6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
The Rongai Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It offers a quieter climb with a gradual ascent, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a less crowded route.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
After breakfast, drive to Rongai Gate (2,020 meters) for registration. Begin the trek through the pine forest to Simba Camp (2,625 meters). Dinner and overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 3-4 hours, Distance: 8 km)
Day 3: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Continue the trek through the moorland zone, passing Second Cave (3,450 meters) before reaching Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters). Dinner and overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 11 km)
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Climb steeply up to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 meters) at the base of Mawenzi Peak. Enjoy stunning views and acclimatization time. Dinner and overnight stay in tents. (Hiking time: 3-4 hours, Distance: 5 km)
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar desert of the Saddle to reach Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Early dinner and overnight stay in huts. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 8 km)
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Begin the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Enjoy the sunrise at the summit before descending to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) for rest and overnight stay. (Hiking time: 7-8 hours to the summit, 6-8 hours descent, Distance: 22 km)
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Complete the descent to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters). Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. (Hiking time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 20 km)
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, concluding your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.
Includes:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Park fees
- Hut accommodations
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional guides, porters, and cook
- Rescue fees
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses