The only route approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. Drier than the southern routes, far quieter, and the best option if you must travel in April, May or November.
Drive around the mountain to the Rongai side near Kenya, then 6km through pine and rainforest to Simba Camp at 2,625m.
Steady 6km climb to Second Cave at 3,450m with open views of Kibo eastern face.
Leave the main trail and cross moorland to Kikelewa at 3,600m, 5 to 6 hours.
Steep short climb to Mawenzi Tarn at 4,330m beneath the Mawenzi spires. Afternoon acclimatisation walk.
Cross the lunar Saddle to Kibo Hut at 4,703m, 5 to 6 hours. Early dinner and sleep.
Midnight start for Gilman Point at 5,681m and Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, then a long descent to Horombo Hut at 3,720m on the Marangu side.
Final descent through moorland and forest, certificates and transfer to Moshi.
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Two reasons: it is the driest route, which matters in April, May and November, and it is genuinely quiet. On Machame you share camps with hundreds; on Rongai you may see a dozen other trekkers a day.
Different rather than lesser. The northern slopes are drier and more open, Mawenzi Tarn is the most dramatic campsite on the mountain, and you descend by a completely different route.
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