Duration
6 days
Tour type
Private tour
Group size
1-20 people
Physical level
Moderate
Customizable
Yes, request changes
Minimum age
10 years
Languages
English, French, Swahili, Spanish, German, Italian
Airport transfer
Included in the price
Extra accommodation
Can be arranged for an extra cost
Approach Mount Kilimanjaro from the remote northern slopes right on the Kenyan border with Tanzania Daily Tours & Safari's 6-day Rongai Route trek. As the only route that ascends from the northern side of the mountain, Rongai offers a true wilderness experience, quieter trails, and a gentler slope that makes it ideal for hikers seeking solitude and a high success rate. Trek through magnificent pine forests and open moorlands, catch breathtaking views of jagged Mawenzi peak, and cross the lunar landscape of the Saddle before your final midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak.
$2,180Per person
Trip type
High-altitude trek, not a technical climb: no ropes or climbing experience needed
Fitness level
Good general fitness and the ability to walk 5 to 8 hours a day for multiple days in a row
Age
Minimum age 10, most climbers are teens through 60s with the right preparation
Health notes
Consult a doctor if you have heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions. Altitude affects everyone differently regardless of fitness.
Depart from Moshi for a scenic drive north toward the Kenyan border to reach the Rongai Gate. Complete your park registration formalities and meet your mountain guides, cook, and porters. Begin your trek winding gently through a pine and eucalyptus forest where you might spot colobus monkeys, before emerging into the moorland zone. Arrive by late afternoon at First Cave Camp for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay in tents.
Leave First Cave Camp behind as the trail climbs steadily up toward the second cave, crossing open moorland with magnificent views stretching across the Kenyan plains. Continue eastward through a small valley up to Kikelewa Cave, tucked away beneath sheltered rocks. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp by early afternoon for a warm meal, relaxation, and a peaceful night surrounded by striking alpine vegetation.
Climb steadily up a short, steep slope through grassy terrain, where the vegetation begins to thin out into the high alpine desert. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the jagged, dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak towering right above you. Arrive by early afternoon at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, beautifully situated in a sheltered cirque beneath the sheer cliffs of Mawenzi, giving you plenty of time to rest, explore the area, and acclimatize.
Cross the lunar-like desert landscape known as the "Saddle"—a wide, barren expanse lying between the towering peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Continue hiking steadily across the plateau until you reach Kibo Hut by early afternoon, sitting at the base of the massive Kibo crater wall. Spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, eating an early dinner, and preparing all your cold-weather gear and headlamps for the midnight summit push.
Awake around midnight for the challenging final push to the summit. Climb up steep switchbacks over loose volcanic scree slopes toward Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then follow the snow-capped rim along the crater edge to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) at sunrise. After taking your photos at the roof of Africa, descend back down to Kibo Hut for a short rest and warm lunch, then continue your descent down across the Saddle to reach Horombo Hut for dinner and a well-deserved overnight stay.
Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain, followed by a lively song and dance celebration with your Tanzania Daily Tours & Safari mountain crew to thank them for their hard work. Descend steadily through the moorland and lush rainforest zones down to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out, receive your official summit certificates, and meet your private transfer vehicle for the comfortable drive back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebrations.
Starts in moshi, ends in moshi.
Other stops
What's arranged for you to sleep and eat each night of the trip.
No accommodation
What this operator recommends bringing on the trip.
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where a representative from Tanzania Daily Tours & Safari will meet you. Enjoy a scenic private drive around the base of the mountain to the Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border on Day 1 to complete registration and begin your trek.
