6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route
Trek Highlights
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. This route offers a quieter trekking experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking solitude. Known for its drier climate, the Rongai Route provides stunning views of the mountain’s northern slopes and is considered less crowded compared to other routes.
Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing, gear check, and safety orientation.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included).
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Start your trek from Rongai Gate (1,950 meters), passing through farmlands and pine forests. The trail offers a gradual ascent, and you may encounter some wildlife along the way. Arrive at Simba Camp (2,625 meters) in the late afternoon.
- Elevation: 1,950 meters to 2,625 meters.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
- Distance: 8 km.
Accommodation: Simba Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Leave Simba Camp and trek through the heathland zone, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Arrive at Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) in the early afternoon for rest and acclimatization.
- Elevation: 2,625 meters to 3,600 meters.
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours.
- Distance: 12 km.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
Ascend to the alpine desert zone, reaching Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,315 meters). Located beneath the majestic Mawenzi Peak, this camp offers spectacular views and is an excellent spot for acclimatization. Spend the afternoon exploring the area.
- Elevation: 3,600 meters to 4,315 meters.
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
- Distance: 7 km.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Hut.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut
Trek across the Saddle, a barren and windswept expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, to reach Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). Prepare for the summit attempt with an early dinner and rest.
- Elevation: 4,315 meters to 4,700 meters.
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
- Distance: 8 km.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Begin your summit attempt at midnight, trekking to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Pass Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters) on the crater rim before reaching the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) for rest.
- Elevation: 4,700 meters to 5,895 meters (summit), then down to 3,720 meters.
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours to summit; 4-6 hours descent.
- Distance: 22 km.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included; drinking water provided.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descend through the heath and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters). Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay.
- Elevation: 3,720 meters to 1,870 meters.
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
- Distance: 20 km.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; drinking water provided.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or continue your adventure with a safari or Zanzibar excursion.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included.
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Climbing gear
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(No tip expected)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)