africandelightsafaris@gmail.com  |  +255757239390  |  Moshi, Kilimanjaro.

Moshi, Kilimanjaro

6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE - MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREKKING

The Kilimanjaro 6 days Rongai route up Mt. Kilimanjaro is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more scenic trek with a good balance between acclimatization and summit success. This route offers trekkers a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro, passing through diverse landscapes that range from lush forests to barren alpine deserts. The trek starts on the mountain’s northeastern side near the Kenyan border, where the path winds through pine forests and cultivated fields before ascending into the moorland zone, offering stunning views of the plains in nearby Kenya and the distant peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

Rongai route offers a captivating journey that offers trekkers a quieter and more remote experience on Kilimanjaro, beginning on the northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border. Unlike the more popular routes, the Rongai Route starts in a drier area, giving hikers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems.

Man looking at Sunrise on Mt. Kilimanjaro peak

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 0: Airport Transfer & Pre-Climb Briefing
  • Transport: Private Car/Van (1.2hours)
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Dinner

 

Our company representative will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport upon landing and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Once settled in at your hotel, you will meet your appointed guide for the trek who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

DAY 1: Moshi to Rongai Gate (2200m) – Simba Camp (2625m)
  • Distance: 11 km/7 miles
  • Walking Time: 5 – 7 hours
  • Zone: Rainforest
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

The journey from Moshi to Simba Camp via Rongai Gate is where your Kilimanjaro adventure truly begins. Imagine waking up in the vibrant town of Moshi, with the excitement of the climb ahead. You’ll start the day with a scenic 3-4 hour drive through the lush countryside, passing through charming villages and rolling farmlands that offer a taste of the local culture. This drive is a great way to soak in the beauty of Tanzania before the trek begins.

When you arrive at Rongai Gate, nestled at 2,200 meters, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air. Here, you’ll meet the dedicated team of guides, porters, and cooks who will be with you every step of the way. After a quick registration and gear check, you’ll lace up your boots and start the hike.

The trail from Rongai Gate to Simba Camp is a gentle introduction to the mountain. The path winds through lush farmland and into a beautiful pine forest. It’s a peaceful walk, with the chance to spot wildlife like colobus monkeys and catch your first glimpses of Kilimanjaro’s majestic peak. This day is all about easing into the rhythm of the mountain, allowing your body to start acclimatizing to the altitude.

After about 3-4 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Simba Camp, perched at 2,625 meters. The camp is a serene spot on the edge of the moorland, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Your crew will set up the camp, and you’ll have time to relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and take in the tranquility of the evening. As the sun sets, your guide will give you a briefing about the next day’s journey, and then it’s time to rest, with the sounds of the wilderness as your lullaby. This first day sets the tone for an incredible adventure ahead.

DAY 2: Simba Camp (2625m) – Kikelewa Camp (3612M)
  • Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles
  • Walking Time: 5 – 7 hours
  • Zone: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

As you begin day two of your 6 days Rongai route hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the landscape starts to change, offering new and exciting terrain as you venture further up Kilimanjaro. After a hearty breakfast at Simba Camp, you’ll set out on a trek that gradually ascends through the moorland zone. The trail is slightly steeper than the previous day but still manageable, with plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking views and adjust to the increasing altitude.

This part of the journey is where the adventure starts to feel more remote. The path takes you across open moorlands, dotted with unique vegetation like the giant groundsel and lobelia plants that are iconic to Kilimanjaro. As you continue, the air becomes crisper, and the landscape more rugged, a reminder that you’re truly ascending into the wilderness.

Around midday, you’ll take a break for lunch at Second Cave, a natural rest spot at an altitude of 3,450 meters. This is a great place to relax, hydrate, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views. From here, you might catch sight of the Kibo Peak, the highest point of Kilimanjaro, looming in the distance—an awe-inspiring reminder of the challenge ahead.

After lunch, the trek continues towards Kikelewa Camp. The route becomes a bit steeper, but the sense of isolation and the beauty of the surroundings make it a rewarding journey. As you approach Kikelewa Camp, situated at 3,600 meters, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more barren, with fewer trees and more rock formations.

Kikelewa Camp is nestled near a small stream, providing a tranquil setting for the evening. Upon arrival, the camp is set up, and you can take some time to rest your legs and enjoy a hot meal. The altitude here is noticeably higher, so the evening is spent focusing on acclimatization. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek before you settle in for the night, feeling the excitement build as you inch closer to the summit.

 

DAY 3: Kikelewa Camp (3612M) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4326M)
  • Distance: 7 km/4 miles
  • Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours
  • Zone: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner

 

A hearty breakfast will send us on way to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, covering 5 km (3.1 miles) in about 4-5 hours from Kikelewa Camp. The trek begins with a steep ascent through the rocky and barren landscape of the alpine desert zone. The trail is rough and increasingly challenging, with few plants and stunning views of the rugged terrain around you. As you climb higher, you’ll see Mawenzi Peak looming ahead, providing a dramatic backdrop to your journey.

Upon reaching Mawenzi Tarn Camp, you’ll find a picturesque site nestled near a small glacial lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the stark, high-altitude environment. The camp’s location in a sheltered valley adds to its serene atmosphere. After arrival, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize. The colder temperatures at this altitude require you to dress warmly. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek across the Saddle, the high-altitude plain between Mawenzi and Kibo. Enjoy a hot meal and prepare for the adventure ahead.

DAY 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4326M) - Kibo Camp (4705M)
  • Distance: 11 km/7 miles
  • Walking Time: 5 – 6 hours
  • Zone: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner

 

Today is the fourth day of your 6 days Rongai Route trek, after breakfast you’ll leave Mawenzi Tarn Camp and head towards Kibo Camp, covering a distance of 9 km (5.6 miles) in about 6-7 hours. The day starts with a challenging ascent from the alpine desert zone into the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain is barren and rocky, with the expansive Saddle offering a stark and dramatic landscape that emphasizes your high-altitude journey. As you trek across the Saddle, you’ll be walking on a vast, open plain with panoramic views of both Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.

The high altitude and thin air make this section demanding, so pace yourself and stay hydrated.

Upon reaching Kibo Camp at 4,700 meters, you’ll find a more desolate, yet impressive, camp located at the foot of the Kibo Peak. The camp is positioned in a stark, high-altitude environment with minimal vegetation, emphasizing the remote and rugged nature of this part of the mountain. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and prepare for the final push to the summit. After setting up camp, your guide will provide a briefing for the summit day ahead. The colder temperatures and high altitude make it crucial to stay warm and well-rested. Enjoy a hearty meal, get some rest, and mentally prepare for the upcoming summit attempt.

DAY 5: Kibo Camp (4705M) – Uhuru Peak (5895M) – Horombo Huts (3720M)
  • Distance: 6 km/4 miles ascent / 15 km/9 miles descent
  • Walking Time: 6 – 8 hours ascent / 4 – 6 hours descent
  • Zone: Arctic Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Alpine Huts

 

Today’s adventure begins just before midnight as you set out into the night to begin your hike toward the summit. We start off around after midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will enjoy a light breakfast before starting your final ascent to the summit in darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks.

Stella Point is reached in approximately 5 to 6hrs and a further ascent to the Uhuru Peak reached in about another 45 minutes. We will gain incredible height over a short distance. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. Near Stella Point (5750ft) you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Enjoy and cherish this moment.

We will eventually begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on-wards tracking our way back to Barafu Camp for lunch, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for dinner and a long well-earned rest with fresh air full of oxygen!

DAY 6: Horombo Huts (3720M) – Marangu Gate (1870M) – Transfer To Hotel
  • Distance:20km /12 miles
  • Walking Time:5-7 hours
  • Zone:Low Alpine zone & Forest
  • Meals:Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel

 

Day 6 is our last day on the mountain & will begin with a heavy breakfast and a chat with your hiking crew after a successful trek. A steady descent takes us down through the moorland to the Mandara Hut where a warm lunch will be served. We will then continue through the tropical rainforest where trekking poles will greatly help as the terrain is muddy.

After 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park, Marangu Gate (1879m).

Our company vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Your guide will have already arranged for your official government certificate and will be delivered to you. You will be exhausted at this stage and a very hot & long shower is recommended

6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE DETAILS

Health & Safety

All our Mountain guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR), equipped to manage emergencies and ensure a safe and well-guided climb for our clients. We prioritize thorough staff training, maintain high-quality medical kits, and adhere to established emergency protocols.

Meals & Drinks

On your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, we’ll supply purified, boiled drinking water and all your meals. Our trekking crew includes a cook (or cooks) experienced in accommodating various dietary needs, so please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements or restrictions.

Accommodation

On the 6 days Rongai route package, you’ll sleep in tents at designated campsites along the trail and on alpine huts on your last day. Both provide basic amenities, including toilets, and our trekking crew everything ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free camping experience.

6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE HIKING INCLUDES

  • All Park Entry, Camping and Rescue Fees
  • All Taxes & VAT applicable
  • Luggage Storage while on Trek
  • English speaking guide (certified as a Wilderness First Responder & Emergency Medicine Adult and Child CPR)
  • Trekking crew i.e., Porters and Cooks, plus equipment and tents for them
  • Pre-climb briefing and equipment check with the guide in Moshi along with Daily briefing on the mountain all the way up to the summit
  • 1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per group and First Aid & Injury prevention kits
  • All meals on the mountain and eating utensils plus cutlery. Vegetarian options are available upon reuest
  • Boiled/purified drinking water throughout the trek
  • Twice daily health checks with guides and a high grade medical oximeter
  • All camping equipment including four season mountain tents with mattresses
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Two nights accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
  • Personal hiking equipment and gear such as walking poles, hiking boots, jackets etc (available for rent in various stores)
  • Tips for crew
  • International travel insurance and vaccinations
  • International Flights
  • Comfort upgrades such as portable toilets (available at an extra cost)
  • Additional activities or excursions
  • Visa Fees
  • Toiletries and items of personal nature
  • Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, beverages etc)

6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE HIKING PRICES

1 PAX

$1850

2 PAX

$1720

3 PAX

$1650

4 PAX

$1575

5 PAX

$1500

6 & ABOVE

$1470

6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE HIKING PRICE

GROUP SIZE 1 PAX 2 PAX 3 PAX 4 PAX 5 PAX 6 & ABOVE
TOUR PRICE
$1850
$1720
$1650
$1575
$1500
$1470
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