6 Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

5.0 Superb

Tour Type

Rongai Route

Climbers reaching a high point on Mount Kilimanjaro during ascent, celebrating progress on the trail in Tanzania mountain scenery.

TRIP OVERVIEW

The 6-Day Rongai Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro is a quiet and scenic northern approach to Africa’s highest peak. It is less crowded, offering a peaceful trekking experience with gradual ascent through diverse landscapes including forest, moorland, alpine desert, and the summit zone. This route is ideal for climbers seeking a safe, well-paced, and rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure.

SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Your journey begins with a drive from Arusha or Moshi to Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registration and briefing, you start trekking through farmland and pine forest. The trail is quiet and gentle, offering a peaceful introduction to Kilimanjaro before reaching Simba Camp.

Altitude: 1,950 m – 2,600 m
Hiking distance: 8–9 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

You continue ascending through heath and moorland zones with open views of the mountain. The trail passes Second Cave before reaching Kikelewa Camp. As altitude increases, vegetation becomes sparse and the scenery becomes more dramatic and remote.

Altitude: 2,600 m – 3,600 m
Hiking distance: 10–12 km
Hiking time: 6–7 hours

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today’s trek climbs toward the rugged Mawenzi volcanic region. The landscape becomes rocky and alpine with stunning views of jagged peaks. You arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, one of the most beautiful and scenic camps on Kilimanjaro.

Altitude: 3,600 m – 4,330 m
Hiking distance: 6–7 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

The trail enters the alpine desert zone, where conditions are cold, dry, and windy. Vegetation disappears as you approach higher altitude. You reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon and rest early in preparation for the summit attempt.

Altitude: 4,330 m – 4,700 m
Hiking distance: 9–10 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Your summit climb begins at midnight. You ascend slowly through steep volcanic scree to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro. After celebrating sunrise at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for overnight stay.

Altitude: 4,700 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 22 km
Hiking time: 12–15 hours

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The final descent takes you through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. The trail is easier and allows time to reflect on your achievement. At the gate, you receive your summit certificate before transfer back to Arusha or Moshi.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 1,870 m
Hiking distance: 20 km
Hiking time: 5–7 hours

Hotels

We offer the following hotel options

Lindrin Lodge (Single Room) - USD 55 per night
Lindrin Lodge (Double Room) - USD 70 per night
Lindrin Lodge (Triple Room) - USD 105 per night
Keys Hotel (Single Room) - USD 69 per night
Keys Hotel (Double Room) - USD 94 per night
Keys Hotel (Triple Room) - USD 122 per night
Parkview Inn (Single Room) - USD 81 per night
Parkview Inn (Double Room) - USD 91 per night
Parkview Inn (Triple Room) - USD 170 per night
Kilimanjaro Wonders (Single Room) - USD 140 per night
Kilimanjaro Wonders (Double Room) - USD 160 per night

Note : if any hotel is booked out or is otherwise unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.
If you are booking a hotel directly, please do check with us before booking, to make sure we can meet you and pick you up from the hotel.

Gear

We offer the following addons to your gear

Private Toilet - USD 150
Private Tent - USD 5 per day
Thicker sleeping mattress - USD 10 per mattress
Thermarest - USD 15 per thermarest

Note : Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2 inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt a 4 inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer optionsr

Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi (one way) - USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) (one way) - USD 50 per vehicle
Arusha to Moshi (one way) - USD 100 per vehicle
Moshi to Arusha (one way) - USD 100 per vehicle

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 twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table 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

Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
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)

Final Experience

The 6-Day Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a quiet, scenic, and rewarding trekking experience with better acclimatization and high summit success. It is perfect for climbers seeking a peaceful and memorable adventure to Uhuru Peak.