The remote Rongai route begins on the side of the mountain close to the Kenyan border, running on the dry northeast side of Kilimanjaro. It takes a long drive to get to the starting point. It is the only route that approaches from the north and can be drier than most routes if you hike during the rainy season. The acclimatisation profile is fair.
The route is less crowded, moderately steep, crosses a beautiful alpine desert zone and allows for good views towards Kenya and the Kibo summit. On this route, you return via the Marangu route.
Signature panoramas across rainforest, Shira, and the Southern Circuit.
Challenging gradients tuned for seasoned hikers and backpackers.
Balanced acclimatization with time above 15,000 ft before summit night.
Full-support crew for safety, meals, and camp logistics.
INQUIRIES+255 710 122 066
GUIDED CLIMB
Professional guides, cooks, and porters focused on safety and summit success.
CURRENT DESTINATION
Moshi
DAY 0/8
THE ITINERARY
Day to Day Itinerary
Southern approach via Machame Gate, Shira Plateau, Southern Circuit, summit from Barafu, and descent on Mweka.
Day 0
DAY 0: Arrival - Kilimanjaro
Moshi
Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to the Hotel in Moshi. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.
Day 1
DAY 1: Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave
Rongai Cave
Drive to Machame Gate and trek through lush rainforest on winding trails up a ridge to Machame Camp.
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft — Distance: 8 /5 miles — Time: 3-4 hours — Habitat: Rain Forest
Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by one of our friendly driver who will transfer you to White House Hotel in Moshi. Should you arrive early you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or you can just relax at the lodge and get ready for the days ahead. You will also meet with one of our operations staff and Guide who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.
Day 2
DAY 2: Simba Camp - Second Caves Camp
Second Caves Camp
Hike Duration: 7 – 7 hours Distance covered: 5.7miles.
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave(11,300 ft) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).
Day 3
DAY 3: Second caves Camp - Kikelewa Caves
Kikelewa Caves
Meals: Breakast, Lunch & Dinner
Hike Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Distance covered: 2.3miles
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.A short but steep climb is rewarded by superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness.
We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn(14,200 ft), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
Day 4
DAY 4: Kikelewa Caves - Mawenzi Tarn
Mawenzi Tarn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
HIking time: 2 – 3 hours.
We have an additional day to acclimatize. The day will be spent exploring the area with a walk up onto the Saddle towards Camel’s Back. Afterwards, we will return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft).
Day 5
DAY 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
HIking time: 2 – 3 hours.
We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.
Day 6
DAY 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 17 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks.
At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7
DAY 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Mweka Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,047 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Your story begins here.
Contact our mountain experts to customize this climb for your private party.
EXQUISITE DETAILS
Meticulously Curated Inclusions
We believe luxury is found in the details. Every aspect of your journey is choreographed to ensure absolute comfort and unparalleled access.
Trekking Tour
Trekking tour according to the itinerary.
Accommodation
Accommodation in huts and hotels as indicated in the itinerary.
Professional Guide
Professional English-speaking guide.
Personal Porter
Personal porter.
Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Drinking Water
Drinking water.
Transfers
Transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
National Park Fees
National park fees.
Rescue Fees
Rescue fees.
The Ultimate Guide
Pack Smart for Kilimanjaro
Light, layered, and practical—built for altitude swings.
Clothing
• Lightweight, breathable layers for daytime heat.
• Long sleeves/pants for sun and insects.
• Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
• Wide-brim hat or cap (Passionate Guides hats available).
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
Kilimanjaro Gears
• Binoculars for wildlife (1 extra kept in the vehicle).
• Camera plus spare batteries and memory cards.
• High-SPF sunscreen and quality insect repellent (DEET).
• Sunglasses and a headlamp/flashlight for nights.
Travel Essentials
• Valid passport & visa (apply online where eligible).
• Medications/prescriptions and travel insurance docs.
• Reusable water bottle (we provide one for you).
• Compact first aid kit (vehicle kit also provided).
• Snacks like nuts or granola bars for quick energy.
Miscellaneous Items
• Power adapter (UK type G & D) and converter if needed.
• Waterproof bag to protect electronics from rain/dust.
• Cash in small denominations for tips and incidentals.
• Swimsuit for lodge pools en route.
• Neutral, non-bright colors to avoid startling wildlife.
Unforgettable trip
“Our safari trip with Passionate Guides was amazing. Our guide, Beatus, was experienced, thoughtful and had a deep respect for animals. We got to see everything there is to see. The accommodations were great as well.”
Roch F
tripadvisor
Our safari
“This was a spectacular trip of a lifetime. The planned trip was perfect and our guide was awesome. Food and hotels all great”
Kay W
tripadvisor
Happy with our experience—loved having our own guide
“We had so much fun and saw wondrous numbers of lions, elephants, zebras wildebeest etc. The logistics were seamless and we loved staying in The Serengeti at Moyo Camp and Kontiki Ndutu camp. Visiting Tarangire is also highly recommended.”
Teresa M
tripadvisor
Trekking
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