RONGAI ROUTE 6-DAY KILIMANJARO CLIMBING

6 Days 5 Nights

Overview

The Rongai Route is one of the quieter and less-traveled paths on Kilimanjaro, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty of the mountain without the crowds. This route ascends from the northern side and offers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to the barren alpine desert near the summit. The 6-day itinerary ensures ample time for acclimatization, which is essential for summit success, and allows climbers to enjoy the stunning views that this route has to offer.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be welcomed by your Serengeti Wildlife Safaris guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you can relax and unwind. Later in the evening, your guide will meet you for a thorough briefing about the climb ahead and to check your gear, ensuring you're fully prepared for the adventure. Afterward, you'll enjoy a restful night before starting your journey.

Itinerary

On the first day of your climb, you’ll be transferred to the Rongai Gate, located on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. After completing registration, your ascent begins with a steady 4–5-hour hike through lush rainforest, which offers a beautiful introduction to the diverse ecological zones of the mountain. Along the way, you might spot wildlife such as monkeys and various bird species. Upon reaching Simba Camp at 2,650 meters, your team will have tents set up, and hot tea will be waiting to help you relax. Enjoy your first mountain dinner, rest, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 is a beautiful trek through the moorland zone, taking you to Kikelelwa Camp at 3,600 meters. The hike is approximately 5-6 hours, and you'll ascend gradually, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the mighty Kibo peak ahead. As you hike, you’ll pass through unique plant life, including giant heathers and lobelias. This camp offers fantastic views of both Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak, and the serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for rest. Once you arrive, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and take in the beauty of your surroundings.

On Day 3, you’ll embark on a 4–5-hour hike to Mawenzi Tarn Hut, which sits at an altitude of 4,330 meters. The landscape shifts to the alpine desert zone, and you'll be surrounded by towering rocky formations and dramatic views of Mawenzi Peak. As you climb, the terrain becomes more barren, but the vistas are spectacular. Upon arrival at Mawenzi Tarn, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Mawenzi Peak’s jagged ridges. This is a great spot for acclimatization, and you'll have the rest of the day to relax and explore your surroundings. The cooler, higher altitude will help your body adjust, ensuring better chances of summit success.

On Day 4, you’ll continue your climb toward Kibo Camp at 4,700 meters. The trek will take about 5-6 hours through the alpine desert zone, offering a unique opportunity to witness the stark beauty of the high-altitude landscape. You’ll walk across a rocky terrain, with impressive views of both Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak. Upon reaching Kibo Camp, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for your summit attempt the following day. The team will serve a warm meal early in the evening, allowing you to get some rest before your overnight climb to the summit.

The long-awaited summit day! You’ll begin your climb to Uhuru Peak in the early hours of the morning, around midnight, to ensure you reach the summit by sunrise. The trek is demanding and involves steep ascents, but the reward is well worth it. After climbing through the cold and wind, you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,756 meters, where you’ll have a brief rest before the final 45-minute push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). At the summit, you can celebrate and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the vast African landscape below. After taking photos and soaking in the achievement, you’ll begin your descent to Horombo Camp, located at 3,720 meters. The descent will take 5-6 hours, and you’ll rest at Horombo Camp after a long, fulfilling day.

On the final day of your adventure, you’ll descend from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate, a journey of about 7-9 hours. The descent takes you through Moorland and then lush rainforest, offering a beautiful contrast to the higher, barren slopes. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and other flora and fauna. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will complete your climb by signing out and receiving your well-earned summit certificate. The Serengeti Wildlife Safaris team will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi/ Arusha for a celebratory dinner and relaxation after your incredible achievement. Take time to reflect on your journey and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Included & Excluded

  • Airport transfers (to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi (before and after the climb)
  • Professional, English-speaking mountain guides, porters, and cook
  • All park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Private toilet tent
  • Quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs)
  • Drinking water and hot drinks on the mountain
  • Pulse oximeter and daily health monitoring
  • Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
  • Certificate of Achievement after the climb
  • Transfers to Rongai Gate and from Marangu Gate
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzanian Visa
  • Travel and health insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
  • Tipping for the crew (recommended guideline provided)
  • Additional hotel nights (if your trip is extended)

Map

Frequent Asked Question

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route?

The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is dry and visibility is good.

Is the Rongai Route difficult?

It’s considered moderately difficult. The gradual ascent makes it one of the easier routes in terms of acclimatization, but summit day is still physically demanding.

Do I need to be physically fit?

Yes, a good level of physical fitness and preparation is necessary. Training with hikes, cardio, and strength-building exercises is highly recommended.

Are there toilets on the trail?

Basic toilet tents are provided. Camps also have public pit latrines, but private toilet tents are cleaner and more comfortable.

RONGAI ROUTE 6-DAY KILIMANJARO CLIMBING

Related Tours