6 Days Rongai Route
Itinerary Summary
The Rongai Route begins on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border, but entirely within Tanzania. It is one of the most remote and scenic trails, offering a quiet wilderness experience, drier conditions, and a gradual ascent ideal for acclimatization and summit success. The descent uses the Marangu Route, giving you views of both sides of the mountain.
Full Itinerary Overview
The 6-day Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro trail that approaches the summit from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. Known for its quiet wilderness, drier conditions, and gentle ascent, this route is an excellent choice for those seeking a less-traveled path with great scenery and a high success rate. The trail passes through remote forests, open moorlands, and alpine desert, offering stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the expansive saddle before the final summit push. The descent is made via the Marangu Route, allowing you to experience both sides of the mountain. With its steady elevation gain and fewer crowds, the Rongai Route is ideal for those looking for a peaceful, scenic, and well-paced Kilimanjaro climb.
DAY 1 : Rongai Gate (1,950m) to Simba Camp (2,620m)
Your trek begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Rongai Gate, located in northern Tanzania near the border with Kenya. After registration and briefing, begin your hike through pine forest and cultivated fields, gradually entering moorland. The trail covers 7 km and takes about 3–4 hours to reach Simba Camp, located near the “First Cave”.
Overnight: Simba Camp | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 : Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp (3,450m)
Today’s hike ascends steadily through heathland and moorland, with sweeping views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding plains. The trail is gentle but continuous, covering 8 km over 5–6 hours. You will camp near Second Cave, which offers a great setting for acclimatization and photography.
Overnight: Second Cave Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 : Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)
Leaving the Second Cave, the trail becomes steeper as you head toward the eastern base of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic volcanic cones. The hike spans 9 km in 5–6 hours, winding through increasingly rugged and scenic terrain before arriving at the sheltered Kikelewa Camp in a small valley.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 : Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m)
A shorter but steep hike today brings you into the alpine desert zone, where vegetation thins and rocky terrain dominates. After 6 km over 4–5 hours, you reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled in a hollow beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon is free for rest or optional acclimatization walks.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 : Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks — a wide expanse of high-altitude desert with stunning isolation. Today’s 9 km hike takes 5–6 hours, bringing you to Kibo Hut, your base for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Overnight: Kibo Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 : Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Marangu Gate (1,860m)
Around midnight, begin your summit push over volcanic scree to reach Gilman’s Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After sunrise photos and celebration, descend back to Kibo for a short rest, then continue your long descent all the way to Marangu Gate. Today covers 30 km in 13–15 hours. At the gate, receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take the quiet and scenic northern trail to Africa’s highest point with the 6-day Rongai Route. Starting near the Kenyan border, this route offers a drier, less crowded climb with gradual elevation gain and sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s remote northeastern slopes. With a gentle approach, rich wilderness landscapes, and a rewarding summit via Gilman’s Point, Rongai is ideal for trekkers seeking a peaceful, steady, and successful journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
INCLUDED
- Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) accommodation.
- All game drives viewing in a custom built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- All park and entrance fees
- Transportation with 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide or other language as specified during the safari.
- Bottled water in safari vehicles
- Current Government taxes and levies
- 24-Hour support during the safari
NOT INCLUDED
- Internal or International flights
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Balloon excursion (US$600 pp)
- Entry visa to Tanzania.
- Travel and health insurance
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and porters
- Meals, drinks, and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone and postage
- Item of personal Nature
Tailor-Made Tours – Travel Designed Just for You
Discover the world your way with our tailor-made tours, designed to match your unique travel style, interests, and pace. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or an immersive cultural journey, we create personalized itineraries that reflect what matters most to you.
