6 Days Rongai Route
Places You'll See
Tour Overview
The 6-day Rongai Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a scenic and less crowded ascent, starting near the Kenyan border and gradually climbing through diverse landscapes. Known for its gentler gradient and striking views, this route begins in lush rainforest and transitions to moorland, semi-desert, and alpine desert as it approaches the summit. Key highlights include the stunning vistas of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields, the tranquil campsites such as Simba Camp and Kibo Huts, and the rewarding experience of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5895m, the highest point in Africa. The Rongai Route 6 Days trek is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more remote path to the summit while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP
Distance:Â 7 km / 5 mi
Duration:Â 3-4 hours
Habitat:Â Rainforest
Elevation:Â 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude Gained:Â 638m
Depart from Moshi and drive for 4-5 hours through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After permits are issued, begin your trek through beautiful wooded scenery and winding trails. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Simba Camp, near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offers spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP
Distance:Â 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
Duration:Â 5-6 hours
Habitat:Â Moorland
Elevation:Â 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude Gained:Â 852m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, continue along the moorland terrain on a consistently ascending path. You’ll enjoy terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as you approach the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP
- Distance:Â 3.3 km / 2 mi
- Duration:Â 3-4 hours
- Habitat:Â Semi Desert
- Elevation:Â 3487m/11,440ft to 3936m/12,913ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 449m
After breakfast and packing, continue your steady ascent, entering the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS
- Distance:Â 6.7 km / 4.2 mi
- Duration:Â 4-5 hours
- Habitat:Â Alpine Desert
- Elevation:Â 3936m/12,913ft to 4750m/15,580ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 814m
Depart early from Third Cave and trek into the Alpine Desert terrain. The day’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. Prepare your clothing and equipment before going to bed by 7 PM to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT – HOROMBO HUTS
- Distance Up:Â 4 km / 2.5 mi
- Duration Up:Â 5-7 hours
- Distance Down:Â 15.75 km / 9.8 mi
- Duration Down:Â 5-6 hours
- Habitat:Â Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation Up:Â 4750m/15,580ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained:Â 1145m
- Descent to:Â 3721m/12,208ft
- Altitude Lost:Â 2174m
Start early, between midnight and 2 a.m., for the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest here. The remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak may involve snow. After celebrations and photos at the summit, begin your steep descent to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE
- Distance:Â 20 km / 12.5 mi
- Duration:Â 6-7 hours
- Habitat:Â Rainforest
- Elevation:Â 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
- Altitude Lost:Â 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Continue the descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you will be leaving them here. Return to Marangu Gate to receive your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Tour Price Inclusion and Exclusion
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks