Kilimanjaro Rongai Route — 7-Day Northern Approach

After registering at Marangu Gate, drive around the eastern side of the mountain to the Rongai trailhead (about 1,950 m) near the Kenyan border, and meet your crew.

The path climbs gently through pine plantations and natural forest, where you may see colobus monkeys, before reaching the first moorland and Simba Camp, with views back over the plains.

Distance about 7 km, walking time 3–4 hours.

Overnight: Simba Camp (Full Board)

Climb steadily through heather and moorland, with Kibo and Mawenzi coming into view and wide views north into Kenya.

Arrive at Second Cave Camp, set among old lava formations, in time for a hot lunch and an afternoon of rest.

Distance about 6 km, walking time 3–4 hours.

Overnight: Second Cave Camp (Full Board)

Leave the main trail and head across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The walk is gentle, giving your body time to adapt to the altitude.

Kikelewa Camp sits in a sheltered valley with giant groundsels and dramatic views of Mawenzi's pinnacles.

Distance about 6 km, walking time 3–4 hours.

Overnight: Kikelewa Camp (Full Board)

A short but steep climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, beside a small tarn in a cirque beneath the spires of Mawenzi, one of the most beautiful campsites on Kilimanjaro.

In the afternoon, join your guide on an acclimatisation walk towards the Mawenzi ridge before returning to camp for the night.

Distance about 4 km, walking time 3–4 hours.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Full Board)

Cross the Saddle, the wide lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, with the summit cone growing larger ahead.

Arrive at School Hut in the early afternoon. Rest, drink plenty of water and prepare your clothing and headtorch while your guides check your health. An early dinner is followed by a few hours of sleep before the summit attempt.

Distance about 8 km, walking time 5–6 hours.

Overnight: School Hut Camp (Full Board)

Start around midnight and climb the steep scree by headtorch, passing Hans Meyer Cave on the way to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim, usually reached around dawn. A further one to two hours along the rim bring you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

After photographs, descend to Kibo Hut for a rest and a meal, then continue down the southern side of the mountain to Horombo Hut.

A demanding day of 12–15 hours in total.

Overnight: Horombo Hut (3,720 m, Full Board)

Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate. Say thank you and farewell to your crew.

Distance about 20 km, walking time 5–6 hours. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

End of trek.