The 6 Days Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter, more remote and scenic climbing experience with a good balance of acclimatization and summit success. Unlike the busier southern routes, Rongai approaches the mountain from the northeastern side near the Kenyan border, offering a unique and less crowded perspective of Africa’s highest peak.
Rongai’s gradual ascent offer stunning views and optimal acclimatization. Fewer crowds and peaceful campsites ensure a more private, immersive Kilimanjaro experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Climb with complete peace of mind. Our team is led by certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) equipped to handle any situation.
From strict safety protocols to comprehensive medical supplies, we provide the expert support you need for a safe and successful summit
On this remote northern ascent, we manage every detail of your nourishment. Our team provides boiled & purified drinking water and all nutritious meals, to fuel high-altitude performance. For hikers with specific dietary needs or restrictions, simply let us know during booking and we’ll tailor your menu to your needs
Enjoy the best of both worlds: five nights under the stars in premium tents followed by a final night in classic alpine huts via Marangu trail. Our expert crew handles every logistic and amenity, ensuring a seamless, Kilimanjaro camping experience as you conquer Kilimanjaro on the 6-day Rongai route.
6 Days Rongai Route – What’s Included
All Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping and rescue fees
All applicable taxes and VAT
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Moshi (before and after the climb)
Secure luggage storage while you are on the trek. Read our packing list guide
A professional, English-speaking mountain guide certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and trained in Adult & Child CPR and emergency medicine
A dedicated mountain crew including experienced porters and cooks, plus all tents and equipment for the team
A detailed pre-climb briefing and gear check in Moshi, plus daily briefings throughout the ascent
Emergency oxygen cylinder (1 per group), comprehensive first aid kits, and injury prevention supplies
Twice-daily health checks, including oxygen saturation monitoring with a high-grade medical pulse oximeter
All meals on the mountain, prepared fresh daily (vegetarian options available upon request)
Boiled and purified drinking water throughout the trek
High-quality four-season mountain tents with comfortable sleeping mattresses, plus full camping equipment
6 Days Rongai Route Tour – Exclusions
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
International travel and high-altitude trekking insurance
Required vaccinations
Tips and gratuities for guides, porters and cook team
Personal hiking gear and equipment (such as trekking poles, hiking boots, sleeping bags, jackets, etc. – available for rent in Moshi)
Comfort upgrades such as portable private toilets (available at an additional cost)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Toiletries and personal items
Personal expenses (e.g., laundry services, beverages, souvenirs, phone calls)
Additional hotel nights beyond those included in the package
Optional activities, day tours or safari and Zanzibar extensions
The 6 Day Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is an outstanding choice for climbers seeking a quieter, less crowded path to the summit with excellent acclimatization. Prices generally range from USD $1,490 to $1,850 per person, depending on group size, travel season and any additional services requested. The six day Rongai itinerary is carefully designed to provide a steady ascent profile, choose a group hiking Kilimanjaro departure for better value or book a private climb for maximum flexibility. Contact us today for a personalized quote.
| GROUP SIZE | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 & ABOVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOUR PRICE |
$1850 |
$1720 |
$1650 |
$1575 |
$1500 |
$1470 |
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with African Delight is more than reaching the summiT, it’s a journey guided by a 100% Tanzanian-owned team. Our tours combine local expertise with personalized advice and plans tailored to your pace and experience. With professional mountain crews and a strong focus on safety, we ensure your climb is both rewarding and unforgettable. We handle every detail, from your first inquiry to the moment you complete your adventure. By choosing us, you directly support the local guides and porters who make your climb possible.
We are your trusted partner for an authentic and successful Kilimanjaro experience.
We’ll help you customize your own itinerary for a once in a lifetime adventure in Tanzania.
Explore our diverse selection of Mount Kilimanjaro climbing tours, designed to suit every hiker’s preference and experience level. Beyond the classic Marangu Route, we offer various itineraries that feature different scenery, difficulty levels and durations to ensure you find the perfect fit for your Kilimanjaro hiking tour. Each of these packages is fully supported by our professional Tanzanian crew and includes our signature safety-first approach. Compare these popular routes to find the ideal path for your journey to the highest point in Africa.