Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6 Days
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Route Overview
Embark on the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6 Days for an incredible adventure through Tanzania’s untouched wilderness. This route begins on Mount Kilimanjaro’s northeastern side, offering climbers quieter trails and stunning views. To start, the journey takes you through lush rainforests teeming with unique flora and fauna. As you ascend, the terrain gradually transitions into the heath and moorland zones, where you’ll enjoy expansive views of the surrounding plains.
Every day on the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6-day trek brings exciting challenges and unforgettable scenery. Moreover, climbers sleep in sturdy tents set up by experienced guides, ensuring a comfortable rest in the wild. In addition, guides prepare nutritious meals daily to energize trekkers for the climb. With a gradual ascent, the route allows proper acclimatization, which significantly improves your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
The route also features scenic campsites like Simba Camp and Kibo Huts, which are positioned to help climbers adjust to the altitude. Furthermore, the descent follows the Marangu Route, offering a fresh perspective of Kilimanjaro’s beauty as you return through lush landscapes.
Preparing for the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6-day trek requires moderate fitness and some hiking experience to manage the changing terrain. Thankfully, knowledgeable guides accompany you throughout the trek, providing insights, support, and encouragement to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or tackling your first major trek, the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 6-day trek offers serene trails, spectacular scenery, and the ultimate reward of standing on Africa’s highest peak.
Tour Highlights
 
 Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Rongai Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
 
 Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
 
 Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
 
 Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
 
 Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
 
 Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveller’s needs
  
 Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
  
 Trip Availability: All year round.
Included/Exclude
- Two-way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel accommodations before and after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group camping equipment
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Kilimanjaro licensed professional guides
- Hiking dedicated support crews
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Your journey begins with an early breakfast at your hotel in Arusha (1,400m), followed by a drive to the Marangu Gate (1,980m). Here, your porters will organize and pack the gear while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). From Marangu Gate, you’ll take a 2.5-hour drive to the Rongai trailhead, where your trek officially begins.
The trail starts amidst tall cornfields and leads into a serene pine forest. Its gentle incline allows you to take in the surroundings comfortably. Midway through the hike, you’ll pause for a lunch break before continuing towards Simba Camp (2,600m).
Your porters and chef, who travel ahead, will set up your campsite, prepare boiled drinking water, and have snacks ready upon your arrival. After a refreshing wash, a warm dinner will be served. Night temperatures at camp can drop to freezing, so ensure you’re well-prepared for a chilly overnight stay.
Hiking time:Â 5 hours
Distance:Â Approximately 8 kilometers
Habitat:Â Montane Forest
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent towards Kikelewa Cave (3,600m). Along the way, the trail passes by Second Cave (3,450m), a perfect spot to rest and enjoy a lunch break while taking in the views.
As with the previous night, your porters will have camp prepared ahead of your arrival, including setting up your tents and providing drinking and washing water. Evening snacks will be served, followed by a delicious dinner prepared by the chef.
Be prepared for a cold night at this exposed campsite, as temperatures often dip below freezing.
Hiking time:Â 6-7 hours
Habitat:Â Moorlands
Today’s hike is shorter but steeper, as you ascend to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m). Along the trail through the moorland zone, you’ll encounter unique and exotic plants, such as giant lobelia and groundsel, adding to the scenic beauty of the trek.
Upon reaching the camp, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and ample time to acclimate to the higher altitude. Your porters will prepare washing water, and the chef will serve a hot dinner as you relax and take in a stunning sunset over the mountain.
Hiking time:Â 3-4 hours
Habitat:Â Moorlands
After breakfast, the journey continues with a half-day hike heading east toward Kibo Hut (4,700m). The trail crosses the "Saddle," a vast alpine desert that connects the majestic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. This barren yet striking terrain offers a unique contrast to earlier landscapes.
At Kibo Hut, water is unavailable, but hikers can purchase mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. To prepare for the summit attempt, an early dinner will be served. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on what to expect and how to prepare for the challenging night ahead. Make sure to get to bed by 19:00 to rest for the ascent!
Hiking time:Â 4-5 hours
Habitat:Â Alpine desert
Your guide will wake you at around 23:30 for tea and biscuits to fuel your summit attempt. The climb begins over a rocky trail leading to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) before continuing to Gillman’s Point (5,681m). This section is both physically and mentally demanding, as it is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Reaching Gillman’s Point, located on the crater rim, is already an incredible achievement.
From Gillman’s, the trail is often snow-covered as you make the final push to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Standing at the top of Africa's highest peak is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment! Take some time to savor the moment, snap photos, and enjoy a warm cup of tea before beginning the descent.
The journey back to Kibo Hut takes approximately 3 hours. Here, you’ll have a chance to rest and enjoy a well-earned hot lunch under the sun. Afterward, the descent continues to Horombo Hut (3,720m). Upon arrival, you’ll have dinner, wash, and rest deeply after a long and rewarding day.
Hiking time:Â 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
Habitat:Â Stone scree / ice-cap summit
Distance:Â Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
After enjoying a well-deserved breakfast, your trekking crew will host a lively celebration filled with singing and dancing to honor your achievement. This is also the time to present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters in appreciation of their hard work throughout the trek.
Following the festivities, you will embark on a 6-hour descent to Marangu Gate (1,980m). At the gate, you will sign the National Park registry to officially record your climb. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5,681m) will be awarded green certificates, while those who summited Uhuru Peak (5,895m) will receive gold certificates to commemorate their success.
After receiving your certificates, you will be driven back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration of your remarkable accomplishment.
Hiking time:Â 6 hours
Distance:Â Approximately 27 kilometers
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