6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route

0(0 review)
Mt. Kilimanjaro
All photos
1/7
BookingOverviewHighlightsIncludes/ExcludesCancellationFaqsServicesReviews
Loading available options...

Overview

  • Duration:6 days 5 nights
  • Travelers:1 - 20 guests
  • Tour Type:Daily tour, Group tour, Private tour
  • Language:English, French, German, Italian
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. It offers a unique perspective of the mountain and is known for its remote, unspoiled wilderness, with low traffic compared to other routes.

It’s a great option for climbers:
- Looking for a quieter, less crowded trail
- Climbing during the rainy season (as the north side is drier)
- Seeking a moderately challenging but scenic experience

Though the scenery is less varied than the western routes, the trail offers a more authentic wilderness feel, especially in the early stages. It eventually merges with the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut and descends via the Marangu trail.

- Minimum days: 6
- Recommended: 7 days for better acclimatization
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Tents
- Descent Route: Marangu (Coca-Cola route)
Read more

Highlights

  • Scenic and less crowded trail with panoramic views
  • Begins in lush rainforest with chances to see unique wildlife
  • Crosses the dramatic Shira Plateau
  • Excellent acclimatization profile, increasing summit success rate
  • Stunning views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and surrounding landscapes
  • Opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine desert
  • Ascent via Stella Point and descent via Mweka Route
  • High summit success rate due to gradual ascent and longer itinerary

Includes/Excludes

  • All park entry, camping & rescue fees
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide(s), cook & porters
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, etc.)
  • All meals during the climb
  • Drinking water during the hike
  • Fair wages for crew
  • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park gate
  • Government Tax
  • Certificate of achievement
  • International or domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook
  • Personal equipment (gear/clothing)
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra hotel accommodations before/after the climb
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry services

Itinerary

Expand all

DAY 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha | Moshi town. Here, you will meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek. An equipment check will be conducted to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day.
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 2: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

This morning begins with a drive to Nale Moru village, the starting point of the Rongai Route. The trail leads through farmland and pine forest, offering a peaceful and scenic start to the trek. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, and with a bit of luck, you may spot elephants or buffalos along the way. We’ll reach Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone, where we’ll settle in for our first night on the mountain.
  • Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 3: Simba camp (2626m) – Kikelewa Camp (3679m)

Today’s trek takes us steadily up towards First Caves (3482m), where we’ll stop for lunch after covering about 5.8km. After a short break, we continue ascending through moorland terrain, with the scenery opening up beautifully as we gain altitude. The trail leads us to Kikelewa Camp (3679m), nestled in a sheltered valley. Water is available from a nearby stream just below the camp. By now, you’ll really start to feel the scale of Kilimanjaro around you.
  • Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours
  • Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 4: Kikelewa Cave (3679m) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)

Today involves a short but steep climb up grassy slopes that quickly rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. As you gain elevation, the vegetation begins to thin out, giving way to an alpine desert landscape. You’ll arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically set beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. The afternoon is free for acclimatization walks and exploring the surreal terrain.
  • Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 5: Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) – Kibo hut (4730m)

After breakfast, you’ll head west, steadily ascending along the eastern flank of Kibo. The trail takes you across the saddle — a broad, high-altitude desert that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape here is stark and dramatic, offering a sense of the mountain’s true scale. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours, and upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Staying hydrated and minimizing exertion is crucial during this time.
  • Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
  • Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 6: Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)

You’ll wake around 23:20 for tea and biscuits before starting the summit push. The trail begins with a rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m) — a good place to rest. The climb then zigzags steeply up a scree slope toward Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim — the most mentally and physically demanding part of the entire trek. From Gillman’s Point, expect snow all the way to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. On reaching the summit, take in the incredible views and emotions — you’ve done it! After a short time at the top (weather permitting), descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3700m) for your final overnight on the mountain.
  • Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo Distance: Approxim 12 – 15 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 7: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the heath and rainforest zones, passing Mandara Hut along the way. The hike down takes about 6 hours and is often muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out of the park and receive your summit certificates: - Green certificate for those who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) - Gold certificate for those who made it to Uhuru Peak (5895m) It is advised not to tip the porters until you and your gear are safely at the gate. After formalities, you’ll be driven back to Moshi for a hot shower, hearty dinner, and well-deserved rest and celebration!
  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Distance: Approximately 29 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

DAY 8: Depart Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha | Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast Included

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 72 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is generally dry and clear.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but good physical condition and stamina are essential. Regular hiking and cardio training are recommended.

Which route is best for climbing?

- Marangu Route: Comfortable with hut accommodations, less scenic.
- Machame Route: Very scenic and popular, more challenging.
- Lemosho Route: Scenic and great for acclimatization.
- Rongai Route: Drier and less crowded.
- Northern Circuit: Longest route with best acclimatization.

How many days does it take?

Most treks take 6 to 9 days, depending on the route and your acclimatization needs.

Do I need technical climbing experience?

No. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical trek, so no ropes or climbing gear are needed. Just good hiking preparation.

What is the success rate?

Routes with longer durations (7+ days) have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.

What is included in the climb package?

Usually includes:  
- Park fees
- Professional guides and porters
- Meals and drinking water
- Tents or huts (depending on route)
- Emergency evacuation (where applicable)

What should I pack?

You’ll need layered clothing, hiking boots, a sleeping bag, day pack, headlamp, and warm gear. A full packing list is usually provided upon booking.

What about altitude sickness?

It’s the main challenge. Acclimatization days, hydration, and slow ascent help reduce the risk. Guides monitor you closely.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it’s highly recommended, and it should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation.

Extra Services

Airport transfers

Airport transfers

Personalized welcome at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport. Express airport assistance and Private airport transfers to/from hotels and lodges.

$ 70/package
Photography

Photography

Private photographer on request, Drone videography (subject to park permissions). You will get custom safari photo album.

$ 350/package
from$ 1,499 /person
Date
1
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
2
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Apply
Guest

You can select between 1 to 20 travelers in total.

AdultAge 13+
-+

Please select guests

Apply
Make enquiry
Why booking with Mimark?
Local Expertise
24/7 Customer Support
Get the lowest prices
No Hidden Fees
Customized Itineraries
Booking Flexibility

You might also like...