6-Day Rongai Route Climb of Kilimanjaro

6 Days Kilimanjaro climbing via Rongai Route

Experience the stunning 6-day Rongai Route, known for its scenic views of forests, valleys, and glaciers. This less-trafficked route offers a remote adventure, allowing for gradual acclimatization.

The climb is accessible for fit hikers and culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet). Camp in beautiful locations and enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Starting on Kilimanjaro's northern slope, Rongai also passes by Mawenzi, one of the mountain's volcanic cones. A longer itinerary is recommended for optimal acclimatization. Join us for this unforgettable journey

Highlight of 6 Days Kilimanjaro climbing via Rongai Route

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to trailhead to Moshi Hotel

6 Day Rongai Route Detailed Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed

Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave

Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft

Distance: 9km/5mi

Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut

Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!

Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut to trailhead to Moshi Hotel

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Travel-Wise Safari vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

What includes and excludes

The Price includes

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

The price does not include

Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

10 Questions About Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route in 6 Days

1. How does the Rongai Route differ from other routes like Machame or Lemosho?

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the northeast, near the Kenyan border. Unlike the Machame or Lemosho routes, which start from the south or west, the Rongai route offers a quieter, less-crowded experience. It also tends to be drier, as it passes through a more remote and less-visited part of the mountain. The trek is generally less steep than some of the other routes, but it still requires good fitness and acclimatization.

2. What is the typical itinerary for a 6-day Rongai Route climb?

A typical 6-day Rongai Route itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,600 meters)
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,450 meters)
Day 3: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters)
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 meters)
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters)
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (summit) and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters)

3. Is the Rongai Route considered easier than other routes?

The Rongai Route is often considered to be moderately difficult, but it is generally less physically demanding compared to routes like Machame. Its gradual ascent allows for better acclimatization, which lowers the risk of altitude sickness. However, it still includes steep sections, especially in the final push to the summit, and requires good physical fitness and preparation.

4. What are the benefits of climbing via the Rongai Route?

One of the main advantages of the Rongai Route is its quieter atmosphere. It is less trafficked compared to the more popular Machame and Marangu routes. This makes for a more peaceful trekking experience with fewer people along the way. Additionally, the Rongai Route offers a northeastern approach to the summit, which provides unique views of the mountain and less exposure to the frequent rainfall of the southern slopes.

5. How does the 6-day itinerary on the Rongai Route compare to the 5-day option?

The 6-day Rongai Route gives climbers an extra day for acclimatization, which increases the chances of summiting successfully. The 5-day option, while still achievable, may lead to higher risks of altitude sickness due to the faster pace. The extra day on the 6-day route allows climbers to adjust to the altitude better and reduces the strain on the body, leading to a more comfortable and safer climb.

6. What kind of accommodation is available on the Rongai Route?

On the Rongai Route, climbers follow a 6-day itinerary, staying in tented camps at each designated campsite along the way. The camps are basic, but they offer a comfortable and sheltered place to rest after a day's trek. While lower camps are generally more temperate, the higher camps, such as Mawenzi Tarn and Kibo Hut, can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping significantly overnight. Climbers should come prepared for chilly nights, especially in the final days as they approach the summit. The camps feature communal dining areas and shared toilet facilities, providing opportunities to meet fellow trekkers. One of the key benefits of the Rongai route is its relatively low foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quieter and more peaceful camping experience. With fewer crowds, climbers can enjoy the serenity of the environment and focus on the stunning landscapes surrounding them.

7. What is the success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route?

The success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is relatively high, especially with the 6-day itinerary. The gradual ascent and extra acclimatization time help reduce the risk of altitude sickness, improving your chances of reaching the summit. While the success rate varies from person to person, climbers who take their time to acclimatize have an 80-90% chance of summiting.

8. How physically demanding is the 6-day Rongai Route?

The Rongai Route is physically demanding, but not as intense as the Machame Route. It involves several hours of trekking each day, with steep sections on the way up. The 6-day version of the route offers a slower pace and more time to adjust to the altitude, but climbers should still prepare for long days of hiking and potential chilly nights at higher elevations. Adequate physical training, including cardio and leg strength, is essential.

9. What are the risks of altitude sickness on the Rongai Route?

While the Rongai Route is generally considered to have a lower risk of altitude sickness compared to some other routes due to its gradual ascent, altitude sickness can still occur. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and difficulty breathing. The 6-day itinerary significantly helps by providing more time for acclimatization. However, it's important to stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and be mindful of any symptoms of altitude sickness.

10. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route?

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and December to February. These months have the best weather for trekking, with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and stable temperatures. The rainy season, from March to May, can make the trails muddy and slippery, making it more challenging to hike, though it can be less crowded.