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Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6 days
Benefits of the route
Less Crowded
Fewer trekkers mean a quieter and more personal experience with nature.
Drier Conditions
The northern side receives less rainfall, making it ideal during wet seasons.
Exceptional Views
Expansive panoramas stretch across the Kenyan plains and alpine ridges.
Smooth Gradient
A gradual ascent helps acclimatization and ensures steady progress toward the summit.
Route overview
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.
Prices for this route
Route name |
1 Person |
2-4 People |
5-7 People |
8-10 People |
11 & Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 Days Rongai Route |
2,500/Person |
2,100/Person |
1,950/Person |
1,800/Person |
1,650/Person |
Full itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Meals: No meals Included
Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)
This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)
We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.
- Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6 – Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.
- Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.
At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.
You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!
- Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: - Approximately 29 km
- Meals: Breakfast, & Lunch Included
Day 8: Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Prices include
- 2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis (1 night before and 1 night after the trek)
- Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
- Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees
- Camping or hut accommodation fees
- Crater fees (if applicable)
- Kilimanjaro rescue team fees
- High-quality 4-season tents
- Double-thickness (10 cm) foam mattresses
- Professional, experienced, and friendly guides, cooks, and porters
- Three freshly prepared meals per day during the trek
- Filtered and treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew according to KINAPA and KIATO regulations
- All government taxes
- Portable oxygen cylinders for emergency use
- English- or French-speaking certified mountain guide
- Oximeter, first aid supplies, and stethoscope
- Private portable toilet with a tent (1 toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers, 2 toilets for groups of 6–10 climbers)
- Mountain communication radio
- Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Prices exclude
- Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
- Travel insurance
- Shower tent (available at an additional cost) -USD 450 for 1 person, USD 300 per person for groups of 2 or more
- International and local flights
- Laundry services at the hotel
- Personal gear, items, and toiletries
Gratuities
- Guide: USD 20–25 per day, per guide
- Cook: USD 15–20 per day, per cook
- Porter: USD 10–15 per day, per porter
