6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route

Overview

What makes this journey special

Climbing / Trekking

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the 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. Rongai route can be done on a 6 or 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb. The 6 day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Turn Hut.

Day by day

Your itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Day – Arusha / Moshi Town

Hotel

Pick up from Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to hotel in Moshi/ Arusha. A pre-climb briefing can be organized where we will provide you all the information to prepare for your climb. This will include a day to day guide of your climb, the gear required as well as discussing acute mountain sickness and all health and safety on Kilimanjaro.

Day 2

Arusha / Moshi Town – Nalemoru Gate (2020 m) – Simba Camp (2625 m)

Simba Camp

After breakfast you will be driven around Mount Kilimanjaro to its north-western side and after 3 to 4 hours, you will arrive at the Nalemoru Gate. After the registration process your adventure begins. The path runs alongside mountain farmers’ fields and pine forests before it enters the sparse mountain forest zone, where black and white colobus monkeys can often be seen. After an approximate 3 to 4 hour hike, you will reach the Simba Camp where you will spend the night. About 8 km | Hiking time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Montane forest

Day 3

Simba Camp (2625 m) – Kikelewa Camp (3630 m)

Kikelewa Camp

From Simba camp you’ll trek through the heather and moorland zones and the views of Mawenzi and the vast Kenyan steppes are nothing short of grand. You will have lunch at the Second Cave (3,450 m) and after a short break, you will cross the undulating terrain to Kikelewa Camp. This camp boasts with incredible views and after a strenuous day’s climb, you can relax and take in its peaceful ambience. About 10 km | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Day 4

Kikelewa Camp (3630 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310 m)

Mawenzi Tarn Hut

The typical senescent vegetation will soon disappear and the scenery will become more barren with the occasional rock formations. In good weather you can enjoy the breath-taking views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits as well as Kenya’s savannah grasslands. After passing a few more rock formations, you will arrive at the Mawenzi Hut. For many mountain climbers, it is the most atmospheric camp on the mountain. About 6 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Day 5

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310 m) – Kibo Hut (4715 m)

Kibo Hut

On a relatively easy path, today’s leg takes you over the Kibo Saddle. A lack of vegetation is characteristic for the landscape here as only a few types of grass and other plant species can survive in this dry area and thin air. Just before today’s destination is reached, one last rock passage has to be conquered. Finally you will arrive at the School Hut, where you can relax and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s summit stage. About 8 km | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 6:*

Kibo Hut (4715 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Horombo Hut (3720 m)

Horombo Hut

The climb begins at around 00:00 h and after a 5 to 7 hour walk on frozen volcanic ash, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater’s edge. The sun rays will warm you while you trek for another 1 to 2 hours until you reach Uhuru Peak and finally stand on “Africa’s Roof”. The descent on the now thawed lava ash runs almost along the same route and you will arrive at the School Hut in the late morning. A warm meal will be served and after a well-deserved break, the descent continues to the Horombo Hut. About 21 km | Hiking/Descending time: 12 - 14 hours | Habitat: Artic, Alpine desert

Day 7

Horombo Hut (3720 m) – Marangu Gate (1860 m) – Arusha / Moshi Town

Hotel

Make the final descent through the rain forest passing Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate. Here we will collect our summit certificates, have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before drive back to Moshi/Arusha to your hotel for dinner and overnight. About 18 km | Descending time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland, Rain Forest

Day 8

Departure Day / Go on a Safari

After breakfast, depart for your next destination, which is optional or can be arranged: Safari to the National Parks Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport Transport to Other Towns in Tanzania i.e. Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar Nairobi via border town Namanga

Getting there