6 Days Rongai Route

Duration

6 Days

Max People

20+

Min Age

12+

Pickup

KIA Airport

Overview

The Rongai Route is one of the most scenic and less crowded routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the northern side near the Kenya border, this route offers a unique wilderness experience with beautiful landscapes, diverse vegetation zones, and excellent opportunities to see wildlife during the early stages of the trek.

The 6 days Rongai Route itinerary is ideal for climbers seeking a quieter and more gradual ascent to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. The route provides breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak, comfortable campsites, and a successful acclimatization profile before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.

This adventure combines challenge, achievement, and unforgettable mountain scenery while guided by professional mountain experts from Tanzania.

The Rongai Route is considered one of the easiest and most remote routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike the busier southern routes, Rongai approaches the mountain from the north and descends via the Marangu Route, allowing climbers to experience different sides of Kilimanjaro during the expedition.

The climb begins through beautiful rainforest and gradually transitions into moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zones. The route is known for its steady ascent, making it suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. During the climb, trekkers will enjoy panoramic views, peaceful trails, and the dramatic scenery surrounding Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Included/Excluded

  • Kilimanjaro park fees
  • Professional mountain guides
  • Assistant guides and porters
  • All camping equipment
  • Mountain tents and sleeping mattresses
  • All meals during the climb
  • Drinking water during trekking
  • Airport transfers
  • Pick up and drop off in Moshi
  • Accommodation before and after climb
  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Personal expenses

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arival
  • A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that says your name. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to Moshi with no traffic.There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.Meals included: n/a
    Accommodations: Park View Hotel
Day 02 Moshi to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Your Kilimanjaro climbing adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Moshi after breakfast. You will drive to the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro near the Kenya border to Rongai Gate where registration and permit formalities will be completed before the trek begins.

The hike starts through beautiful rainforest where you may spot monkeys and various bird species while enjoying the peaceful environment of the mountain forest. The trail gradually climbs through the wilderness toward Simba Camp located on the edge of the moorland zone. Upon arrival at camp, your mountain crew will prepare dinner while you relax and enjoy your first night on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Montane Forest

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Simba Camp

Day 03 Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

After breakfast, the trek continues through the moorland zone with stunning views of Kibo Peak ahead and Mawenzi Peak rising dramatically in the distance. The trail is less steep today, allowing climbers to walk comfortably while enjoying the quiet and scenic northern side of Kilimanjaro.

As you ascend higher, the vegetation becomes more open and the landscapes more dramatic. You will stop for lunch along the trail before continuing to Second Cave Camp where you can rest and enjoy panoramic mountain views. This day is important for acclimatization and preparing the body for higher altitude.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Second Cave Camp

Day 04 Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

The day begins with breakfast before continuing the ascent toward Kikelewa Camp. The trail gradually becomes steeper as you move closer to Mawenzi Peak while enjoying impressive views across the surrounding valleys and mountain landscapes.

The terrain changes into alpine vegetation with giant groundsels and rocky scenery creating a unique high-altitude environment. After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Kikelewa Camp where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the mountain.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Kikelewa Camp

Day 05 Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

After breakfast, you will continue trekking toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. Although the hiking distance is shorter today, the altitude gain is significant, making it an important acclimatization day.

The trail offers spectacular scenery with dramatic views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Upon arrival at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, you will have time to rest and acclimatize while exploring the surrounding area. The camp is considered one of the most scenic camps on Mount Kilimanjaro due to its beautiful location beneath Mawenzi Peak.

Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Tarn Camp

Day 06 Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Today’s trek crosses the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks through a vast alpine desert landscape. The trail is relatively gradual but the high altitude makes the hike more challenging as you approach the summit zone.

After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Kibo Hut where you will rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Your guides will provide a detailed briefing before you sleep for a few hours ahead of the climb to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Zone: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp

Day 07 Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Around midnight, you will begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding as you slowly ascend through the darkness guided by headlamps under the starry sky.

After reaching Gilman’s Point at the crater rim, you will continue toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters where you can celebrate your achievement, take photos, and enjoy breathtaking sunrise views above the clouds.

Following the summit celebration, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut where you will enjoy dinner and a well-deserved overnight stay after an unforgettable summit day.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest

Meals included:Breakfast
Accommodations: Park View Hotel

Day 08 Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, or continue on for your safari.

Meals included:Breakfast

From
$2,300.00 $2,500.00
Booking Form
Enquiry Form
2
$2,300.00
$0.00
Deposit Option 50% Per item
Available:
Total:
2
$2,300.00
$0.00
Min - Max (Persons) Adult Price Children Price Baby Price
1 - 1 $3,000.00 $3,000.00 $0.00
2 - 4 $2,280.00 $2,280.00 $0.00
4 - 6 $2,250.00 $2,250.00 $0.00
6 - 8 $2,230.00 $2,230.00 $0.00
8 - 10 $2,200.00 $2,200.00 $0.00

You May Like