The Rongai Route trek provides an exclusive and uncrowded path to Kilimanjaro from the northern side, featuring breathtaking wilderness, skilled guides, and tailored attention. Ideal for adventurers desiring solitude, achievement, and genuine local hospitality on their journey to the peak.
The Rongai Route trek provides an exclusive and uncrowded path to Kilimanjaro from the northern side, featuring breathtaking wilderness, skilled guides, and tailored attention. Ideal for adventurers desiring solitude, achievement, and genuine local hospitality on their journey to the peak.
NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7km /5mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
Starting from Moshi, a 4-5 hour drive will take you through coffee plantations and the Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Permits will be issued while observing the lively…
NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7km /5mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
Starting from Moshi, a 4-5 hour drive will take you through coffee plantations and the Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Permits will be issued while observing the lively preparations of various crews for the journey ahead. Enjoy the scenic wooded landscape and winding trails as your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife you might encounter. Simba Camp is located near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offering breathtaking views of the Kenyan plains.
SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | Moorland
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude gained: 852m
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues along the moorland terrain on a steadily ascending path. Enjoy stunning views of Kibo and catch your first sight of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. As you approach the Second Cave, the small shrubs of the moorland become sparser, and temperatures begin to drop.
SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3km/2mi | 3-4hrs | Semi Desert
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
Altitude gained: 449m
Following breakfast and packing, the ascent continues into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields, captivating your attention with their beauty. Be mindful of your body’s condition and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7km/4.2mi | 4-5hrs | Alpine Desert
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
Altitude gained: 1238m
Departing early from the Third Cave, the trek continues into the Alpine Desert terrain. Today’s hike leads just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. Here, the route merges with the Marangu Route, which will be used to reach the summit. Prepare clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before retiring by 7 PM to rest before the summit attempt.
KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75km /9.8mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers.
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 5174m/16,975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m | Descent to: 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
An early start between midnight and 2 a.m. marks the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. Ascend between Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, navigating steep scree in switchbacks toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Take a short break here to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Faster climbers may catch it from the summit. From Stella Point, a final 1-hour trek leads to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point.
Celebrate with photos, joy, and pride in your accomplishment. Then begin the descent to Horombo Hut, pausing at Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for the loose gravel and volcanic ash. Enjoy a well-deserved rest on your last night at Horombo Hut.
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with the crew, it’s time to bid farewell. The descent continues, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip the guides, cooks, and porters, as they will be left here. Return to the Marangu Park Gate to receive summit certificates. With warmer weather, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. From the gate, a vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 45 minutes).

- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- Portable Private Toilet and Porter
- Breakfast
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- Portable Private Toilet and Porter
- Breakfast
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Additional lodge nights if early decent from the mountain
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Additional lodge nights if early decent from the mountain
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.