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6 Days / 5 Nights – Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route

2 pax price: $2,000.00 per person

Itinerary Overview

The 6-Day Rongai Route ascends Kilimanjaro from the northeast, near the Tanzania-Kenya border, offering a quieter and more remote trekking experience. This scenic route showcases unspoiled wilderness and unique views of the mountain. Unlike other routes, Rongai does not support the “climb high, sleep low” principle, making it more challenging for acclimatization. It ascends via the Kibo–Gilman’s Point path and descends on the Marangu Route. The 6-day version adds a vital acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn.

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Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Depart Moshi and drive 45 minutes to Marangu Park Gate for registration. Then continue 68 km (about 2.5 hours on rough roads) to Rongai start point at Nale Moru village (1,996m). Meet your guide and porters before beginning the hike. The trail gently ascends through maize fields and pine forest with beautiful scenery. Camp overnight at Simba Camp (2,626m), which has basic facilities including a public toilet and picnic tables.

  • Elevation: 1,996m to 2,626m

  • Distance: Approx. 6.7 km

  • Hiking Time: 4 hours

  • Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals Included: Lunch, and Dinner

8-Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Begin the day hiking from Simba Camp towards Kibo, reaching First Caves (3,482m) after 5.8 km for lunch. After a break, continue trekking to Kikelewa Camp (3,679m). The landscape opens up with expansive mountain views, making the climb feel more real. Water is available from a stream below First Caves, but you may need to walk downhill to find pools. Dinner and overnight at Kikelewa Camp.

  • Elevation: 2,626m to 3,679m

  • Distance: Approx. 11.8 km

  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

  • Habitat: Moorlands

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Today involves a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The vegetation thins as you approach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located dramatically beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring this beautiful area.

  • Elevation: 3,679m to 4,303m

  • Distance: Approx. 11.8 km

  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

  • Habitat: Moorlands

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, trek west across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo on the east side of the mountain. The 4–5 hour ascent leads to Kibo Hut, where you’ll rest and prepare for the final summit attempt starting around midnight. Overnight stay at Kibo Hut.

  • Elevation: 4,303m to 4,730m

  • Distance: Approx. 9 km

  • Hiking Time: 5 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Start at 23:30, trekking through rocky paths to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) and then steep scree to Gillman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. From here, hike snowy slopes to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point. After summit photos, descend 3 hours to Kibo Hut, rest briefly, then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight. The day totals about 14 hours of tough but rewarding trekking.
 

  • Elevation: 4,730m → 5,895m → 3,705m

  • Distance: Approx. 5.4 km ascent / 15 km descent

  • Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent / 6–8 hours descent

  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-cap summit


Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

After breakfast, descend approximately 19.7 km through moorland and montane forest to Marangu Gate, a 6-hour hike. At the gate, sign out and receive your summit certificate—green for Gillman’s Point climbers and gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak. Avoid tipping porters until all gear and people arrive safely. Then transfer back to Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower, dinner, and well-deserved rest. Congratulations on completing the Rongai Route.

No Accommodation

Elevation (m): 3705m to 1860m

Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

Hiking Time: 6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest


Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Cost includes

All transfers

Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters

Rescue fees

Quality mess tents with tables and chairs

Clean purified water

Accommodation before climbing

All entry fees

All meals during your trekking

Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food nbvc

Cost Excludes

Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable

Flight ticket

Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews

Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)

Anything not mentioned above