Is the 9 day Kilimanjaro Rongai route easier than Machame?

The 9 day Kilimanjaro Rongai route has a gentler, more gradual gradient than Machame and no scrambling sections, so many people find it easier. Summit night is just as tough, though, and the altitude is the same.

Is Rongai a good route in the rainy season?

Rongai is often recommended in the shoulder months because the northern slopes receive less rain than the southern routes. Even so, the best months are January to mid-March and June to October.

Where does the Rongai route start and finish?

It starts at Nalemuru Gate on the northern slopes near the Kenyan border, about 3 to 4 hours' drive from Moshi, and finishes at Marangu Gate on the south-east side.

Do we camp or use huts on Rongai?

You camp throughout on the Rongai route: Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa, Mawenzi Tarn and School Hut or Kibo. On the way down you may sleep at Horombo, which has camping and huts.

Can a group climb the Rongai route together?

Yes. The Rongai route is popular with clubs, charities and groups of friends. We add guides so the group can split by pace on summit night, and plan rooms and transfers for everyone. Contact us with your numbers and dates.

9 Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route: The Quiet Northern Climb

This 9 day Kilimanjaro Rongai route approaches Kilimanjaro from the quiet north, near the Kenyan border, with a night beneath Mawenzi’s spires before the summit.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

Overview

This 9 day Kilimanjaro Rongai route is a quieter way to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The 9-day trip starts and ends in Moshi. You drive round to Nalemuru Gate on the northern slopes, climb past Simba Camp, Second Cave and Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn, sleep at School Hut or Kibo before summit night, and descend through Horombo to Marangu Gate.

It suits first-time climbers who want a gentler gradient, fewer people and a drier side of the mountain.

Why choose the 9 day Kilimanjaro Rongai route?

Rongai is the only route that climbs from the north, so you see Kilimanjaro from a side most trekkers never do. The northern slopes get less rain than the south, which makes Rongai a good choice in the shoulder months. The extra day at Mawenzi Tarn, below the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, helps acclimatisation and is one of the most beautiful camps on the mountain.

What to expect on the 9 day Kilimanjaro Rongai route

Day 2 is a drive to Nalemuru Gate and a gentle walk to Simba Camp (about 2,625 m). Days 3 and 4 climb steadily through Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (about 3,600 m). Day 5 reaches Mawenzi Tarn (about 4,330 m) with an acclimatisation walk, and day 6 crosses the saddle to School Hut or Kibo (about 4,700 m). Summit night leads to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak, before descending to Horombo, and day 8 walks out to Marangu Gate.

When is the best time to climb?

January to mid-March and June to October are the driest months. Read our month-by-month guide to climbing Kilimanjaro and compare all routes in our Kilimanjaro routes guide.

How do I book this climb?

Prices depend on your dates, group size and whether you want huts, camping or extra nights, so we quote every climb personally. WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a tailor-made quote. If you are travelling with friends, a club or colleagues, see our page on climbing as a group.

Highlights

Kilimanjaro's quiet northern approach
Night at Mawenzi Tarn below Mawenzi's spires
Gentler gradient and drier slopes
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) via Gilman's Point
Descent through Horombo on the Marangu side

Day 1 :

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening your guide gives a briefing and checks your gear.

Day 2 :

Moshi to Nalemuru Gate and Simba Camp

Drive about 3 to 4 hours to Nalemuru Gate (about 2,020 m) on the northern slopes, then walk through pine and montane forest to Simba Camp at about 2,625 m.

Day 3 :

Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

A steady walk of about 3 to 4 hours onto the moorland to Second Cave Camp (about 3,450 m), with views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Day 4 :

Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

A shorter, easier day across the heath to Kikelewa Camp at about 3,600 m, with a short acclimatisation walk.

Day 5 :

Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn

Climb steeply to Mawenzi Tarn (about 4,330 m), a small lake beneath Mawenzi's spires, then take an afternoon acclimatisation walk.

Day 6 :

Mawenzi Tarn to School Hut or Kibo

Cross the high alpine desert of the saddle to School Hut or Kibo (about 4,700 m). Early dinner and rest before summit night.