6 Days Rongai Route
Overview
<Find a breathtaking adventure with the 6-Days Rongai Route, the only trail approaching Kilimanjaro from the north. This lesser-travelled path offers a peaceful climb through unspoiled wilderness, stunning views, and diverse landscapes. Ideal for those seeking a quieter experience, the route provides a gentle ascent, improving your chances of reaching the summit. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises, rich flora, and encounters with local wildlife, all guided by our experienced teams who ensure safety, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
- Start your journey in serenity –Rongai is Kilimanjaro’s quietest route, offering a peaceful, scenic ascent from the northern side.
- Ease into the climb –A gentle first day through rainforest and farmland helps your body adjust gradually to the altitude.
- Cross the dramatic Saddle –Feel the raw power of nature as you hike between Kilimanjaro’s two volcanic peaks.
- Summit under starlight –Begin your final push at midnight and greet the sunrise from Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
- Celebrate your journey –Descend through lush rainforest and collect your well-earned summit certificate at Marangu Gate.
Itinerary
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Distance: ~6.5km / 3.5 miles. Trekking time: 3-4 hours.
Zone: Rainforest
On day one Rongai Route trekkers are driven from either Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometres on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The trek begins from Nale Moru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day’s hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have dinner.
On day one Rongai Route trekkers are driven from either Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometres on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The trek begins from Nale Moru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day’s hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have dinner.
Distance: ~12km / 6.5 miles. Trekking time: 6-8 hours. Zone:
Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
On day two the hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay. Depending on your tour operator, eight day trekkers might stop at Rongai Second Caves for the night before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp.
On day two the hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay. Depending on your tour operator, eight day trekkers might stop at Rongai Second Caves for the night before proceeding to Kikelewa Camp.
Distance: ~4km / 2.5 miles. Trekking time: 3-4 hours. Zone: Low
alpine zone / High alpine zone
Day three on the Rongai Route is a short, but steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatise.
Day three on the Rongai Route is a short, but steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatise.
Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles. Trekking time: 8-10 hours. Zone:
High alpine zone
Day four is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west
through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and
Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren
and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At
Kibo Hut you will get served dinner and will go to bed early as you
will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Trekkers
should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamp, camera,
insulated water and warm weather clothes before they go to sleep.
Note: Seven and Eight day trekkers typically hike from Mawenzi Tarn
to Kibo Hut and back on day four. They then trek to Kibo Hut again
on day five before continuing to Uhuru peak on day six / seven.
Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles ascent and then 15km / 8 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours to
Horombo Hut
Zone: Glacial zone, high alpine zone and low alpine zone
Day five begins at midnight, after being awoken with tea and biscuits you will begin your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters. You should have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The path then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman’s Point 2-3 hours later at 5,681 meters. You are now on Kibo’s crater rim, a huge achievement! But you still have a 200 meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak you will be able to stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut. In total you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it! Here’s the good news, beers can be bought at Horombo Hut!
Day five begins at midnight, after being awoken with tea and biscuits you will begin your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters. You should have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The path then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman’s Point 2-3 hours later at 5,681 meters. You are now on Kibo’s crater rim, a huge achievement! But you still have a 200 meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak you will be able to stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut. In total you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it! Here’s the good news, beers can be bought at Horombo Hut!
Distance: ~20km / 13 miles. Trekking time: 6-8 hours. Zone:
Low alpine zone and rainforest
The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) is a long one, nearly 20km! Your knees will be sore from the previous days hike so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints. At Marangu Gate, the place where you signed in 6 days ago, you will now sign-out. Those who got as far as Gilman’s Point but no further will be presented with a green certificate. Trekkers who made it all the way to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate. Most trekkers present their trekking team with their hard earned tips at this stage before being driven back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower!
The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) is a long one, nearly 20km! Your knees will be sore from the previous days hike so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints. At Marangu Gate, the place where you signed in 6 days ago, you will now sign-out. Those who got as far as Gilman’s Point but no further will be presented with a green certificate. Trekkers who made it all the way to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate. Most trekkers present their trekking team with their hard earned tips at this stage before being driven back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower!
Include & Exclude
Includes
- Airport Transfer Services
- Transport in a spacious 4 x 4 WD safari land cruiser
- Full board accommodation in your preferred luxury lodge/camp
- All park fees and government taxes
- Game drives
- Schedule Flights as specified on itinerary
- Mineral water
- Services of a professional English speaking driver guide
- The flying doctors emergency medical evacuation / rescue insurance cover
- Local connecting schedule flights where applicable
Excludes
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Excursions
- Visa Fees
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- All expenses of personal nature (e.g. telephone, drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.)
- Premium Drinks
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