6 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai route

Overview

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.

Day to Day Itinerary

On arrival in Tanzania.

Arrival Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight. A pre-climb briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP

Distance: 7km / 5mi
Time: 3–4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Elevation: 1,997m / 6,552ft → 2,635m / 8,645ft
Altitude Gained: 638m

Departing from Moshi, a 4–5 hour scenic drive takes you through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Rongai Gate. After permit formalities and observing the bustling preparations of various teams, we begin our trek through a beautiful forested trail. The path winds upward through lush vegetation as your guide introduces you to the native flora and fauna. Simba Camp is situated near the First Cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offering incredible views over the Kenyan plains.
Overnight at Simba Camp.

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP

Distance: 5.8km / 3.6mi
Time: 5–6 hours
Zone: Moorland
Elevation: 2,635m / 8,645ft → 3,487m / 11,440ft
Altitude Gained: 852m

After breakfast, we continue our hike through the open moorland, gradually ascending along a steady trail. The vegetation becomes sparse and the views more expansive. Today’s route offers the first clear glimpses of the ice fields near Kibo’s eastern crater rim.
Overnight at Second Cave Camp.

DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP

Distance: 3.3km / 2mi
Time: 3–4 hours
Zone: Semi-Desert

We continue through the moorland terrain, moving steadily upward. Views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields become more dramatic. Vegetation thins out significantly as we approach the semi-desert zone. The trail is peaceful and less trafficked, providing a great atmosphere for acclimatization.
Overnight at Third Cave Camp.

DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP – KIBO HUTS

Distance: 6.7km / 4.2mi
Time: 4–5 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3,936m / 12,913ft → 5,174m / 16,975ft
Altitude Gained: 1,238m

We depart early, heading deeper into the Alpine Desert zone. Today’s trek leads us across a barren, lunar-like landscape up to Kibo Huts, located just below the Kibo Crater Wall. Here, we will join the Marangu Route for the final push to the summit. Prepare your gear—change batteries, layer clothing—and rest early for the midnight summit attempt.
Overnight at Kibo Huts.

DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUTS

Ascent: 4km / 2.5mi | 5–7 hours
Descent: 15.75km / 9.8mi | 5–6 hours
Zone: Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 5,174m / 16,975ft → 5,895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak)
Altitude Gained: 721m
Descent to: 3,721m / 12,208ft
Altitude Lost: 2,174m

This is summit day—the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. We begin our ascent between midnight and 2:00 a.m., navigating through volcanic scree in switchback fashion towards Stella Point (5,756m). After a short rest and breathtaking sunrise, continue for one more hour to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa.

After celebrations, photos, and soaking in the achievement, we begin our descent to Kibo Huts for a short rest and lunch. Then continue to Horombo Huts for your final night on the mountain.
Overnight at Horombo Huts.

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI

Distance: 20km / 12.5mi
Time: 6–7 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Elevation: 3,721m / 12,208ft → 1,905m / 6,250ft
Altitude Lost: 1,816m

After breakfast and a heartfelt farewell with your mountain crew, we begin our descent through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. The trail is often muddy and steep—gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 45 minutes).
Congratulations on your successful summit!

Inclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Exclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).