7-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb
A private 7-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route, starting near the Kenyan border, camping all the way, with two hotel nights in Moshi, 9 days in total.
Kilimanjaro from the Dry Side
Rongai is the only route that climbs Kilimanjaro from the north. This side of the mountain gets less rain than the southern slopes, so the path is often drier, and it sees far fewer climbers than Machame or Marangu. You walk up through pine plantations and farmland into a short stretch of forest, then onto open moorland with wide views north over the plains.
Our 7-day plan adds a night at Mawenzi Tarn, a small lake under the cliffs of Mawenzi, the mountain's second peak, which helps with acclimatisation before you cross the Saddle to Kibo. The slopes are steady rather than steep, which suits first-time climbers who prefer a quieter route. You come down the Marangu path on the south side, so you see both sides of the mountain.
Prefer the scenic southern circuit? See the 7-Day Machame Route →
Why Climbers Choose It
- The only route from the north: drier and quieter
- A night at Mawenzi Tarn, below the cliffs of Mawenzi
- Gentle, steady gradients and views over the northern plains
- Down the Marangu path, so you see both sides of the mountain
- Our own crew, private toilet tent, emergency oxygen and two hotel nights in Moshi
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D7 are the days on the mountain. You go down the Marangu path.
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide comes by in the afternoon to explain the climb and check your gear.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 680 m · about 7 km · 3–4 hours
A drive of about three hours around the eastern side of the mountain brings you to the Rongai gate near the Kenyan border. After registering, you walk past farms and a pine plantation into the forest and out onto the first moorland, to Simba Camp.
Overnight: Simba Camp (tents)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 825 m · about 6 km · 3–4 hours
A steady climb across open moorland with Kibo growing larger ahead and Mawenzi to the east. The short day is part of the plan: it lets your body adjust gradually.
Overnight: Second Cave Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 150 m, with ups and downs · about 6 km · 3–4 hours
You head east towards Mawenzi across rolling heath to Kikelewa, a sheltered camp in a valley with giant groundsels nearby.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 730 m · about 4 km · 3–4 hours
A short, steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn, a small lake beneath the towering rock walls of Mawenzi. In the afternoon a short walk higher and back helps your acclimatisation.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 370 m · about 9 km · 5–6 hours
You cross the Saddle, the high stony desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, to the camp below the summit cone. Dinner is early, then rest before the midnight start.
Overnight: Kibo camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,190 m, ↓ about 2,175 m · about 11–15 hours
By headlamp you climb the scree to Gilman's Point on the crater rim and walk along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After the summit you return to Kibo to rest and eat, then descend the Marangu path to Horombo.
Overnight: Horombo (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,860 m · about 18–20 km · 5–7 hours
A long walk down through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Our driver takes you back to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or on to a safari with us.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,570 |
| 2 People | $2,320 |
| 3 People | $2,240 |
| 4 People | $2,200 |
| 5 People | $2,175 |
| 6 People | $2,155 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport transfers included)
- 9 days in total: 7 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Up the Rongai route, down the Marangu path
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Licensed mountain guides, cook and porters from our own crew
- A personal porter to carry your main bag
- Emergency oxygen carried on the climb
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Moshi with breakfast
- Private portable toilet tent
- Transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Questions Climbers Ask
Why choose the Rongai route?
It is quieter than the southern routes, the northern side is usually drier, and the gradients are steady. It is a good choice in the rainier months or if you prefer fewer people on the trail.
Is Rongai less scenic than Machame?
It has fewer dramatic valleys than Machame's southern circuit, but you get wide northern views, a night under Mawenzi's cliffs and the crossing of the Saddle, and you see the southern side on the way down.
Why go up one way and down another?
Rongai's path is used only for going up. You come down the Marangu path, which is shorter and well made, and our driver collects you at Marangu Gate.
How long is the drive to the start?
About three hours from Moshi to the Rongai gate in the north-east, so the first walking day is short.
What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation. Please check the altitude limit in your policy before you book.
