All routes
7 days73 km · Strenuous80% summit rate
Rongai Route
The Northern Approach
North side of the mountain
Overview
Rongai approaches Kibo from the rain-shadow side, close to the Kenyan border. The trail is drier than the southern routes (good in shoulder season), the crowds are far smaller, and the views toward the jagged Mawenzi summit are spectacular. Climbers descend via Marangu, so you trek two different sides of the mountain.
Why this route?
- Climbers in the rainy season looking for drier trails
- Travellers wanting a quieter ascent than Machame/Lemosho
- Anyone keen on the views toward Mawenzi peak
Highlights
- Driest approach — best wet-season option
- Mawenzi Tarn camp under the jagged second summit
- Crater Saddle crossing
Acclimatisation profile
Where you sleep each night. Summit altitude shown for reference at the top.
Day 12,625 m
Simba Camp
Day 23,450 m
Second Cave
Day 33,600 m
Kikelelwa Cave
Day 44,330 m
Mawenzi Tarn
Day 54,700 m
Kibo Hut
Day 63,720 m
Horombo Hut
Summit
5,895 m
Day-by-day itinerary
Camps on the route
| Camp | Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simba Camp | 2,625 m | — |
| Second Cave | 3,450 m | — |
| Kikelelwa Cave | 3,600 m | — |
| Mawenzi Tarn | 4,330 m | Under Mawenzi peak |
| Kibo Hut | 4,700 m | Summit base |
| Horombo Hut | 3,720 m | — |