 ft
- 7 km / 5 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through forest along a gradual trail from Nale Muru Gate. The terrain is shaded and less steep, allowing for a comfortable start to the climb. Reach Simba Camp near the moorland zone.
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- 2,635 m / 8,645 ft → 3,487 m / 11,440 ft
- 6 km / 3.6 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Moorland
Continue ascending through moorland terrain with increasingly open views. The trail is steady and allows for gradual acclimatization. Reach Second Cave Camp.
Second Cave to Third Cave Camp
- 3,487 m / 11,440 ft → 3,936 m / 12,913 ft
- 3–4 km / 2–2.5 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Semi-Desert
This is a shorter day designed to support acclimatization. The gradual ascent allows time to adjust to altitude while moving closer to the upper slopes of the mountain.
Third Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 3,936 m / 12,913 ft → 4,315 m / 14,160 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend toward Mawenzi Tarn beneath the dramatic peaks of Mawenzi. The terrain becomes more rugged and exposed with excellent views across the mountain.
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Huts
- 4,315 m / 14,160 ft → 4,700 m / 15,430 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Alpine Desert
Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo through a vast, exposed landscape. The terrain is dry and open, with a steady climb toward Kibo Huts.
Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
- 4,700 m / 15,430 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- 4 km / 2.5 miles up; 15 km / 9 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 5–6 hours down
- Arctic to Moorland
Begin the summit attempt around midnight, ascending steep terrain in cold and dark conditions. The climb is physically demanding as you approach the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit, descend to Kibo Huts for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Huts. The descent is long but becomes easier as altitude decreases.
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha
- 3,720 m / 12,205 ft → 1,860 m / 6,100 ft
- 20 km / 12.5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Descend through moorland and forest as the trail returns to lower elevations. The path can be wet and muddy, requiring careful footing. Transfer back to Arusha.
Climb the Rongai Route with Baraka
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Other Kilimanjaro routes
- Lemosho Route · 8 and 9 days
- Machame Route · 6 and 7 days
- Marangu Route · 5 and 6 days
- Umbwe Route · 6 and 7 days
- Shira Route · 6 and 7 days
- Northern Circuit · 10 days
