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6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro – Rongai Route

FROM $2350 pp

Kilimanjaro

Mid-range Tour

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Rongai route approaches Kibo from the unfrequented and drier north-eastern side of Kilimanjaro. The tour departs close to the Kenyan border and offers stunning and impressive views over the African savannah and rugged Mawenzi. Just after Mawenzi Tarn Camp, climbers will pass the only mountain lake in Kilimanjaro National Park. The trails are well developed and pass through fir forest, rain forest and alpine desert. Although the Rongai route can generally be thought of as an easy route, the rockier stages in the summit area are sometimes a little more demanding. The decent follows the Marangu route and traverses the lush and green rainforest on good paths. Climbers will overnight in mountain tents during the entire climb.

6 - Day Itinerary

Day-By-Day

DAY

1

Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp (~1,990 m → ~2,625 m; ~6–8 km, 3–5 hrs)

After breakfast and briefing, drive around the mountain to Nalemoru (Rongai) Gate. Begin your trek through farmland and pine forest, gradually gaining altitude until you reach Simba Camp, set at the edge of the moorland zone. First night under canvas. Meets & permits completed at the gate.

DAY

2

Day 2 – Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (~2,625 m → ~3,630 m; ~8–9 km, 6–8 hrs)

Start the day trekking through moorland. Pause at Second Cave (~3,450 m) for lunch, then continue to Kikelewa Camp (~3,679 m) situated in a tranquil valley beneath Mawenzi. Full day’s hike with steadily thinning vegetation.

DAY

3

Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (~3,630 m → ~4,303 m; ~4–6 km, 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, ascend a short but steep slope up to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled directly beneath the spire of Mawenzi Peak. This high-alpine site offers panoramic vistas and good acclimatization—ideal for rest or light exploration.

DAY

4

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut (~4,303 m → ~4,730 m; ~8–9 km, 4–5 hrs)

Descend slightly and cross the Saddle, the barren high desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, before arriving at Kibo Hut. This campsite marks your final stop before summit night. Rest well and prepare mentally for the climb ahead.

DAY

5

Summit Push (Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut) (~4,730 m → ~5,895 m → ~3,705 m; ~12+ hours)

Begin your summit attempt around 23:30 or midnight. Trek through rocky terrain to Hans Meyer Cave (~5,150 m), then up scree slopes to Gilman’s Point (~5,681 m) on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the roof of Africa. Enjoy fleeting summit views before descending to Horombo Hut (~3,705 m) for an overnight recovery. Strenuous day (≈14 hrs).

DAY

6

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate & Return to Town (~3,705 m → ~1,860 m; ~20 km, 4–6 hrs)

After breakfast, complete the descent through moorland and rainforest zones, reaching Marangu Gate (~1,860 m) in the morning. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for debrief or onward travel.