Kilimanjaro Climb 6 Days Rongai Route
Rongai 6 Days Trek Overview
For trekkers seeking a unique challenge, who love nature and want to experience Kilimanjaro on a more remote and less-traveled trail, try climbing via Rongai Route.
Experience the thrill of climbing Africa’s highest mountain on one of the most interesting and adventurous routes – Rongai. While Rongai is a more remote trail up Kilimanjaro, it also has the highest chances of spotting wildlife, including elephants, gazelles, dik-diks and monkeys throughout the climb. We suggest the 6-day route, as it includes a much-needed acclimatization day to increase chances of reaching the summit.
Descent is via Marangu Route, so your team will stay overnight camping on the way up, and overnight in huts on the descent.
Check out our other Kilimanjaro Treks:
-5 Days Marangu
-6-Days Machame
-7 Days Machame
-7-Days Lemosho
Climb Details
No. of Days to Peak: 5
Altitude Start: 1800m
Overnight in: Tents
Number of days to Descend: 1.5
Climate Zones covered: rainforest, moorland, high-altitude alpine desert and artcic.
Day by Day Itinerary
Pre-Trip Briefing
Before the official start of your trek, we will meet for a quick briefing and to ensure you have all the equipment needed for your trek. This briefing day could be a few days before your trek, if you are going on a safari or game drive, or the day before you start.
Please provide accommodation information so we can meet you at your hotel, or reach out and we can assist in planning your Moshi or Arusha accommodations.
Day 1: Nale Muru Gate to Simba Camp (2,020 m - 2,671 m)
After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to the Kilimanjaro National Park, Rongai gate (Nalemuru Gate – 2,020 m) where you will register.
Then, begin an enjoyable 8 km climb through rainforest toward Simba Camp.
Most animal sightings on Rongai are experienced on the first and second days, so look for elephants, buffalos and monkeys as you climb. The trek is usually 3-4 hours, then relax before dinner and overnight at Simba Camp.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (2671 m - 3630 m)
After breakfast, trek toward Kikelewa Camp (approx 6 hours, covering a distance of 12 km). The climb is moderate, and passes out of rainforest and into moorland.
You may enjoy stunning views of Kibo Volcano if the weather is clear.
Overnight at Kikelewa Camp.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (3630 m - 4300 m)
This is a short day, but an important one. After a steep hike to Mawenzi Tarn, enjoy a acclimatization hike and then back to the camp.
You will likely be feeling the high altitude this day. Instead of pushing on, you will overnight to give your body a chance to adapt to the high altitude (what is known as acclimatizing) to increase your chances of a successful summit.
The main hike takes only 3-4 hours, covering just under 5 km.
Overnight at Mawzeni Tarn.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4300 m - 4750 m)
After breakfast, begin trek toward Kibo Hut. This is a long trekking day, approximately 8 hours to cover 8 km.
You will likely feel the altitude more, although the trek itself is not very steep. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, it is advised to enjoy an early dinner and rest, as your summit climb begins around midnight.
Overnight at Kibo Hut.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo Hut (4750 m - 5895 m - 3720 m)
Wake around midnight to begin summit attempt. After a hot drink and energizing snack, begin trekking in the dark with a headlamp, trekking poles and gear for arctic conditions – you will cross glaciers as you climb to Gilman’s Point (5,700m/18,700ft) located on the crater rim, and then on to Uhuru Peak, (5,895m/19,340ft) which is the highest point in Africa.
Enjoy the summit and the sunrise with some photos, then start descent down to Kibo Hut. At Kibo Hut, enjoy a brief rest, a refreshing meal and then continue toward Horombo Hut, which is a descent on the Marangu route of the mountain.
Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (3720 m - 1800 m)
After breakfast continue your descent to Marangu Gate.
You will collect your certificates and celebrate with your climbing team for a safe and successful trek.
This itinerary includes transportation to Arusha or Moshi, but does not include overnight accommodation on this day. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange your overnight stay.
— End of Mountain Trek–
