Kilimanjaro

Rongai via Mawenzi Tarn

A drier northern approach with unique angles on Mawenzi’s spires. Great for shoulder seasons with less rainfall.

6–7 days Moderate Drier climate

Why Choose Rongai via Mawenzi Tarn

Approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, the Rongai Route offers a quieter, often drier climb with sweeping open landscapes and dramatic views of Mawenzi’s jagged spires. The overnight at Mawenzi Tarn supports acclimatization while delivering one of the most visually striking camp settings on the mountain. Ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, steady progress, and a composed northern ascent.

Highlights

Mawenzi spires Drier climate Less crowded route Mawenzi Tarn overnight Steady acclimatization

Fast Facts

Essentials

  • Duration: 6–7 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start: Nalemoru Gate
  • End: Marangu Gate
  • Accommodation: Tented camps
  • Best: Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct

Route Details

Simba Second Cave Kikelewa Mawenzi Tarn Kibo Summit via Gilman’s Point Northern approach

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Balanced for acclimatization with an overnight at Mawenzi Tarn.

Forest to Heather Zone

Begin your journey at Nalemoru Gate, trekking through lush forests as the trail gradually opens into heather moorlands. This gentle introduction sets a relaxed pace and allows your body to ease into the climb.

Heather zoneSimba

Heather to Moorland

The landscape opens dramatically as you climb higher, revealing expansive views of Kibo and Mawenzi. The trail remains steady, offering a calm, confidence-building ascent as altitude slowly increases.

Open vistasSecond Cave

Mawenzi Approach

Today's trek brings you closer to Mawenzi's rugged, sculpted profile. The terrain becomes more alpine, and the mountain's raw character begins to reveal itself as you approach Kikelewa Camp.

KikelewaKikelewa

Acclimatization Day

A shorter trek leads to Mawenzi Tarn, set beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is dedicated to acclimatization walks and quiet recovery, allowing your body to adapt while surrounded by one of Kilimanjaro's most striking landscapes.

Mawenzi TarnMawenzi Tarn

High Alpine Traverse

Traverse the broad saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a stark, high-altitude desert that feels vast and otherworldly. The focus today is conservation of energy as you arrive at Kibo Hut to rest ahead of summit night.

SaddleKibo

Uhuru Peak

Your summit push begins around midnight, climbing steadily toward Gilman's Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the achievement, descend carefully to lower elevation for recovery.

Summit ridgeSummit

Final Descent

Descend through changing vegetation zones as oxygen-rich air returns and the journey begins to settle in. At the gate, receive your summit certificates and celebrate the completion of your Kilimanjaro climb.

Exit: Marangu Gate

ForestMarangu Gate

Included

All park fees; professional mountain guides, porters, and cook team; all meals on the mountain; purified drinking water; mountain accommodation (huts on Marangu or private tents on all other routes); emergency rescue fees; and round-trip ground transfers between your hotel and the trailhead.

Not Included

International and regional flights, visas, travel insurance, personal hiking or biking gear, tips for the mountain crew, and optional upgrades.

From $1,870 per person

Pricing varies by season and group size.

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