6 Days Rongai Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Trek
Overview
The 6-Day Rongai Route offers one of the most peaceful and scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the northern side near the Kenya border, Rongai is the only route that begins from this side of Kilimanjaro, providing a quieter trail with fewer climbers and spectacular wilderness scenery.
This route passes through pristine forests, open moorlands, alpine desert, and finally the glacier-covered summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). It is well known for its gradual ascent, making it one of the easier routes for acclimatization and an excellent choice for first-time trekkers seeking a higher chance of reaching the summit.
The descent follows the Marangu Route, allowing climbers to experience two different sides of the mountain during one unforgettable adventure.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) – Simba Camp (2,625m)
Destination
Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
Activities
After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. Following registration and a briefing from your mountain guides, begin your trek through cultivated farmland before entering the beautiful montane forest.
The trail is peaceful and less crowded, offering opportunities to spot wildlife while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Continue steadily to Simba Camp, where your tents will be prepared and a delicious dinner awaits.
Attractions
- Northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Peaceful forest trails
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- Wildlife sightings including colobus monkeys
- Stunning views toward Kenya
- Quiet and uncrowded trekking experience
Accommodation: Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m) – Second Cave (3,450m) – Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)
Destination
Simba Camp → Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp
Activities
After breakfast, continue climbing through open moorland with increasingly spectacular views of Kibo Peak. Stop at Second Cave for lunch and a short rest before continuing toward Kikelewa Camp.
The trail gradually becomes steeper while offering excellent opportunities for acclimatization and photography.
Attractions
- Second Cave viewpoint
- Moorland ecosystem
- Giant Heather vegetation
- Giant Lobelia plants
- Panoramic views of Kibo Peak
- Scenic northern wilderness
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
Destination
Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Activities
Today’s trek leads into a dramatic alpine landscape beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. The scenery changes from moorland to alpine desert as you gradually gain altitude.
Upon arrival at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery while allowing your body to acclimatize to the higher elevation.
Attractions
- Mawenzi Peak
- Mawenzi Tarn
- Alpine desert landscape
- Spectacular volcanic formations
- Panoramic mountain views
- Excellent acclimatization location
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Destination
Mawenzi Tarn Camp → Kibo Hut
Activities
Leave Mawenzi behind as you cross the vast alpine desert known as “The Saddle,” a wide volcanic plain separating Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The trek is gradual but demanding due to the high altitude.
Arrive at Kibo Hut during the afternoon, enjoy an early dinner, and rest before preparing for the midnight summit attempt.
Attractions
- The Saddle
- Kibo Peak views
- Alpine desert scenery
- Volcanic rock formations
- Summit preparation
- High-altitude wilderness
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut – Gilman's Point – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Destination
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
Activities
Around midnight, begin the summit push under a star-filled sky. Trek slowly up steep volcanic scree to Gilman’s Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Witness an unforgettable sunrise above the clouds, admire Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, and celebrate your remarkable achievement with photographs at the summit. Afterward, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.
Attractions
- Midnight summit climb
- Gilman’s Point
- Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Kilimanjaro glaciers
- Sunrise above the clouds
- Crater rim views
- Official summit achievement
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Marangu Gate (1,870m)
Destination
Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
Activities
After breakfast, descend through the moorland and lush rainforest, enjoying the changing scenery one last time. The trail offers opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and unique mountain vegetation before reaching Marangu Gate.
Upon arrival, sign out with the park authorities, receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate (for successful climbers), and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
Attractions
- Rainforest ecosystem
- Bird watching
- Colobus and blue monkeys
- Scenic waterfalls and streams
- Kilimanjaro National Park exit
- Official summit certificate presentation
Departure
- Included
- Transport form arrival point to Moshi
- Transport form Moshi to Departure point
- Accommodation before climb
- Accommodation after climb
- All accommodation in huts on the mountain
- Park fees on Kilimanjaro
- Rescue fees on mountain (by car)
- 3 meals daily on the mountain
- Sleeping and the dining huts
- Guide and porters
- Cook and waiters
- Firs aid kit
- Service of an English speaking mountain guide
- Transportation to the mountain
- All government taxes
- excluded
- Extras in the hotel
- Drinks rather than water
- Tips to mountain Crews
- Meals in Moshi
- Personal gears like sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.
- Flights
- And all not listed above