6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route
6 Days, 5 Nights
Price On Request
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a 6-day trek via the Rongai Route, the only trail that approaches the mountain from the north near the Kenyan border. This route is known for its quiet atmosphere, gentle slopes, and remote feel, making it a good choice for trekkers who prefer fewer crowds.
The journey begins through open countryside and forest, then continues across moorlands and alpine terrain as you gain altitude. Compared to other routes, Rongai is often drier and more sheltered, which can make trekking conditions more stable. Along the way, there are chances to see wildlife such as antelope and a variety of birds.
With the support of experienced guides and porters, you will trek at a steady pace toward the summit. The climb ends with a night ascent to Uhuru Peak, where you reach the highest point in Africa and take in wide views across the surrounding landscape.
Tour Summary
Day 1
NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST
Accommodation: Simba camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND
Accommodation: Second Cave camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Accommodation: Kibo Huts
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Accommodation: Horombo Huts
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Book With Us
Day by day
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP: 7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m
A 4–5-hour drive from Moshi will take you through the coffee farms and the Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will wait patiently for our permits to be issued while we watch the busy operations as many crews get ready for the trip ahead. While your guide talks about the local plants and animals and the wildlife you might see, enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery and windy trails. Simba camp is close to the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone. It has great views of the Kenyan plains.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude gained: 852m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the moorland terrain on a steady ascending path. You’ll get some spectacular views of Kibo and your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The moorland’s small shrubs grew thinner as you approved the Second Cave. Temperatures start to drop.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: 3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
Altitude gained: 449m
Following breakfast and packing, you continue your steady ascent through semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, focusing your attention on their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide updated on any symptoms of altitude sickness.
DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS: 6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
Altitude gained: 1238m
Leaving the semi-desert zone of the Third Cave early in the morning, you will continue your ascent into the Alpine Desert terrain. The hike today will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. Continue on the Marangu Route to reach the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries in your headlamp and camera) before going to bed at 7 p.m. and try to get a few hours of sleep before your summit attempt.
DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
Excitement grows as morning approaches with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the journey.
We continue our journey to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the incredible sense of accomplishment that awaits us. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. During your brief stay here, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit. The remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak is likely to be snow-covered.
Congratulations, one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we take a moment to appreciate this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, pausing at Barafu for lunch and a quick rest. We strongly advise using gaiters and trekking poles in uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you as you enjoy your final evening on the mountain. Overnight stay at Mweka Camp.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of gratitude and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue our descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you will be leaving them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Because the weather is significantly warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we strongly advise wearing gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you at the gate and drive you back to your Moshi hotel (approximate time 45 minutes). Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Price
| PAX | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX |
| Price | on request | on request | on request | on request | on request | on request |
Inclusions
- Safety Equipment:
- Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
- Park Fees
- Campsite fees
- Emergency Rescue Fees
- Camping equipment and other gears:
- Mountain Meals
- Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
- Transfer from the last point to the hotel
Exclusions
- Accommodation upon arrival and last day
- Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 – 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance/travel insurance
- Personal medicines/first aid kit
- Personal trekking gears
- Sleeping bag
Frequently asked questions?
Bring layered clothing, warm gear, trekking boots, gloves, hat, trekking poles, headlamp, and a daypack. Proper preparation ensures comfort through the changing temperatures and terrain.
Yes, for physically prepared beginners. The steady pace and moderate difficulty make it a good option for first-time climbers.
Yes. Each trek includes experienced guides and porters, who assist with safety, carry equipment, and prepare meals.
Yes. The trek can be extended for extra acclimatization, combined with a safari, or adjusted to suit your pace and preferences.
The trek is a camping route, with tents set up at each campsite. Porters and guides assist with luggage, and meals are prepared daily.