Overview
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Embark on a distinctive journey via the Rongai Route, the only path ascending Kilimanjaro from the northern side. Renowned for its gentle approach, this non-technical, camping route offers a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro's majestic Kibo cone. The Rongai Route is celebrated for its drier climate, enhancing trekking conditions and minimizing rainfall disruptions. As you traverse from the northeast to the southeast, descending via the Marangu route, you'll experience a variety of ecosystems and serene landscapes.
While less physically demanding than southern circuit routes, with no scrambling sections, it's essential to consider longer treks for better acclimatization. The route's gradual ascent allows trekkers to experience the mountain's higher altitudes without the intense physical challenges found on other paths. This balance of ease and elevation makes the Rongai Route an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate trekkers alike, offering a tranquil yet engaging climb. Its blend of accessibility and adventure captures the essence of Kilimanjaro, making it an ideal route for those seeking both serenity and a sense of achievement.
Detailed day to day itinerary
Arrival and climb breifing
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
Approx. driving distance: Optional airport transfers available
Approx. trekking distance: None
Start altitude: Unknown
End altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included today: None
Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
Approx. driving distance: 2-3 hours
Approx. trekking distance: 8km or 5mi (4-5 hours)
Start altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
End altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
Meals included today: Picnic lunch, dinner
Simba (First cave) camp to Third Cave camp
Today’s hike is a little longer and begins with a trek through the heather & moorland zone ascending towards the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you may have your lunch. From the Second caves, there are two paths; one diverting to the Mawenzi peak and the other straight towards kibo. You take the latter through the grassy terrain until you reach the Third group of caves near your camp for the night.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi (5-7 hours)
Start altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
End altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3935m or 12795ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1310m or 4185ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp (or Kibo Hut Camp)
Your hike today takes you abruptly towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying on the edges of the Kibo saddle. The relatively short distance today means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 8km or 5mi (3-5 hours)
Start altitude: 3935m or 12795ft
End altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +780m or 2575ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
School Hut Camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 21km or 13mi (14-18 hours)
Start altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
End altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu Gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town (or Arusha). Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
Approx. driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx. trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi (5-7 hours)
Start altitude: 43700m or 12220ft
End altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
Detailed day to day itinerary
Arrival and climb breifing
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
Approx. driving distance: Optional airport transfers available
Approx. trekking distance: None
Start altitude: Unknown
End altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included today: None
Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
Approx. driving distance: 2-3 hours
Approx. trekking distance: 8km or 5mi (4-5 hours)
Start altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
End altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
Meals included today: Picnic lunch, dinner
Simba (First cave) camp to Kikelewa Cave camp
Today’s hike takes you further up towards the Kibo cone and into the lower alpine heather & moorland zone through a more barren landscape than the day before and heading past the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you may stop for lunch. From the second group of caves you divert south east heading towards the jagged Mawenzi peaks. You stop near the Kikelelwa caves for your nights camp.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 12km or 7.5mi (7-9 hours)
Start altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
End altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3630m or 11910ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1005m or 3300ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Third Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s hike is a short and steep one through a grassy slope and into the alpine desert. You continue your movement south-east towards the Mawenzi cone where the landscape dramatically changes. Your camp for tonight is inside of the Mawenzi ridge and near the tarn lake. You can also optionally venture out further with your guide for acclimatization walks.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 5km or 3mi (5-7 hours)
Start altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
End altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +760m or +2490ft / -80m or -260ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp (or Kibo Hut Camp)
Your hike today takes you back towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying through the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The environment becomes more barren and air thinner as you ascend to your base camp where you will rest for the summit journey starting tonight.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 8km or 5mi (4-5 hours)
Start altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
End altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +405m or +1330ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
School Hut Camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 21km or 13mi (14-18 hours)
Start altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
End altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu Gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town (or Arusha). Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
Approx. driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx. trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi (5-7 hours)
Start altitude: 43700m or 12220ft
End altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
Detailed day to day itinerary
Arrival and climb breifing
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
Approx. driving distance: Optional airport transfers available
Approx. trekking distance: None
Start altitude: Unknown
End altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included today: None
Rongai gate to Simba (First Cave) Camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi town (09:00am) to Rongai gate. After registration you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest thins out quickly on this remote and drier side of the mountain and you reach your camp on the edge of the forest and heather zone near the caves.
Approx. driving distance: 2-3 hours
Approx. trekking distance: 8km or 5mi (4-5 hours)
Start altitude: 2020m or 6630ft
End altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
Highest Altitude reached: 2625m or 8610ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +605m or 1980ft
Meals included today: Picnic lunch, dinner
Simba (First cave) camp to Kikelewa Cave camp
Today’s hike takes you further up towards the Kibo cone and into the lower alpine heather & moorland zone through a more barren landscape than the day before and heading past the second group of caves near the Second cave camp where you may stop for lunch. From the second group of caves you divert south east heading towards the jagged Mawenzi peaks. You stop near the Kikelelwa caves for your nights camp.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 12km or 7.5mi (7-9 hours)
Start altitude: 2625m or 8610ft
End altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3630m or 11910ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1005m or 3300ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Third Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Today’s hike is a short and steep one through a grassy slope and into the alpine desert. You continue your movement south-east towards the Mawenzi cone where the landscape dramatically changes. Your camp for tonight is inside of the Mawenzi ridge and near the tarn lake. You can also optionally venture out further with your guide for acclimatization walks.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 5km or 3mi (5-7 hours)
Start altitude: 3630m or 11910ft
End altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +760m or +2490ft / -80m or -260ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (acclimatization day)
Today is an extra acclimatization day in the alpine desert at the base of the Mawenzi peak and will take you for a walk in the area and up to a higher point at the Mawenzi ridge before descending back down to camp again. This day helps you acclimatize further and rest before the summit days ahead.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 3km or 2mi (3-4 hours)
Start altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
End altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +80m or +260ft / -80m or -260ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp (or Kibo Hut Camp)
Your hike today takes you back towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying through the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The environment becomes more barren and air thinner as you ascend to your base camp where you will rest for the summit journey starting tonight.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 8km or 5mi (4-5 hours)
Start altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
End altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4715m or 15470ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +405m or +1330ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
School Hut Camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut Camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland where you stop for the night.
Approx. driving distance: None
Approx. trekking distance: 21km or 13mi (14-18 hours)
Start altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
End altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
Horombo Hut Camp to Marangu Gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southeastern rain forest zone until Marangu gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town (or Arusha). Usually, the crew will leave you at Marangu gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye and a great location to hand your optional tip to the crew as a token of your appreciation.
Approx. driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx. trekking distance: 17km or 10.5mi (5-7 hours)
Start altitude: 43700m or 12220ft
End altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3700m or 12220ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: -1840m or -6120ft
Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch
1 passenger (private trek)
from $2205 per person*2 passengers (private trek)
from $1840 per person*3 passengers (private trek)
from $1655 per person*4 passengers (private trek)
from $1545 per person*5 passengers (private trek)
from $1540 per person*6-10 passengers (private trek)
from $1450 per person*11-15 passengers (private trek)
from $1425 per person*16+ passengers (private trek)
from $1360 per person*Scheduled group (shared departure)
Not available* All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
1 passenger (private trek)
from $2525 per person*2 passengers (private trek)
from $2130 per person*3 passengers (private trek)
from $1935 per person*4 passengers (private trek)
from $1805 per person*5 passengers (private trek)
from $1800 per person*6-10 passengers (private trek)
from $1695 per person*11-15 passengers (private trek)
from $1675 per person*16+ passengers (private trek)
from $1605 per person*Scheduled group (shared departure)
From $1750 per person** All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
1 passenger (private trek)
from $2840 per person*2 passengers (private trek)
from $2425 per person*3 passengers (private trek)
from $2215 per person*4 passengers (private trek)
from $2075 per person*5 passengers (private trek)
from $2065 per person*6-10 passengers (private trek)
from $1950 per person*11-15 passengers (private trek)
from $1930 per person*16+ passengers (private trek)
from $1855 per person*Scheduled group (shared departure)
Not available* All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
+ Chanya Lodge, Moshi
A comfortable mid-range pre and post climb lodge just outside of Moshi town, especially convenient for the Rongai and Marangu routes.
+ Bristol Cottages, Moshi
A comfortable and budget friendly mid-range lodge in Moshi town center, convenient for all ascent and descent routes.
+ Keys Hotel, Moshi
A comfortable mid range lodge located just outside of Moshi town center, convenient for all ascent and descent routes.
+ Marangu Hotel, Marangu
A convenient mid range pre/post climb option for the Marangu (or Rongai) routes located in the 'Chagga' Marangu village.
+ Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Moshi
A western style high range lodge just outside of Moshi town centre and convenient for all ascent and descent hiking routes.
+ Gran Melia, Arusha
A superbly comfortable high range lodge near Arusha city center, for a luxury pre and post climb experience with a view of Mount Meru.
+ Private camping toilet
A recommended private portable camping toilet which will be setup near your sleeping tents and provide a much more comfortable option compared to public facilities.
+ Insulated folding bed
A recommended insulated super warm folding bed rated R5 (for extreme cold) for the most comfortable sleeping experience on Kilimanjaro.
Airport transfers
You can easily include your arrival and departure airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Moshi Airport with our reliable fleet.
+ Single tents
We usually expect groups of 2 or more to share sleeping tents however if you prefer not to share your sleeping tent you can book your own single tent.
+ Celebration items
If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or other special occasion you can let us know in advance to prepare something special for your day.
+ Premium Menu
A more premium hiking menu to include more fruit, meat, vegetables and complex dishes. A customized premium menu can be included for your hike.
+ Extra mountain guides
We appreciate those without expereince may need a personal mountain guide or a ratio of 1 guide to 1 client and you can hire additional guides for your trek as required.
+ Extra luggage porter
Those with more luggage can increase your allowed allowance on the trek by 15kgs for each additional luggage porter you hire for your expedition.
+ Personal porter
A personal assistance porter can help you carry your personal day pack (max 10kg) from the gate to the summit and back down to let you focus on your trek.
Anorak / Jackets
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsBalaclava
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsBoots - walking / trekking
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsDuffel bag
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsHat
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsHead Torch
USD $10 per tripMixed brands, excluding batteriesGaiters
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsGloves / warm mits
USD $8 per tripMixed brandsGlove liners
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsMattres (self-inflatable)
USD $50 per tripMixed brandsNeck warmer
USD $7 per tripMixed brandsRaincoat / poncho
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsRain / wind / waterproof trousers
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsRuck sack / day pack
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsScarf
USD $5 per tripMixed brands4 season sleeping bag (Synthetic filled)
USD $30 per tripSnugpak Softie 15 Discovery (-12.5oC comfort rating)4 season sleeping bag (Down filled)
USD $50 per tripMarmot Never Summer (-12.5oC comfort rating)Socks
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsSunglasses
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsSweater / fleece / jumper
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsTravel pillow
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsWalking poles (pair)
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsWater bladder / Water hydration system
USD $15 per tripMixed brands
Superior & Experienced guides
We are proud to operate hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro for 40+ years and with this comes a highly skilled and experienced team of mountain guides who have led 100's of expeditions and are some of the most experienced on Kilimanjaro.
Safety is our No.1 priority
Our expert guides use a preventive health management system to monitor your health twice a day using medical grade finger oximiters. Each expedition is always equipped with 1 emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
High quality equipment
We provide superior equipment for a comfortable hiking experience. Each trek will come with a spacious and roomy all season 4 person tent (for a maximum of 2 or 3 people) made by Hilleberg or The North Face.
justinecharTrip advisor
My husband and I booked our Kilimanjaro climb through Shah Tours, and could not have been more pleased with our experience. To start, I think we had the best guides on the entire mountain. Baraka and Vincent were extremely knowledgeable, not only about mountain safety, but also about the history of Kilimanjaro, the flora, the fauna, the tribes in Tanzania, languages, and everything else we had questions about. We learned so much on our hike up to the summit, which made the whole experience even better than anticipated.
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Socially responsible operator
We are proudly monitored by KPAP and KRTO on each and every trek since 2017 for the highest fair treatment, salary and crew standards on Mount Kilimanjaro. We also support multiple local social and environmental organizations.
Guaranteed Medal & Certificate
All participants on our Kilimanjaro treks will receive a participation certificate and unique achievement medal. You will also get a climb certificate from the National Park if you reach Stella point, Gilman's point or Uhuru peak.
Since 1984!
We have been a licensed operator of Kilimanjaro climbs since 1984 and have guided tens of thousands to Africa's highest peak. Booking with us means you are booking directly with the operator without any middle man.
Ahmed BazaraTrip advisor
Myself, and kids (three adults) enjoyed this lifetime experience. It was exciting, somehow tiring, but rewarding. The lovely two guides and many porters made our trip as easy as possible. The cook and assistant prepared just the right meal at the right time. Although we did not complete the hike to Uhuru peak (just 6 km away) due to high altitude sickness two of my children suffered, and we were advised to descend accordingly, we will never forget these days. I am planning to return in the near future. To conclude, I want to say thank you Shah Tours, thank Kalvin, Umari, Emanuel and entire crew for your passion, care and support extended to us throughout this wonderful hike.
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