6 Days Rongai Route

Overview

After the Marangu route, the Rongai route is the most popular and easiest Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route. Because of its remoteness and reliance on acclimatization, the route is less frequently used. This is the only way to approach Uhuru Peak from the mountain’s north side and descend via the Marangu route.

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Full Itinerary

Arrival Day

When you arrive in Tanzania, whether via Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be greeted by our native professional driver guide, who will give you important information and details about your trip and program. He will assist you in loading and sorting your luggage before driving you to the hotel for rest, dinner, and overnight. Your driver guide will share the best stories and information about Tanzania and its people's culture with you on the way to the hotel.

Day 0

Rongai gate to Simba Cave Camp

Elevation: 1997m to 2635m

After breakfast, meet your guide and the rest of the team at your hotel to begin a 4-hour drive to Rongai gate, which is near the Kenyan border in the country's north east. When you arrive at the park's gate, you can either sit and wait for lunch or walk around the area, the rainforest, with your eyes open, possibly spotting some blue monkeys swinging from tree branches. Soon after lunch, you'll continue hiking to the first camp, where you'll eat dinner and spend the night.

Day 1

Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa

Elevation: 2620m to 3600m

Our hike continues after breakfast through the moorland zone, where the vegetation changes to shrubs and grasses. Lunch will be served at the second cave, where we will meet at the junction of the third cave and the Kikelelwa Camp. Then turn east towards Kikelelwa Camp, where you will spend the night.

Day 2

Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi tarn

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m

A short but steep ascent up grassy slopes is rewarded with spectacular views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before arriving at Mawenzi Tarn, which is spectacularly located in a cirque directly beneath Mawenzi's towering spires. As part of the acclimatization process, the afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area.

If you have an extra day on the mountain, you will camp here for two nights. For your acclimatization hike, you can hike up and around Mawenzi.

Day 3

Mawenzi Tarn camp to Kibo Camp

Elevation: 4330m to 4700m

Today, the ascent to the higher camp continues through a beautiful lunar landscape. The Kibo Camp is situated directly beneath the Kibo summit, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kenyan plain. Mawenzi and the path can also be seen clearly from here. After lunch, you can rest and regain your strength before the summit push to Kilimanjaro the next day!

Day 4

Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4700m to 5895m to 3720m

The hike starts at midnight, and you'll be woken up with a hot cup of tea and a biscuit before beginning your ascent in the dark. You'll be able to take a break and refuel with an energy bar once we arrive at Hans Meyer Cave. We'll then continue swerving our way to Gilman's Point as the terrain steepens. You'll take a short break on the crater rim to drink some water and rest before crossing the crater to Stella Point. Our porters will have arrived ahead of time and will have prepared some ginger tea for us to drink and warm our insides before the final push.

We'll then gradually make our way to Uhuru Peak, where you can take in the incredible views, pose for a photo, and celebrate your incredible achievement while standing on Africa's highest point! We will then descend straight down the mountain to the Kibo Hut, where we will rest, eat, and celebrate before returning to the Horombo Hut.

Day 5

Horombo Hut to Marangu gate

Elevation: 3720m to 1830m

It's time to say goodbye after breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew. We continue our descent, stopping for lunch at the Mandara Huts. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters because you'll be leaving them behind. Return to the Marangu Park Gate to collect your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep due to the warmer weather, and we strongly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you at the gate and drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.

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Kilimanjaro Routes

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Kilimanjaro Routes

Our Packages

Kilimanjaro Routes