Welcome to
6 Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro
The 6-day Rongai route is a quieter trail that starts on the remote north side of Kilimanjaro, close to the border with Kenya.
The gradual climb passes through diverse landscapes, from forest and heathland to alpine desert terrain, with few crowds and excellent acclimatisation opportunities.
Along the way, there are beautiful views of Mawenzi Peak and the trek ends at the top of Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point.
Price per person from: $1.629
Duration: 6 days
Highlights
- As one of the quieter routes, the Rongai route offers a more private climbing experience.
- The Rongai route is the only trail that starts on the north side of Kilimanjaro, near the border with Kenya.
- The Rongai route is known for its gradual ascent, which is favourable for acclimatisation.
Group
Guaranteed Departure
Guided (English)
Physical Difficulty: Challenging
Minimum age: 12 years old
Itinerary
Enjoy a scenic 4-5-hour drive from your hotel in Arusha to Rongai Gate, past rural highlands and the town of Moshi. In a private, comfortable vehicle, you will drive across the eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro to the remote northern entrance, where your trek begins.
Van Nale Muru naar Simba Camp
De trek begint in Nale Muru (1.950 m) met een geleidelijke klim door landbouwvelden en een dennenbos, waarna het pad overgaat in heidelandschap richting Simba Camp (2.625 m). De wandeling beslaat ongeveer 8 km en duurt 3 tot 4 uur, met prachtige uitzichten over de Keniaanse vlakten.
From Simba Camp (2,625 m), the trail rises gradually through open moorland to Second Cave (3,450 m), where you take a short break. The trail continues with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak and ends at Kikelewa Cave Camp (3,600 m). The total hike is about 10-11 km and takes 6-7 hours, ideal for acclimatisation.
This shorter but steeper trek ascends from Kikelewa Cave (3,600 m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m). The trail leads through alpine vegetation and rugged terrain, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak. The hike takes about 3-4 hours and is crucial for altitude acclimatisation.
The route from Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m) to School Hut (4,750 m) crosses the saddle ridge between Mawenzi and Kibo and takes you into the dramatic landscape of the alpine desert. This 4-5-hour hike is gradual but challenging due to the altitude. School Hut forms your last base of operations before the summit assault.
The summit day begins just after midnight with a tough climb from School Hut (4,750 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) via Gilman’s Point. The climb takes six to eight hours and takes place under steep, cold and high altitude conditions. After a brief celebration at the summit, you descend to Kibo Hut for a rest, after which you descend further to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for the overnight stay. In total, you will be on the road for up to 15 to 16 hours.
The final section descends from Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,870 m) over a distance of about 20 km, a 5-7 hour trek. You walk back through moorland and lush rainforest, concluding the trek with the sign-out at the gate and a well-deserved certificate of achievement.
Transfer terug naar Arusha
Na afloop van je trektocht geniet je van een comfortabele rit van 2,5 tot 3 uur terug naar je hotel in Arusha, langs schilderachtige landschappen en lokale dorpjes – een perfect moment om terug te blikken op je Kilimanjaro-avontuur.
Inclusions
- All applicable taxes and VAT.
- All park access, conservation, camping/hut and rescue fees.
- English-speaking, KINAPA-certified mountain guides (according to required ratios).
- 1 porter per person (up to 15 kg of luggage).
- Specialised tent team for camp construction and service.
- KPAP supervision for fair treatment of porters.
- Trained mountain chef and waiter.
- All mountain meals including cutlery (plates, bowls, cups, etc.).
- Pre-climb meeting and equipment check in Arusha.
- 1 group transfer from lodge in Arusha to park entrance.
- 1 group return transfer from park entrance back to lodge in Arusha.
- Crew transport to remote entrance gates (Lemosho/Rongai).
- Secure luggage storage during the trek.
- Boiled drinking water from the first hut or camp.
- 1 emergency oxygen cylinder per 5 climbers + first aid kit.
- Twice daily health check with medical oximeter.
- Shared public toilets at huts/camp sites.
- 1 ±100L rubber duffel bag per person.
- Basic sleeping mattress (for hut routes).
- Shared use of mountain huts or 4-season tents, plus chairs, tables and dining tent (for camping routes).
Exclusions
- International flights (to/from your home country)
- Tips (guideline: US$10.00 p.p. per day)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa costs, etc.)
- Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
