Simba Camp
Tented camp
Northern foothills, 2,625m
All Kilimanjaro routes
Rongai Route
6-Day Rongai Route – Mount Kilimanjaro
The dry northern approach from the Kenyan border — the best choice during the rainy months.
6 days / 5 nights85% summit successModerateFrom $2,095 pp
Route overview
Rongai is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, where the mountain sits in a rain shadow. It is quiet, gently graded and includes the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn camp before crossing the Saddle to Kibo.
- Driest side of the mountain — great in April, May and November
- Mawenzi Tarn beneath the jagged eastern peak
- Quiet trails and genuine wilderness feel
- Descends the Marangu side for a full traverse
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Moshi to Simba Camp
Drive around the mountain to the Kenyan border side and trek through farmland and pine.
- Elevation:
- 1,950m → 2,625m
- Distance:
- 8 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Simba Camp
- 2
Simba to Kikelelwa Camp
Steady moorland climb with constant views of Kibo's northern ice fields.
- Elevation:
- 2,625m → 3,600m
- Distance:
- 9 km · 6–7 hrs
- Overnight:
- Kikelelwa Camp
- 3
Kikelelwa to Mawenzi Tarn
Short steep day to the tarn beneath the spires of Mawenzi — superb acclimatisation.
- Elevation:
- 3,600m → 4,330m
- Distance:
- 6 km · 3–4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- 4
Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Cross the high-altitude Saddle desert to the base of the summit cone.
- Elevation:
- 4,330m → 4,703m
- Distance:
- 9 km · 5–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Kibo Hut
- 5
Summit day: Uhuru Peak to Horombo
Midnight start to Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend the Marangu side.
- Elevation:
- 4,703m → 5,895m → 3,720m
- Distance:
- 21 km · 12–14 hrs
- Overnight:
- Horombo Hut
- 6
Horombo to Marangu Gate and Moshi
Final descent through moorland and forest, certificates and transfer to Moshi.
- Elevation:
- 3,720m → 1,860m
- Distance:
- 20 km · 5–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Moshi hotel (own account)
Camps, huts and lodges
Kikelelwa Camp
Tented camp
Moorland, 3,600m
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Tented camp
Below Mawenzi, 4,330m
Kibo Hut
Stone hut
Summit base, 4,703m
Horombo Hut
Mountain hut
Descent night, 3,720m
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 climber | $2,495 |
| 2 climbers | $2,245 |
| 3–4 climbers | $2,095 |
| 5–6 climbers | $1,995 |
| 7+ climbers | $1,915 |
What's included
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping/hut and rescue fees
- KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain plus filtered drinking water
- Quality four-season tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Daily pulse-oximeter health checks and emergency oxygen
- Return transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the park gate
- 18% VAT and government taxes
- Summit certificate at Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and evacuation insurance (compulsory)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag hire
- Tips for the mountain crew (KPAP guideline: ~$250 per climber)
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
Other Kilimanjaro routes
Questions before you commit to the mountain?
Talk to a Kilimanjaro specialist about fitness, gear hire and the route with the best summit odds for you.
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