6 Days Rongai Route
Trip Overview
The Rongai method is the most well-liked and straightforward method for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, after the Marangu route. Due to its isolation and need for acclimatisation, fewer people travel the Rongai Route. There is no other method to get Uhuru Peak from the north face of the mountain and go down the Marangu path.
- Place to Visit Day by Day
- Day 1: Rongai gate to Simba Cave Camp
- Day 2: Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa
- Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi tarn
- Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp to Kibo Camp
- Day 5: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu gate
Trip Inclusion
- All excursions, transfers,
- Entrance fees,
- Camping fees
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking professional guides
- Good quality accommodation
Trip Exclusion
- All meals not specified in the itineraries Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not previously reserved with prior payment.
- Booking Information & Conditions
- For a reservation to be held on any itinerary, a deposit of 30% per person per itinerary is required.
- The balances of payments are due 60 days prior to arrival in Tanzania.
- All travelers receive pre-trip information, complete itinerary and on- demand pre-travel advice, via email directly with our offices for any last minute or personal queries.
- In the event of a particular accommodation being unavailable upon booking, accommodation of a similar or higher standard will be substituted
Other Related Trekking Itineraries
Day 1: Rongai gate to Simba Cave Camp
After breakfast, head to your accommodation to meet your guide and the rest of the crew. From there, it will be a 4-hour journey to Rongai gate, which is located in the northeast of the country, close to the Kenyan border.
Once you get to the park’s gate, you have two options: either wait for lunch while you explore the jungle or keep an eye out for any blue monkeys that could be swinging from tree branches. You will hike the Rongai Route to the first camp shortly after noon, where you will camp for the night and have dinner.
Day 2: Simba Cave Camp to Kikelelwa
After breakfast, we go across the moorland zone, where the trees give way to grasses and shrubs.
At the second cave, where we will meet the intersection leading to the third cave and the Kikelelwa Camp, lunch will be provided. After there, head east in the direction of Kikelelwa Camp, your overnight stop.
Day 3: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi tarn
A quick yet hard climb up verdant slopes rewards you with breathtaking vistas. Shortly before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, which is magnificently situated in a cirque just below Mawenzi’s towering spires, leave the vegetation behind. The afternoon will be free for rest or exploring the surroundings as part of the acclimatisation process.
You will camp here for two nights if you have an extra day on the mountain. Your acclimatisation walk can take you through Mawenzi and back.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn camp to Kibo Camp
The journey to the higher camp today takes you through breathtaking lunar scenery. The Kibo Camp is located right below the summit of Kibo, offering stunning views over the plains of Kenya.
From here, Mawenzi and the trail are also easily seen. You can relax and replenish your strength after lunch so that the following day, you can make the summit push up Kilimanjaro!
Day 5: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
The hike starts at midnight, and you’ll be woken up with a hot cup of tea and a biscuit before beginning your ascent in the dark. You’ll be able to take a break and refuel with an energy bar once we arrive at Hans Meyer Cave.
We’ll then continue swerving our way to Gilman’s Point as the terrain steepens. You’ll take a short break on the crater rim to drink some water and rest before crossing the crater to Stella Point. Our porters will have arrived ahead of time and will have prepared some ginger tea for us to drink and warm our insides before the final push.
We’ll then gradually make our way to Uhuru Peak, where you can take in the incredible views, pose for a photo, and celebrate your incredible achievement while standing on Africa’s highest point! We will then descend straight down the mountain to the Kibo Hut, where we will rest, eat, and celebrate before returning to the Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu gate
After breakfast and a moving ritual of gratitude and team building with your staff, it’s time to say farewell. We keep going downhill, pausing at the Mandara Huts for lunch. You’ll be leaving your guides, cooks, and porters behind, so don’t forget to tip them. In order to retrieve your summit credentials, go back to the Marangu Park Gate.
Because of the warmer weather, the terrain is hilly, muddy, and rainy; gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. You will be picked up at the gate by a car that will take you back to your Arusha/Moshi accommodation.
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Create Your Own Adventure
Tanzania is a truly amazing destination. Along with gorgeous beaches and oceans, intriguing civilizations, and an endless array of options, there is nature, wildlife, and adventure.
Tanzania, in my opinion, has something to offer everyone. No matter what kind of vacation you enjoy, you can find it here.
