Kilimanjaro & treks
Arusha, Rongai Gate, Rongai Cave, Second Cave, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi, Kibo Hut, Gilman's Point, Uhuru Peak, Marangu Gate
your journey
Rongai climbs Kilimanjaro from the northern side, close to the Kenya border, and sees far fewer people than the busy southern routes. The trail rises gradually from farmland and forest into open moorland below the jagged towers of Mawenzi, then crosses the Saddle to Kibo.
Day 3 is an acclimatisation day in the Mawenzi area: you hike higher among the alpine scenery and return to camp to sleep, giving your body time to adjust before the push to Kibo. The summit attempt starts around midnight and goes via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). You come down the southern side to Marangu Gate, so you see two faces of the mountain.
We drive you from Arusha to Rongai Gate and collect you at Marangu Gate at the end. Our mountain guide, crew and porters handle camp and cook your meals throughout the trek.
Walkers who want a quieter trail and a gradual ascent, and who like the idea of wilder northern scenery. No technical experience is needed, but the days are long and the summit reaches 5,895 m, so good preparation matters.
Parks visited
Mount Kilimanjaro
what makes it special
day by day
After breakfast we drive you from Arusha to Rongai Gate. Once registration and the park formalities are done, you set off through farmland before entering the forest. The trail climbs gently through the rainforest, where you may see forest birds and, with luck, black-and-white colobus monkeys. You reach Rongai Cave Camp in the afternoon for dinner and your first night on the mountain. From about 1,950 m to 2,830 m, about 8 km, 3–4 hours.
After breakfast you climb towards Second Cave, then leave the main trail and head across towards the Mawenzi side of the mountain. The forest gives way to open heath and moorland, and the views of Mawenzi's jagged peak grow more impressive with every hour. It is a long day, so keep drinking and walk at your guide's pace. You spend the night at Kikelewa Cave Camp. About 12 km, 6–8 hours.
Today is about giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. After breakfast you hike up into the Mawenzi area, where the landscape turns to dramatic alpine desert of rock and scree, with views towards Mawenzi's spires and across to Kibo. After the hike you return to camp to rest, eat and sleep. Walking higher by day and sleeping lower is one of the most useful things you can do before the Saddle and summit night.
After breakfast you walk towards Kibo across the Saddle, the broad alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape becomes drier and more barren as you go, with Kibo's slopes looming larger ahead. At Kibo Hut you rest, have an early dinner and get your summit gear ready, because the summit attempt begins around midnight. Try to sleep a few hours, and keep your water bottles inside your sleeping bag. About 8 km, 5–6 hours.
The summit attempt begins around midnight. In the dark and cold you climb the steep path towards Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. Go slowly, breathe deeply and trust your guide's pace. After time at the summit you begin the descent along the planned route to your overnight camp lower down the mountain, where a hot meal is waiting. About 6 km up to the summit.
After breakfast you continue down towards Marangu Gate, dropping into the mountain's rainforest zone for the last few hours. The air feels thick and warm after the summit. At the park headquarters your guide completes the final park formalities and you collect your summit certificate if you reached the summit. Our vehicle then meets you for the drive back to Arusha, where the trek ends. About 20 km, 5–7 hours.
the price
Price on request
before you ask
Kilimanjaro needs no ropes or technical climbing skills, but it is a serious high-altitude trek. You walk for several hours a day on uneven ground, nights are cold, and summit night starts around midnight in thin air. Walking regularly on hills before you come, with a loaded daypack, is the best preparation.
We choose routes and itineraries with enough days on the mountain, and we follow the principle of climbing high and sleeping low. On the Machame route, for example, you take short walks above camp at Shira, Lava Tower, Karanga and Barafu before returning to sleep lower. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide straight away about any headache, nausea or dizziness.
Many climbers use acetazolamide (Diamox) to help with acclimatisation, but it is a prescription medicine and not right for everyone. Talk to your own doctor before the trip, especially about allergies and side effects, and tell your guide if you are taking it.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the driest months are mid-January to mid-March and late June to October, which are also the busiest. The long rains from late March to early June bring wet trails and cloud, and we generally advise against climbing then unless you are experienced in those conditions. November brings short rains, often in the afternoon.
On our Kilimanjaro packages with hotel nights, you stay at our partner hotel, Weru Weru River Lodge near Moshi, or a similar hotel, on the night before and the night after the climb. Your guide holds the pre-climb briefing and gear check there.
You need good broken-in hiking boots, warm layers including a down jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a warm hat, a headtorch and a daypack. Tents, mats and all group and cooking equipment are provided. Your specialist will confirm what can be rented locally, including sleeping bags, and send you a full packing list.
Rongai approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenya border. The trail is quieter than the southern routes, rises gradually, and you descend on the other side of the mountain to Marangu Gate.
Enquire
Every AAA Express Adventure trip can be changed to suit you: the pace, the lodges, the number of days. Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and our team in Arusha will come back to you with a plan and a price.
Your journey
Price on request
6 days · 5 nights
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Call us on +255 784 281316, email sales@aaaexpressadventure.com or send an enquiry. Our team in Arusha will get back to you.
Price on request
Plan your trip
Enquiry about: 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Rongai Route
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