6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

From $ 2,000

Inquire This Tour

Safari Overview

This 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai Route approaches Africa’s highest peak from the quiet northern side near the Kenyan border, offering a drier climate and a more remote trekking experience. The route passes through open woodland, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, with wide views across the plains below.

The itinerary combines adventure and efficiency, with steady ascents and full support from a professional mountain crew to maximize comfort and safety. Ideal for travelers seeking a less-crowded route with a shorter timeframe, the Rongai Route delivers solitude, varied scenery, and a rewarding climb to the Roof of Africa.

Duration

6 Days | 5 Nights

Destinations

Simba Camp,Second Cave, Kikelewa Camp,Mawenzi Tarn,Kibo Hut,Summit and Horombo Hut

Pick Up/Drop Off

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Chat with our Expert

We’d be delighted to help you book your African Safari or connect you with one of our specialist travel

+ 255 742 235 772

Full 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 atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Main Destination:
Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation:
Hotel

Meals:
Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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 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

Main Destination:
Simba Camp

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & 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

Main Destination:
Second Cave

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Kikelewa Camp

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.

Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Mawenzi Tarn

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.

Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Main Destination:
Kibo Hut

Accommodation:
Camp

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: 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

Safari Pricing (Per Person)

No. of Pax 2 - 4 5 - 9 10+
Price Per Person
$ 2,000
$ 1,950
$ 1,750

Included in the Safari

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

Not Included

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

Plan Your Trip

Related Trekkings Packages

5 Days | 4 Nights

Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Discover More
6 Days | 5 Nights

Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Discover More
7 Days | 6 Nights

Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Discover More