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Rongai Route
6-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb
- 6 days / 5 nights on mountain
- Max altitude: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Difficulty: Challenging
Overview:
The 6-day Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, starting near the Kenyan border, making it the only route to traverse the mountain's drier northern face. The landscape on the north side is distinctly different from the wetter southern routes — more open moorland, less forest, and excellent views of the Kenyan plains. The route is considerably quieter than Machame or Marangu. The 6-day option includes one night at Second Cave before ascending to School Hut for the summit push, then descending via the Marangu Route. We offer the 7-day for climbers who want an additional acclimatisation night.
Trip Facts:
| Route | Rongai (north approach, Marangu descent) |
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights on the mountain |
| Accommodation | Tented camping (ascent); Horombo Huts (descent night) |
| Start | Rongai Gate / Naremoru (1,800 m) |
| End | Marangu Gate (1,860 m) |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best months | January–February, July–September; also April–May (drier than south) |
Price per person
Starting from $1,800 USD
Mid-range accommodation · price varies with group size
Day-by-Day Itinerary — 6-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb
01
Day 1: Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp
- Altitude: 1,800 m → 2,650 m Distance: 8 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Drive from Moshi (approximately 3 hours) to the Rongai Gate near Naremoru village on the Kenyan border. Register and begin the ascent through open farmland and then montane forest on the north side of the mountain. The forest here is drier than the southern approaches. Arrive at First Cave Camp (2,650 m) for dinner and overnight.
02
Day 2: First Cave to Second Cave Camp
- Altitude: 2,650 m → 3,449 m Distance: 8 km Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Exit the forest into open moorland with excellent views north toward Kenya. The terrain is more open and drier than the southern routes. Second Cave Camp (3,449 m) — named for nearby lava caves — for dinner and overnight. On clear days, views of the Kenyan plains stretch far to the north.
03
Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelelwa Cave Camp
- Altitude: 3,449 m → 3,600 m Distance: 5 km Hiking time: 3–4 hours
A shorter, gentler day moving to Kikelelwa Cave Camp (3,600 m). A deliberate lower-gain day to allow acclimatisation at this altitude range before the bigger push toward the summit cone. Rest in the afternoon.
04
Day 4: Kikelelwa to School Hut (Kibo)
- Altitude: 3,600 m → 4,750 m Distance: 6 km Hiking time: 4–6 hours
A significant altitude gain day ascending toward the summit cone on the northern face. Arrive at School Hut (4,750 m) — the Rongai Route's high camp — in the early afternoon. Eat well, hydrate thoroughly, rest completely. Summit wake-up call is around midnight.
05
Day 5: School Hut — Summit — Horombo Huts
- Altitude: 4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m Distance: 18 km Hiking time: 12–15 hours total
Midnight departure from School Hut. Ascend the northern slope toward Gilman's Point on the crater rim (5,752 m) — approximately 5–7 hours. From Gilman's Point, follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After summit time, descend back via the Marangu Route to Horombo Huts (3,720 m) for overnight. This is a long and demanding day.
06
Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate
- Altitude: 3,720 m → 1,860 m Distance: 20 km Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Final descent through moorland and rainforest on the Marangu Route to the gate. Summit and achievement certificates are issued at Marangu Gate. Drive back to Moshi.
Included
Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
Camping/hut fees for all nights on the mountain
Rescue fee contribution (mandatory TANAPA fee)
Licensed lead guide
Assistant guide (1 per 3 climbers)
Porters (1 porter per climber, plus cook team)
Cook and all meals on the mountain (3 meals + snacks daily)
Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, toilet tent, sleeping mats)
Emergency supplemental oxygen
Pulse oximeter health monitoring at camps
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Moshi
Pre-climb briefing in Moshi
Not Included
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Personal travel and medical insurance (required)
Sleeping bag (available to rent in Moshi)
Trekking poles (available to rent in Moshi)
Personal clothing and equipment
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (expected — we advise on amounts)
Accommodation in Moshi before/after the climb
Drinks beyond drinking water (sodas, beer, etc.)
