6-Day Rongai Route
The 6-day Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable journey, beginning on the mountain’s less-visited northern slope. Known for its serene and scenic path, this route offers climbers stunning views of forests, valleys, and glaciers. The Rongai Route is quieter compared to others, providing a more secluded and authentic trekking experience. Over the course of six days, hikers gradually acclimatize to the altitude as they ascend, making it less technical but still requiring a good level of fitness and perseverance to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Along the trek, climbers will camp at picturesque sites, taking in breathtaking sunsets and sunrises across the African landscape. This route also passes by Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones and the third-highest peak in Africa, making it a fantastic way to experience the mountain’s beauty and diversity.
The Rongai Route is perfect for those seeking a quieter adventure and offers a unique opportunity to hike both sides of the mountain, with the descent via the Marangu Route. Opting for the longer version is advisable for improved acclimatization.
What to Expect:
- Altitude: As a high-altitude trek, climbers should be prepared for the risk of altitude sickness, with symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Weather: Kilimanjaro’s weather can be unpredictable, ranging from rain to snow, wind, and temperature shifts.
- Physical Challenge: This climb involves several days of sustained hiking with challenging uphill and downhill sections.
- Accommodation: Camping along the route involves basic facilities, sleeping in tents on foam mattresses.
- Scenery: The trek covers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, offering beautiful views and opportunities to spot unique wildlife and plant life.
Packing List Essentials for the Rongai Route:
- Warm sleeping bag
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Backpack
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport (if you’ve chosen the airport transfer option), you will be taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Before the trek begins, we will hold a pre-trek briefing at your hotel, where we’ll go over important details and check your gear. If needed, equipment rentals will be arranged.
Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp
We begin with a drive to the scenic village of Nale Moru, which takes around 2 hours, including a stop for permits at Marangu. The hike starts on a broad trail that passes through maize and potato fields, eventually leading into pine forests. The path steadily climbs through the forest, home to various wildlife. The forest thins out as we reach the moorland zone, where you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Kenyan plains.
- Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
Today’s hike involves a steady ascent to Second Cave, offering breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
We continue our trek, making our way from Second Cave to Third Cave, moving through semi-desert landscapes.
- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
- Distance: 6km/3.7mi
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Today, we hike to Kibo Hut, located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the final ascent, which will begin early the next morning.
- Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
In the early hours (around midnight to 2 AM), we begin the summit push. The climb is steep and challenging, ascending to Gilman’s Point (5700m/18,700ft) on the crater rim. From there, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After enjoying the incredible views and celebrating at the summit, we begin our descent, stopping at Kibo for lunch and rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.
- Elevation: 4750m/15,600ft to 5895m/19,341ft (summit), then down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi up, 15km/9.3mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up, 6-8 hours down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Trailhead to Moshi Hotel
After breakfast, we descend through moorland to Mandara Hut, continuing through the lush forest to the Marangu Gate. The trail may be muddy at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Once at the gate, our vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi (about a 1-hour drive).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Included:
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during the trek
- Well-equipped mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- Government VAT (18%)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Excluded:
- Tanzanian visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothing (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages
- Online payment surcharge (5% for each payment)
- Solo Trekker – USD 2170 per person
- Group of 2 – USD 2031 per person
- Group of 3 – USD 1980 per person
- Group of 4 – USD 1911 per person
- Group of 5 – USD 1844 per person
- Group of 6 – USD 1850 per person
- Group of 7 – USD 1811 per person
- Group of 8 – USD 1753 per person
- Group of 9 – USD 1715 per person
- Group of 10 and above – USD 1700 per person