6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai: The Quiet Northern Wilderness Route

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6 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Norwegian and 7 more

The Remote North: The only route that approaches the mountain from the North, near the Kenyan border. You get to see a side of Kilimanjaro that 90% of climbers never see.

Wildlife Encounters: Due to its remote nature, it is common to spot large wildlife, including elephants and colobus monkeys, during the first few days.

Lower Rain Levels: Located on the "rain shadow" side of the mountain, Rongai is the best choice for climbing during the wetter months (April-May & November).

Crowd-Free Trekking: Enjoy a peaceful, quiet ascent with very few other groups, giving you a private mountain experience.

360-Degree Views: You ascend from the North and descend via the Marangu route on the South, giving you a complete tour of the mountain’s diverse landscapes.

What's Included

Lunch (Optional[6])
Lunch
Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries.
Dinner (Optional[5])
Dinner
Pulse oximeters .
Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils. Rescue fees.
Breakfast (Optional[5])
Breakfast
Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent.
Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips.
Visa fees & travel insurance.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pickup is provided from hotels/lodges in Moshi town.
Pickup time is usually between 07:00 – 08:00 AM, depending on hotel location and traffic conditions.
Climbers staying outside Moshi town (e.g. Arusha or remote lodges) may be charged an additional transfer fee or advised to arrive in Moshi one day before the climb.
Please be ready in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before pickup time.
Our team will confirm the exact pickup time one day before departure.
After pickup, climbers will be transferred to Marangu Gate for registration and start of the trek.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

    1 stop
  • 1

    Elevation: 1,950 m – 2,650 m Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Distance: ~8 km After breakfast, pick up from your hotel and drive to Nalemoru Gate on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. After registration, begin the trek through pine forest and farmland, with chances to see wildlife such as colobus monkeys. Arrive at Simba Camp, where dinner will be served and you rest overnight.

    4 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 2

    Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

    1 stop
  • 2

    Elevation: 2,650 m – 3,450 m Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Distance: ~6 km The trail continues through open moorland with spectacular views of Kibo Peak. You will have a gradual ascent, making this day excellent for acclimatization. Arrive at Second Cave Camp in the afternoon, enjoy hot lunch, rest, and later dinner.

    4 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 3

    Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Cave Camp

    1 stop
  • 3
    Kilimanjaro National Park

    Elevation: 3,450 m – 3,600 m Hiking Time: 3–4 hours Distance: ~6 km Today’s hike is shorter but steeper. Vegetation becomes sparse as you move into alpine desert terrain. You will arrive early at Kikelewa Cave Camp, allowing time to rest and acclimatize while enjoying close-up views of Kibo.

    4 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    Kikelewa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

    1 stop
  • 4

    Elevation: 3,600 m – 4,330 m Hiking Time: 4–5 hours Distance: ~6 km A steady climb takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, beautifully located below the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. This is one of the most scenic camps on Kilimanjaro and an important day for acclimatization.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 5

    Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (via Saddle)

    1 stop
  • 5

    Elevation: 4,330 m – 4,700 m Hiking Time: 5–6 hours Distance: ~9 km Cross the Saddle, a wide alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt.

    6 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 6

    Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

    1 stop
  • 6

    Elevation: 4,700 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m Hiking Time: 10–14 hours Distance: ~21 km Around midnight, begin the summit climb. Reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.

    14 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Hillborn Organic Coffee

Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Safaris
Walking Tours
Adventure Tours
Involves Animals
Zombie
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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