Rongai

Overview

The only route that starts from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Rongai is drier, quieter and has a gentler gradient than the southern routes. The seven-day version with a night at Mawenzi Tarn gives good acclimatisation and wild, remote scenery.

Best for: Those who want quiet trails, and climbs in the rainy season (the north side is drier).

Altitude profile

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Rongai Gate → Simba Camp

   1,950 m → 2,600 m ~7 km 3–4 h

   After the drive round to the northern gate, a gentle walk through pine plantations and forest to Simba Camp.

2. 2

   Simba Camp → Second Cave

   2,600 m → 3,450 m ~6 km 3–4 h

   Climb steadily through heath and moorland with views back over the Kenyan plains.

3. 3

   Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp

   3,450 m → 3,600 m ~6 km 3–4 h

   Head across the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi to Kikelewa caves.

4. 4

   Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn

   3,600 m → 4,330 m ~4 km 3–4 h

   A short, steep climb to a spectacular camp beside the tarn under the spires of Mawenzi. Afternoon acclimatisation walk.

5. 5

   Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut

   4,330 m → 4,703 m ~9 km 4–5 h

   Cross the high Saddle desert to Kibo Hut, base camp for the summit.

6. 6

   Kibo Hut → Horombo Hut

   4,703 m → 3,720 m (max 5,895 m) ~21 km 12–15 h

   Summit night via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo on the Marangu side.

7. 7

   Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate

   3,720 m → 1,860 m ~20 km 5–6 h

   Walk down through moorland and forest to Marangu Gate and your summit certificate.

Distances and times are approximate.