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Samaka MaraSafari

7 days · 6 nights · from Moshi or Arusha

7 Days Kilimanjaro — Rongai Route

The quiet side of the mountain, approached from the north

  • Trekking

Rongai starts near the Kenyan border and climbs the drier northern flank, which means far fewer people and a much better chance of dry weather during the rains. It descends by Marangu, so you see both sides of the mountain.

Trip highlights

  • The least crowded of the main Kilimanjaro routes
  • The driest approach — the best choice in a marginal season
  • Mawenzi Tarn, camped beneath the jagged eastern peak
  • Ascent by Rongai, descent by Marangu — two different mountains in one trek
  • Wildlife in the northern forest, including colobus and occasionally elephant sign

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Moshi → Rongai Gate → Simba Camp (2,625 m)

    A long transfer round the mountain to the Kenyan side, then three to four hours through farmland and pine forest to the first camp.

    Meals
    Lunch, dinner

  2. Day 2

    Simba → Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)

    Six to seven hours across open moorland with wide views north into Kenya.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  3. Day 3

    Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m)

    A short but steep three to four hours up to a camp in the cirque beneath Mawenzi's spires.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  4. Day 4

    Mawenzi Tarn — acclimatisation day

    A day walk up towards Mawenzi's lower slopes and back to sleep at the tarn.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  5. Day 5

    Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

    Four to five hours across the saddle to the summit camp. Early night.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  6. Day 6

    Kibo → Uhuru Peak → Horombo (3,720 m)

    Midnight start, Gilman's Point at sunrise, Uhuru an hour on, then the long descent by the Marangu path to Horombo.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  7. Day 7

    Horombo → Marangu Gate → Moshi

    Down through moorland and rainforest to the gate, then the transfer to your hotel.

    Meals
    Breakfast

What’s included

  • Park, rescue and camping or hut fees
  • Return road transfers between town and the trailhead
  • A qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
  • Three hot meals a day on the mountain plus drinking water
  • Group camping equipment (mess tent, tables, stools) where camping is used
  • Guide, porter and cook wages

Not included

  • Flights, visas and travel insurance (cover to summit altitude is required)
  • Personal trekking gear, sleeping bag and boots
  • Accommodation before and after the trek
  • Portable oxygen and personal medication
  • Tips for the mountain crew

Enquire

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