6 Days / 5 Nights – Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route
Itinerary Overview
The 6 Day Rongai Route offers a unique way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro from the remote northeastern side, close to the Tanzania and Kenya border. Known for its quieter trails, this Kilimanjaro trekking route is ideal for climbers seeking solitude, unspoiled wilderness, and dramatic mountain scenery. Unlike the busier southern routes, the Rongai Route provides excellent wildlife viewing and wide open landscapes. Although it does not fully follow the climb high, sleep low, acclimatization profile, the 6 day itinerary includes an essential acclimatization night at Mawenzi Tarn to improve summit success. The ascent follows the Kibo trail to Gilman’s Point, while the descent continues via the popular Marangu Route, making this route both scenic and rewarding.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Depart Moshi and drive to the Marangu Park Gate for registration before continuing to Nale Moru Village, the starting point of the Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. After meeting your professional Kilimanjaro guide and porters, begin a gentle ascent through farmland and scenic pine forest. Enjoy the peaceful montane forest habitat as you hike toward Simba Camp (2,626m), where you spend the night. This first day offers a smooth introduction to Kilimanjaro trekking and altitude gain.
Elevation: 1,996m–2,626m | Distance: 6.7 km | Hiking Time: 4 hours
Meals Plan: Lunch, and Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Begin your Mount Kilimanjaro climb by hiking from Simba Camp toward Kibo Peak along the scenic Rongai Route. After trekking 5.8 km, reach First Caves at 3,482 meters for a well-earned lunch break. The journey then continues to Kikelewa Camp at 3,679 meters, where open moorland landscapes reveal sweeping mountain views. Water is available from a nearby stream. Dinner and overnight at Kikelewa Camp, supporting gradual acclimatization and a successful Kilimanjaro trek.
Elevation: 2,626m–3,679m | Distance: ~11.8 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Habitat: Moorlands
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: 3,679m–4,303m | Distance: 11.8 km | Hiking Time: 6–7 hrs | Habitat: Moorland
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
After breakfast, continue your Mount Kilimanjaro trek westward across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. This scenic alpine desert hike on the eastern side of the mountain takes about 4 to 5 hours and leads to Kibo Hut, the final base camp before the summit. Here, climbers rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight Uhuru Peak summit attempt. Overnight accommodation is at Kibo Hut.
Elevation: 4,303m–4,730m | Distance: ~9 km | Hiking Time: 5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Begin your Mount Kilimanjaro summit climb at 23:30, trekking through rocky terrain to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) before ascending steep scree to Gillman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. Continue across icy slopes to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After summit photos, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for overnight. This demanding 14-hour day rewards climbers with unforgettable achievement and views.
Elevation: 4,730m – 5,895m – 3,705m
Distance: 5.4 km ascent / 15 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-cap summit
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, begin the final descent on the Rongai Route of Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking approximately 19.7 km through scenic moorland and lush montane rainforest to Marangu Gate. This six-hour trek marks the completion of your Kilimanjaro climb. At the gate, sign out and receive your summit certificate—green for Gillman’s Point or gold for Uhuru Peak. Afterwards, transfer to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower, dinner, and well-earned rest. Congratulations on your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Elevation: 3,705m–1,860m | Distance: 19.7 km | Hiking Time: 6 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest
Meals Plan: 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