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TrekkingTanzania

The wild northern approach to Kilimanjaro with an extra acclimatization night at Mawenzi Tarn for a higher chance of summiting.

Duration
7 Days
Style
Trekking
Country
Tanzania
Format
Private
OverviewRouteItineraryPricingWhat's IncludedSimilar
The Journey

7 days · Trekking

The Rongai Route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side along the Kenyan border and is one of the least visited, wildest trails on the mountain. It is the driest route, a good all-year choice and especially in the April–May rains, and its slow, steady climb gives good acclimatization. You may see colobus monkeys in the first days, and as you go up the north side and down the south you see the mountain from different perspectives. Summit night joins the Marangu Route, and the 7-day option is recommended for the best chance of success.

Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak Mawenzi Tarn Kibo Huts Marangu Gate

At a glance

7
Days
6
Nights
6
Places to stay
Private
Group

Where you'll stay

  • Simba Camp
  • Second Cave
  • Third Cave
  • Mawenzi Tarn Hut
  • Kibo Huts
  • Horombo Huts
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1Kilimanjaro2Arusha
Your Route

2 stops across Tanzania

  1. 1KilimanjaroDays 5–7
  2. 2ArushaDay 7
Day by Day

Every day is flexible — we tune the pace, lodges and game drives to you.

  1. Day 1

    Nale Moru to Simba Camp

    Drive through villages and coffee plantations to the wooden village of Nale Moru on the north-east side of the mountain, where you meet the porters. The trail leads through moist forest that quickly lightens on the dry north side into the heather zone. Overnight at Simba Camp (First Cave), about 9,300 ft, with a magnificent view across the plains of Kenya. Hiking 4–5 hours.

    Where you stay

    Simba Camp (camping)

    Meals

    Full board (on the mountain)

  2. Day 2

    Simba Camp to Second Cave

    A steady climb through a long stretch of heath, wildflowers and stony paths with views of Kibo and its east-facing glaciers. After lunch you leave the main trail on a narrower path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, reaching Second Cave in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant senecio plants (about 11,300 ft). Hiking 3–4 hours.

    Where you stay

    Second Cave (camping)

    Meals

    Full board (on the mountain)

  3. Day 3

    Second Cave to Third Cave

    A day set aside for acclimatization. Relax in the morning, then around lunchtime walk across the heath on a narrow path towards Mawenzi and Third Cave (about 11,811 ft). Hiking 3–4 hours.

    Where you stay

    Third Cave (camping)

    Meals

    Full board (on the mountain)

  4. Day 4

    Third Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

    A short but steep climb up a grassy mountainside rewards you with a fantastic panoramic view. The heath gives way to rocky highlands strewn with volcanic boulders, and you reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut in a valley between the spires of Mawenzi (about 14,160 ft). Hiking 4–5 hours.

    Where you stay

    Mawenzi Tarn Hut (camping)

    Meals

    Full board (on the mountain)

  5. Day 5

    Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Huts

    Cross 'The Saddle', the lunar landscape linking Mawenzi and Kibo, to Kibo Huts at the foot of the crater wall (about 15,430 ft). Prepare your gear and warm clothes (keep drinking water in a thermos so it does not freeze) and go to bed early. Hiking 6–8 hours.

    Where you stay

    Kibo Huts (hut)

    Meals

    Full board (on the mountain)

  6. Day 6

    Summit Day: Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak, down to Horombo Huts

    Woken around midnight, you climb through loose-stone terrain to reach Gillman's Point at dawn and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), sometimes through snow. After photos at the summit sign you descend to Kibo Huts for lunch and continue to Horombo Huts (about 12,205 ft).

    Where you stay

    Horombo Huts (hut)

    Meals

    Full board (on the mountain)

  7. Day 7

    Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate and Arusha

    Final descent through the rainforest to Marangu Gate (5–7 hours) for lunch and goodbye to the mountain crew, then drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and celebratory dinner.

    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch

Investment

Rates are in US dollars, per person sharing, based on the lodges in this itinerary. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates and party.

2–6 trekkers (per person sharing)

$2,400

per person sharing

From, per person sharing, USD (group of 2–6, twin/double room); solo climber add-on $320, single supplement $280; includes park fees, camping fees and rescue fees, guides, cooks and porters, sleeping mats, gate and airport transfers, 2 nights accommodation pre/post climb and meals on the mountain. 2022-23 rate was $1,720. Prices are guides and may change with season, availability and exchange rates. See our terms for payment and cancellation details.

The Details

Included

  • Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • Sleeping mats
  • Transport to and from the trekking gate
  • Transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Two nights' accommodation before and after the climb
  • All meals while trekking (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Not Included

  • Local and international flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry services
  • A doctor for the group
  • Tips for the crew
Make It Yours

Love this itinerary? Let's tailor every detail.

Tell us your dates and who's travelling — a Wildhorn designer will send a personal quote within 24 hours.

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Previous journey6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route ClimbNext journey5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb
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