The gentle northern approach - drier, quieter and a good choice in the rainy months.
Rongai starts close to the Kenyan border on the drier northern side of the mountain. Gradients are gentler and crowds thinner, and the route includes a night at the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn. Climbers descend by the Marangu route.
Best time: Year-round; best choice in the shoulder seasons
Drive round to the northern side and walk through pine forest and farmland.
Steady climb onto open moorland with views towards Kenya.
Cross towards Mawenzi through heath and rock.
A short, steep climb to the tarn. Afternoon acclimatisation walk.
Cross the lunar saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Midnight start to Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo.
Walk down through moorland and forest to the gate and transfer to your hotel.
No technical experience is needed, but you should be fit enough to walk for six to eight hours a day for several days. Regular hill walking in the months before is the best preparation.
Success depends mostly on the number of days on the mountain. That’s why we recommend seven to nine days and don’t offer five-day climbs. Your guide’s first priority is your safety, not the summit.
Tips are an important part of crew income. We send a clear guideline before your climb, based on the size of your crew and the number of days, and tips are shared openly among the whole team.
A deposit of 30% confirms your booking, and the balance is due 60 days before you arrive. We accept bank transfer, and card payments can be arranged. Full details are in our booking terms.
Our prices include park fees, accommodation, meals as listed, your guide and vehicle, and airport transfers. International flights, visas, travel insurance and tips are not included. Every proposal lists exactly what’s covered.
8 days
Our recommended route: quiet forest, the Shira Plateau and an excellent acclimatisation profile.
7 days
The 'whiskey route': varied, scenic and popular, with a good climb-high, sleep-low profile.
9 days
The longest, quietest route on the mountain, with the best acclimatisation of all.
