Overview Itinerary includes & Excludes Related Safaris
Kilimanjaro’s Northern Passage

Kilimanjaro’s Northern Passage

Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route, approaching Africa’s highest mountain from the quieter northern side, with two nights in Arusha and a guided summit attempt to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

8
DAYS
1
DESTINATIONS
GUESTS

Overview

Enjoy a Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Rongai Route, a carefully paced 6-day journey from the mountain’s quieter northern slopes to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. This 8-day itinerary includes an arrival night in Arusha, a pre-climb briefing and equipment check, a 6-day mountain trek and a final night in Arusha before departure. You will camp at Simba, Kikelewa, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo and Horombo Camps as you move through montane forest, moorland, alpine desert and the high-altitude summit zone. Travel with an experienced English-speaking Kilimanjaro guide, professional porters and a dedicated support crew. Full-board meals are provided during the mountain trek, with private transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha, Rongai Gate and Marangu Gate. Choose budget, midrange, or luxury accommodation in Arusha, while the mountain section uses quality camping equipment and professional support. This trek suits couples, friends, families, and first-time Kilimanjaro climbers who want a quieter approach, dramatic views of Kibo and Mawenzi, and the option to add a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach extension.

Northern approach: Begin from the quieter slopes near the Tanzania–Kenya border.

Montane forest: Trek through woodland and forest with chances of birdlife and occasional wildlife.

Mawenzi Tarn: Camp beneath the dramatic volcanic peaks of Mawenzi.

Alpine desert: Cross the high-altitude landscape towards Kibo Camp.

Summit night: Ascend through darkness towards Gilman’s Point, Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.

Uhuru Peak: Stand at 5,895 metres for a memorable sunrise over Africa.

Mountain camping: Sleep at established camps with full crew support.

Expert guiding: Trek with experienced guides, porters and a professional mountain team.

Itinerary

Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to Arusha, and meet your mountain guide for a climb briefing and equipment check

Comfortable hotel in Arusha
Dinner
Rongai Gate
Simba Camp
Day 2: Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Drive to Rongai Gate, register, and trek through forest to Simba Camp.

Simba Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kikelewa Camp
Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Trek from Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp through forest, moorland and heath.

Kikelewa Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Ascend towards the dramatic Mawenzi volcanic formation and camp at Mawenzi Tarn.

Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kibo Camp
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

Cross the alpine desert to Kibo Camp, your final camp before the summit attempt.

Kibo Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Uhuru Peak
Horombo Camp
Day 6: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Camp

Begin the pre-dawn summit ascent, climb to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo Camp.

Horombo Camp
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Marangu Gate
Arusha
Day 7: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate to Arusha

Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, then transfer to Arusha.

Comfortable hotel in Arusha
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 8: Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Enjoy breakfast in Arusha, then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue to your next destination.

No overnight stay
Breakfast
Wildlife

Wildlife Experience


Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit


The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa

Inclusions

Accommodation in Arusha as specified in the itinerary.

Breakfast and dinner at the Arusha hotel as indicated.

Full-board meals during the Kilimanjaro trek.

Private transfers between Arusha, Rongai Gate, Marangu Gate and Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Private Rongai Route trekking arrangements with an experienced English-speaking mountain guide.

Dedicated mountain porters and professional support crew.

Guided summit attempt to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.

Mountain camping accommodation at Simba, Kikelewa, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo and Horombo Camps.

Quality mountain tents and camping equipment required for the organised trek.

Applicable Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, conservation and mountain fees.

Pre-climb briefing and equipment check.

Drinking water during the mountain trek.

Mountain rescue and emergency support fees as applicable.

Government taxes and statutory levies.

Exclude

International and domestic flights unless specifically included.

Tanzania visa fees and travel documentation.

Travel and medical insurance.

Personal trekking and mountain equipment.

Personal medical expenses.

Alcoholic and other personal beverages.

Laundry and other personal expenses.

Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, cooks, hotel staff and other crew.

Optional activities in Arusha.

Additional hotel nights before or after the scheduled itinerary.

Personal emergency evacuation costs not covered by applicable rescue arrangements.

Other services, activities or expenses not specifically listed as included.

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