9 days trip · 7 days on the mountain 70% summit success

7 Days Rongai Route

Ahsante Tours is the #1 leading local tour operator for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, trusted by most agents. So why not book with us and experience the adventure of a lifetime?

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Rongai Route Overview

The Rongai Route, located on the eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenyan border, provides a unique and peaceful climbing experience with less crowded trails and distinctive scenery. It takes 6 to 7 days to complete and is particularly recommended during the rainy season in April and May, as this side of the mountain remains dry while the southern and western routes become wet. Climbers descend via the Marangu Route, and during quieter times, may stay in huts for extra comfort, especially during the rainy season.

Did You Know? The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro trail from the northern side, offering drier weather, fewer crowds, and stunning, diverse scenery!

Difficulty Moderate, suitable for beginners

Best months Year-round; a good choice in the April and May rainy season

Start point Nalemoru Gate

Descent Marangu Route to Marangu Gate

Gallery

Photos from the trail

Success rate on this route

Rongai Route - Summit Success Rate

With a 70% summit success rate, the Rongai Route ranks higher than the Marangu Route. The route provides ample time for acclimatization, thanks to its gentle slopes and steady ascent, making it suitable for climbers of varying fitness levels. It's also the only route that passes near Mawenzi Peak, offering spectacular views and the chance to see the Kenyan border as you begin your trek.

70% summit success rate

20K+ successful summits in over 20 years

Why it is that high

Award-winning We're award-winning Kilimanjaro tour operators.

Luxury Luxury camping, food, tent, toilets and more

20K+ Successful summits Over 20K successful summits in over 20 years

Get help Get help choosing the best route for your team

Route map

Rongai Route Map

Camps and altitude profile

Nalemoru Gate1,990 m

Simba Camp2,625 m

2nd Cave Camp3,480 m

Kikelewa Camp3,630 m

Mawenzi Tarn Hut4,310 m

Kibo Hut4,700 m

Uhuru Peak5,895 m

Horombo Hut3,700 m

Marangu Gate1,860 m

Our experience on this route

Ahsante Tours' Experience with Rongai Route

At Ahsante Tours, we have successfully guided climbers facing extraordinary challenges along the Rongai Route. Notably, we helped an amputee successfully summit on her first attempt and assisted a paraplegic in 2022 successfully summit Kilimanjaro which became featured on the BBC and helped raise over £1million for a spinal cord charity in the UK and assisted a man in a wheelchair to achieve the same goal, showcasing the route's accessibility and potential for overcoming significant challenges. The Rongai Route is highly recommended for charity climbs or unmatched challenges due to its manageable terrain and the opportunity it provides for proper acclimatization.

Day by day

7 Days Rongai Route Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrival in Kilimanjaro

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Meals: Dinner Only Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge

Day 2

Nalemoru Gate (1990m / 6529ft) to Simba Camp (2625m / 8612ft)

This morning, we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you're lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Simba Camp

Altitude2,625 m

Walking4 – 5 hours

Distance8 km / 5 mi

HabitatFarmland and pine forest

Day 3

Simba Camp (2625m / 8612ft) to 2nd Cave Camp (3480m / 11417ft)

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave Camp located in the moorland zone with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: 2nd Cave Camp

Altitude3,480 m

Walking3 – 4 hours

Distance5 km / 3.1 mi

HabitatMoorland

Day 4

2nd Cave Camp (3480m / 11417ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3630m / 11909ft)

Leaving the pine forest behind we carry on with a steady ascent walking though moorland. There are superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes which form the mountain. We will leave the main trail and strike out across moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes. We will set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa caves. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

Altitude3,630 m

Walking3 – 4 hours

Distance5 km / 3.1 mi

HabitatMoorland

Day 5

Kikelewa Camp (3630m / 11909ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m / 14140ft)

This morning, we have a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes which is rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching our next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. This afternoon you have chance to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn

Altitude4,310 m

Walking4 – 5 hours

Distance8 km / 5 mi

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 6

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m / 14140ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)

After a good night's rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It's a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Altitude4,700 m

Walking5 – 6 hours

Distance8 km / 5 mi

HabitatAlpine desert

Day 7

Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19340ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

Today is "The Big Day" – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m (17126ft), the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman's Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m (19340ft). On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Altitude5,895 m

Walking12 – 15 hours

Distance22 km / 13.7 mi

HabitatArctic summit

Day 8

Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.

Altitude1,860 m

Walking7 – 8 hours

Distance20.8 km / 12.9 mi

HabitatHeath, moorland and rainforest

Day 9

Depart Kilimanjaro

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region. Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

Want this as a PDF to share with your group? Download the itinerary

Private climb prices by group size. Joining a group departure? Secure your spot with a deposit of just €150 / USD 200 per person. The balance is due before departure — no full payment needed to confirm your dates.

Group size Per person Note

1 Adult $3,199

2 Pax $3,009

3 Pax $2,785

4-6 Pax $2,647

7-9 Pax $2,549

10+ Pax $2,350

Private climb prices, total cost per person. Available until 2 days before departure.

What is and is not included

Read the short list, or open each line for the detail.

Included

Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy)
Sleeping Bag
3-inch-thick foam Sleeping Mat/Pad
Spacious mess tent with all tables and chairs for rest and dining
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Transportation to and from the airport
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
Three meals daily while on the mountain
Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects
Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent
Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge
Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek

Not included

International and Domestic Flights
Visa
Tips to mountain crew
Single supplement
Rental Gears
Laundry Services
Travel Insurance
1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people

Downloads

Kit lists and trip documents

Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

PDF Free Kilimanjaro Kit Checklist Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

Reviews from this route

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 212 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Priya S 
 
 
 
 Verified A Memorable Safari - Thanks to the Wonderful Team at Ahsante Tours
We had a fantastic experience with Ahsante Tours on our Tanzania safari. Everything was well organized, and the trip went smoothly from beginning to end. Holyfield Edwin, our main contact, deserves special recognition. He was warm, professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful, patiently answering all our questions both before the trip and while we were on safari. When I accidentally left my Kindle at Rafiki Retreat in Arusha, he went out of his way to arrange for it to be retrieved and sent to Kigali, our final destination. That kind of personal attention really stood out. Our guide and driver for nine days, Aston, was equally outstanding. He worked incredibly hard every day, was always patient and professional, and made us feel safe on the road. His knowledge of wildlife and ability to spot animals were impressive—we saw the Big Five multiple times! Most of all, we loved his genuine enthusiasm. He seemed just as excited about each sighting as we were, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He was also considerate and unobtrusive, allowing us to take in each moment at our own pace. The accommodations were generally three-star, and we enjoyed most of the bush camps and hotels along the way. Ahsante also coordinated our Rwanda extension to see the gorillas through Mist Safari, which was another wonderful experience. Brian K., our contact in Rwanda, was super responsive and easy to communicate with. All in all, we were very happy with Ahsante Tours. The team was reliable, thoughtful, and professional, and the personal touches made a real difference. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone planning a Tanzania safari, especially if you value good communication, a knowledgeable guide, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for a trip filled with wonderful experiences and memories we will cherish for years to come!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam S 
 
 
 
 Verified Trip of a lifetime!
I went with Ahsante Tours via Explore on a trip to climb Kilimanjaro (Lemosho route) followed by safaris in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. All the guides were very friendly and nice to talk to - I got along with all of them very well. For the Kilimanjaro climb, I was consistently impressed by how above and beyond all the staff went to make sure we had everything and we were comfortable. The level of care, service and concern for our health and safety was unmatched. For the safaris, our guide was very knowledgeable with what everything was and was amazing at spotting even the smallest animals in secretive hiding spots. I think this was the best trip of my life and I will always remember it incredibly fondly!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sophie N 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible
An incredible experience with the best team of guides and porters we could have asked for. They made it fun, interesting and ensured we were safe and happy at all times. I cannot thank Mussa, Joshua , Michael , Juma , Uhuru and the rest of the team enough for the trip of a lifetime. Thank you 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Blair T 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 review for a great company
Uk - Scotland based review. This is my second time using Ahsante tours and they can’t be faulted. I booked Kilimanjaro in 2025 with them and they were brilliant from the first initial contact. They planned out the trip according to my dates etc and were in communication throughout until I arrived. I used them again this year to book a safari trip for my partners birthday. Again, from initial contact their communication was excellent. I provided them with how I’d like my trip to look and executed it to perfection. We stayed with a Masai tribe before starting safari trip and this was a 10/10 experience. Would recommend. We thereafter visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and then Serengeti for safari game drives. An experience that will last a life time that was made possible by using Ashante Tours. All accommodation we stayed in was clean, staff all friendly, food was good, all packed lunches provided for game drives and they were good as well. We had a safari guide Godwin, who was with us for 6 days. He was so friendly, so knowledgeable and just an overall really nice guy. Couldn’t have picked a better guide myself. The Weru Weru lodges, where you stay when booking with Ahsante is clean, good food and staff very friendly (both times). Would recommend anyone looking to book a trip to climb Kilimanjaro or safaris to book through Ahsante tours. Both times zero complaints. If I was to return to Tanzania I will use again. Ahsante to all - Ahsante Tour staff 👏🏻
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ukiyo 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect!
Professional, flexible, and friendly team. We spent 17 days with this company. From Kili to Safaris, everything was organized and managed to a perfection. Big thanks to Daniel, Benson and Derick.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Shabana S 
 
 
 
 Verified They didn’t just get us to the summit — they got us through Kilimanjaro
I don’t think you fully understand the importance of choosing the right Kilimanjaro team until you are actually on that mountain. We climbed with Ahsante Tours in September 2026, and there are moments from those days that I will genuinely never forget. Kilimanjaro tests you in ways that go far beyond physical fitness. There are long days, altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures, moments of complete awe and moments when your mind and body simply do not want to cooperate anymore. And during those moments, the people around you become incredibly important. Our Ahsante team were exceptional. The guides knew when to push us, when to slow us down, when we needed encouragement and when we simply needed someone beside us. The porters were absolute heroes. Watching how hard this team works while still greeting us with warmth, humour and encouragement every day gave me an entirely new level of respect for what goes into getting someone up Kilimanjaro. Summit night is where I understood it most. By that point, this wasn’t a holiday or even just a trek anymore. It was mental, physical and emotional. There were moments when reaching Uhuru Peak felt impossibly far away, but our team never stopped believing that we could get there. And we did. I stood at Uhuru Peak knowing that although my legs had carried me there, I absolutely had not got there alone. The organisation, food, camps and logistics were all handled extremely well, but what separates a good Kilimanjaro company from an unforgettable one is the people. These are the people who see you exhausted, cold, emotional and completely stripped of your usual comforts — and somehow keep you moving forward. To everyone at Ahsante who carried, cooked, guided, encouraged, laughed with us and quite literally walked this journey with us: asante sana. Kilimanjaro gave me one of the hardest and most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful that Ahsante Tours was part of it. Five stars, without hesitation. ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Heena K 
 
 
 
 Verified Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
My Kilimanjaro Experience with Ahsante Tours 🏔️ Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was something I wanted to do for the adventure, but the experience turned out to mean so much more than I expected. From the beginning, Ahsante Tours made the process smooth and well organised. The communication before the climb, the arrangements, and the preparation all gave me confidence going into the journey. The climb itself was challenging—physically. But having a supportive and experienced team around me made a huge difference. The guides were encouraging throughout the entire climb, constantly checking on us, reminding us to take it *pole pole*, and making sure we were comfortable and safe. The porters were equally incredible. Seeing how much they carried and how hard they worked every day gave me an entirely different appreciation for the people behind the climb. Summit night was by far the toughest part. It was cold, dark, exhausting and mentally challenging, but every step brought me closer to the goal. Finally reaching Uhuru Peak at **5,895 metres** was a feeling I honestly cannot put into words. After all the preparation, tiredness, doubts and long days, standing at the summit and knowing **I DID IT** was unforgettable. But what I loved most about this experience is that Kilimanjaro taught me things beyond climbing a mountain. It taught me to appreciate my comfort at home, to trust my body, to keep moving at my own pace, and to understand that sometimes you are capable of much more than you think. I am genuinely grateful to the entire Ahsante Tours team for being part of such an important experience for me. From the first step to the final descent, their support contributed greatly to making this journey memorable. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Duncan 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable trip (in a good way)
I joined an Ahsante group climbing the Kilimanjaro Machame route. Ascending isn’t easy, but the Ahsante team worked hard to maximise the chances of a successful ascent. Out of our group, nearly all managed to get to the top (something that isn’t usual). The guides were superb - supportive, very experienced and very friendly. Our team contained a medical doctor who was very reassuring and who was conducting research on the effects of altitude on the body. The Ahsante team are very welcoming, experienced and knowledgeable. The friendliness of the group, the stunning scenery and the Ahsante team made this an unforgettable trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   seangamage 
 
 
 
 Verified Life long memories.
Our experience was split into two parts. Firstly, the Ahsante team got me and my friend to Uhuru Peak. Nine days, Northern Circuit - absolutely amazing. Professional, supportive and fun; we could not have asked for more. After the climb, Ahsante got four of us from Weru Weru River Lodge to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Central/Northern Serengeti. Knowledgeable guides, great camps - saw the Great Migration over the Mara River, lions, rhino, cheetah, elephant, zebra, crocodile, hippo, giraffe. Life long memories.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   mark s 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari-tastic!
Our 5 day Safari was amazing (if a little too long!) We saw such a great variety of animal life , and our drivers/ guides Godwin and Derek were very knowledgeable and could answer pretty much every question we asked, adding more information where they could. Godwin is a very skilled driver ( Derek is still training so not allowed to drive with customers) and handled those bumpy roads well. It was also great that he had car mechanic knowledge to sort out a few problems with our jeep along the way. They are both very professional but also friendly and we really enjoyed our time with them!

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Rongai Route unique compared to other Kilimanjaro routes?

The Rongai Route is unique because it starts on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. It offers less crowded trails, spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak, and a chance to experience different, quieter landscapes compared to the southern and western routes.

How long does it take to complete the Rongai Route?

The Rongai Route typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete. The extra day is often recommended for acclimatization, improving the chances of reaching the summit successfully.

What is the success rate of the Rongai Route?

The summit success rate for the Rongai Route is approximately 70%, which is higher than the Marangu Route. The gradual ascent and gentle slopes help with acclimatization, increasing the likelihood of success.

Is the Rongai Route suitable during the rainy season?

Yes, the Rongai Route is an excellent choice during the rainy season (April and May) because the northern side of Kilimanjaro remains dry, while the southern and western routes tend to be wet and muddy.

Is the Rongai Route good for beginners?

The Rongai Route is suitable for climbers of varying fitness levels, including beginners. Its gentle ascent, manageable terrain, and ample time for acclimatization make it a good option for those new to high-altitude trekking.

Awards and certifications