6 Days Rongai Route

Mount Kilimanjaro - A true trekking and mountaineering paradise

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Overview

This 6 days Rongai route offers a unique and less crowded approach to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from the northeastern side of the mountain. Starting from the Tanzanian village of Nale Moru, this route traverses through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, providing captivating scenery along the way. The gradual ascent allows for better acclimatization, making it suitable for those seeking a less strenuous climb. While generally considered one of the easier routes, its varied terrain and stunning vistas make it a rewarding adventure. The trek typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete, providing ample time for acclimatization and enjoyment of the journey.

Rongai Route Map

Itinerary

DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP:

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft Altitude gained: 638m

Leaving from Arusha, a journey of 4 to 5 hours will lead you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. There, we'll await the issuance of our permits while observing the bustling activity as various crews prepare for the upcoming journey.

Revel in the picturesque wooded scenery and winding trails as your guide enlightens you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife you may encounter. Simba Camp is situated close to the first cave on the periphery of the moorland zone, offering breathtaking vistas of the plains of Kenya.

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP:

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft Altitude gained: 852m

Following a restful night's sleep and a satisfying breakfast, we proceed along moorland terrain, steadily ascending. Along the way, you'll be treated to magnificent vistas of Kibo and your initial glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. As you approach the Second Cave, the sparse shrubbery of the moorland gradually diminishes. Expect temperatures to decrease as you continue your ascent.

DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: DAY 3 – HOROMBO HUT – KIBO HUT

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft Altitude gained: 449m

Following breakfast and completing your packing, you resume your gradual ascent, transitioning into the semi-desert landscape. This day's hike, though relatively short, brings you nearer to the captivating Eastern ice fields, which consistently captivate with their splendor. It's crucial to remain attentive to your body's signals and promptly communicate any indications of altitude sickness to your guide.

DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS:

Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft Altitude gained: 1238m

Leaving the semi-desert zone early in the morning from the Third Cave, you venture into the Alpine Desert terrain for the rest of your ascent. Today's hike brings you to the vicinity just below the Kibo crater wall, where you'll find the Kibo Huts. Here, you'll intersect with the Marangu Route, which you'll follow for the summit climb. Before retiring at 7 PM, ensure to organize your clothing and equipment, including replacing batteries for your headlamp and camera, and aim to rest for a few hours in preparation for your summit attempt.

DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT:

Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 721m Descent to 3721m/12,208ft Altitude lost: 2174m

As dawn breaks, we embark on the most challenging leg of our journey towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. With each step, we persevere, fueled by the anticipation of reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. As the sun paints the sky with hues of gold, we pause briefly at Stella Point before pushing forward through the snow-covered final stretch. Congratulations, you've conquered Uhuru Peak! After celebrating this remarkable achievement, we begin our descent to Mweka Camp, where a well-deserved rest awaits. Remember your gaiters and trekking poles for the challenging terrain ahead.

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – ARUSHA:

Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft Altitude lost: 1816m

Following breakfast and a sincere ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to bid farewell. We commence the descent, pausing at the Mandara Huts for lunch. It's important to remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters before leaving them here.

Upon reaching the Marangu Park Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates. Given the considerably warmer weather, the terrain becomes wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles. A vehicle will be waiting at the gate to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha.

What is Included

Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees or Camping fee
Gate Transfers

What is Not Included

International flights
Airport taxes
All meals and drinks not specified
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature

Menu

Mount Kilimanjaro - A true trekking and mountaineering paradise

DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP:

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP:

DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP: DAY 3 – HOROMBO HUT – KIBO HUT

DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS:

DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT:

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – ARUSHA:

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