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

What to Expect in 6 Days Kilimanjaro climbing via Rongai Route

Altitude: Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude mountain, and altitude sickness is a risk. Expect to experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath as you climb higher.
Weather: weather on the mountain can be unpredictable and change quickly. Expect rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Physical exertion: Kilimanjaro is a challenging climb, requiring several days of sustained physical exertion. Expect to hike for several hours each day, with steep uphill and downhill sections.
Accommodations: accommodation on the mountain is basic, with tents and shared facilities. Expect to sleep in sleeping bags on a foam mattress.
Scenery: Kilimanjaro is home to a unique and stunning landscape, including lush rainforests, alpine desert, and glaciers. Expect breathtaking views and the opportunity to see unique flora and fauna.

Packing List for theKilimanjaro climbing via Rongai Route

Here's a list of essential items you'll need for the Machame Route:
Warm sleeping bag
Warm jacket
Waterproof hiking boots
Warm hat and gloves
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water purification tablets or filter
Trekking poles
Headlamp with extra batteries
Backpack

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)