This trek approaches the mountain from the Northern side, taking in some very different scenery on a more secluded route.
We always recommend you have at least 1 day in town before starting your trek. This gives you time to rest, relax and prepare. On this day we make sure you meet your guide(s) so that they are able to check all your gear, we can rent anything else that you require and you have the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have!
This route is for those really wanting to do something different and experience unspoilt wilderness on the mountain. Although previously you may have felt like you were the only ones on the mountain, it has become more popular in recent years. This route is the only one to approach Kilimanjaro from its northern side, starting close to the border between Kenya and Tanzania. With its close proximity to Amboseli national park it is known for having some of the best wildlife encounters on the mountain, only rivalled by the western routes (e.g. Lemosho). Some people would say that this route isn’t as scenic as others– probably because the first couple of days are spent in a drier zone. This does mean that there isn’t much rainforest to marvel at on your first day but you descend via the Marangu route with a solid day trekking through rainforest on your final day – and you get to see both sides of the mountain! The Rongai route can be made into seven days by adding an extra acclimatisation day at the Mawenzi Tarn Huts. There is also a more ‘direct’ route taking just 5 days but we have chosen to focus on the ‘Kikelelwa’ route as it is much more scenic, and gives you a better chance of making it to the top.
Day 1: Start: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) Finish: Simba camp (2625m)
Although many still call this starting point the Rongai gate it is now officially named after the nearby Nalemoru village, after the original path (starting from Rongai village) was closed. The starting point is about a 2 hour drive from Moshi town around the eastern side of the mountain. This is a beautiful drive giving you a good insight into local ‘Chagga’ life as you pass through villages, gazing out at the mud huts and banana plantations. After signing up at the gate you’ll start you walk along a track through fields of potato and maize, and the odd pine plantation. After about 1 hour you will pass through a small strip of forest- home to black and white colobus monkeys, before entering into heathland. Following a short uphill walk you will arrive at Simba Camp, where you will be welcomed with a hearty warm dinner.
Day 2: Start: Simba Camp (2625m) Finish: Kikelelwa Camp (3675m)
This is a long and challenging day, with the first half along a dusty path and not too much to see besides the heathers and Erica of the moorland. You climb more than 1000m today, with your guide regularly checking in on you for symptoms of altitude sickness. If it seems tough just think you are already half way up to the top (and enjoy views down across into Kenya)! You will have a pit-stop for lunch at Second Caves before continuing up on an undulating path (plenty of acclimatisation opportunity) before reaching Kikelelwa Camp, with a great view up to the ragged peak of Mawenzi (Kilimanjaro’s second highest peak).
Day 3: Start: Kikelelwa Camp (3675m) Finish: Mawenzi Tarn Huts (4302m)
Yes, you read it right – only just under 4km today! Don’t be too fooled, you do gain over 600m in this shorter morning walk as you climb steadily to reach one of our favourite huts on the mountain. The Mawenzi Tarn Huts are in a spectacular location, situated just underneath Mawenzi peak. In the afternoon you can take an (optional but recommended!) acclimatization walk along the ridge where, provided it is a clear day, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view across to Kibo Peak. Today is a bit of a treat with both a hot lunch, and a delicious dinner cooked up at the huts!
Day 4: Start: Mawenzi Tarn Huts (4302m) Finish: Kibo Huts (4715m)
Start your morning descending down a ridge, to then walk across the Northern edge of the saddle which passes between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape is lunar-like up here, although Eland (Africa’s largest antelope) have been spotted here. Have your camera handy to take some fantastic panoramas of the spectacular views off to the east and west. As you cross the saddle you will also be able to see your path for summit night laid out ahead of you up to Gillman’s point. Kibo Huts are nestled just under the peak for which they are named. You’ll arrive here for a late lunch and then rest up in preparation for your summit.
Day 5: Summit Night: Kibo Huts (4715m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) back to Kibo Huts
Start: Kibo Huts (4715m) to Horombo Huts (7720m)
Depending on how you have fared with the altitude in the days before, you will be woken at 11pm-12am to start your ascent up to Uhuru Peak. Have some tea and biscuits to warm you up before starting on the hardest part of your trek. You will make your way up to Gillman’s point by flashlight, zig-zagging your way along the soft ground. This is definitely one of the steeper and more challenging ascents, but there is no such thing as going too slowly – make sure to take your time. Upon reaching Gillman’s point you will stop for a well-deserved short rest. You will have earned your certificate here, but don’t let that stop you from going on up to Uhuru peak – the hard work is over. Now you can enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers to the left, and Reusch’s crater to the right. Most trekkers will make it to the peak after approx. 6 hours, in time to watch what will be one of (if not the) favourite sunrise(s) of your life. Heading back down to Kibo will be surprisingly quick, some like to use their walking poles to ‘ski’ down the soft scree! Have some warm food here, rest up, before continuing your descent down to Horombo Huts.
Summit Night: Your friendly guide will give you a warm wakeup call at approximately 11pm (depending how well you have fared so far you may get up earlier or later!). From here you will start your ascent to the summit. This is the final push to the top and so your guide will take you at a much slower pace compared to your trekking the previous days, to make sure you have the best chance of getting to the peak, giving your body time to cope with the high altitude. Once you reach Stella Point at 5735m you really have almost made it- only another 45 minutes until you will find yourself at Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Enjoy your time here, take in what will surely be your most memorable sunrise and celebrate with your guide.
Day 6: Start: Horombo Huts (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1905m)
A long last day, which will no doubt feel like a walk in the park after yesterday’s efforts. Make sure to enjoy this final day of the mountain… that beer will still be cold, and the shower still hot when you get down! If you are not in a rush, your guide can take you down via the Marangu ‘Nature Trail’ – a much less used path (be prepared to hop over a few fallen trees) before reaching a beautiful water fall. Enjoy time monkey and bird-spotting in the forest before emerging out at Marangu Gate where you will sign out of the National Park. There is a great little souvenir spot here, with maps, books and postcards to buy (handy tools when bragging to all your friends back home!). From the gate, our car will pick you up and transfer you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest (massages available on request)!
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