6 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Price From

$ 1,710 / Person

Tour Overview

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. While it’s growing in popularity, it remains one of the quieter routes, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more remote and peaceful climb. The northern side of the mountain also receives less rainfall, making Rongai an ideal option during the wet season when other routes can be more challenging.

Most trekkers complete the route in six days, but a seven-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization. While it may not have the dramatic scenery of some western routes, Rongai offers a true wilderness experience, winding through remote landscapes before joining the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp. The descent follows the Marangu Route, giving climbers a fresh perspective on the mountain. With a moderate difficulty level, Rongai is a solid choice for those new to trekking, striking a perfect balance between adventure and accessibility.

Full Tour Details

Day 1 : Moshi/Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have a chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route. Our first camp will be the Simba Camp located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

Elevation: 1,950m (6,398ft) to 2,600m (8,530ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7km (4.3 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 : Simba Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

We begin our hike from Simba Camp, gradually ascending toward Kibo. After covering 5.8 km, we stop for lunch at Second Cave, located at an altitude of 3,482 meters. The trail then continues upward to Kikelelwa Camp, sitting at around 3,679 meters. As you climb higher, the landscape opens up, revealing breathtaking mountain views that remind you just how vast Kilimanjaro really is. Fresh water is available in a stream below the cave, though you may need to walk downhill a bit to find a suitable spot. Dinner and overnight stay at Kikelelwa Camp.

Elevation: 2,600m (8,530ft) to 3,450m (11,319ft)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11km (6.8 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Moorland

Day 3 : Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Elevation (ft): 11,800ft to 14,210ft
Distance: 3.7 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Heath Zone

Day 4 : Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Huts

After breakfast we cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite, situated at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Elevation (ft): 14,210ft -15,420ft
Distance: 5.6 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 : Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Our guides wake us before midnight for tea and cookies and final dressing (in many layers) for our summit attempt. It can be bitterly cold. The guides like to have the team on the trail between 12-1a.m. in hope of reaching the summit for the sunrise. Starting off, the trail swings back and forth up a steep scree slope while the line of climbers stretches out in the darkness, only visible by their headlamps. Placing one foot in front of the other and focusing on your breathing, the black sky infinitely above you, this climb is one you will never forget. Most climbers arrive at Gillman’s point, elevation 18,685 feet, in time to see the sunrise around 6:30 a.m. The views from the top looking down on the plains of Africa make it all worthwhile. Some climbers decide they have reached their goal and head down from here, a legitimate summit. Others hike an additional 2-3 hours to the true summit, Uhuru Peak at 19,340′. The descent from Gillman’s point is fairly rapid, taking about 2 hours. Most climbers take a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending to Horombo Hut for the night, arriving in the late afternoon.

Elevation (ft): 15,520ft to 19,340ft
Distance: 3.5 miles ascent + 9.5 miles descent
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours ascent + 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

Day 6 : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Departure

On the last day of your trek, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest, retracing your steps back to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll bid farewell to your guides and porters, who have supported you throughout the journey. After completing the necessary formalities and receiving your summit certificate, you’ll transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can rest and reminisce about your incredible adventure on Kilimanjaro. Take time to explore the local markets, interact with the friendly Tanzanian people, and soak in the vibrant culture before departing for your onward journey.

Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,860m (6,102ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: Approximately 20km (12.4 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest