6 Days Rongai Route-Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary
$1,764 pp (USD)
Overview
The Rongai Route 6 Days is the perfect option for climbers looking for a peaceful, scenic, and less crowded path to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route starts on the northern slopes near the Kenyan border and is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It offers dry conditions, panoramic views, and a wilderness feel — especially in the early stages of the trek.
This 6-day itinerary is shorter than the 7-day version and skips one acclimatization day. While it saves time, it also means less altitude adjustment, which can affect your summit success. It is better suited for experienced trekkers or fit individuals who have hiked at high elevations before.
You’ll pass through diverse landscapes, from lush forest and open moorlands to a rugged alpine desert. Wildlife sightings are common early in the trek, with chances to spot colobus monkeys, birds, and other forest animals. As you ascend, views of Mawenzi Peak and the Kenyan plains provide breathtaking scenery.
Your support team of guides, cooks, and porters will set up tents, prepare meals, and ensure your comfort and safety. Though you’ll be camping, the drier climate of the northern route makes the experience more enjoyable — especially during the rainy seasons.
The final push to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m), begins around midnight. After celebrating at the top, you’ll descend via the Marangu Route, experiencing a completely different side of the mountain.
The Rongai Route 6 Days is ideal for those who want a quieter trail, a faster itinerary, and stunning views throughout.
Book your Rongai 6 day climb today and enjoy Kilimanjaro’s most remote and peaceful route.
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 2: Hotel to Simba Camp
- Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave & Second Cave to Third Cave
- Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
- Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
- Day 6: Horombo Hut to trail head to Moshi hotel
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route: Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Mangalo Expeditions representative will greet you and provide a smooth, prearranged transfer to your hotel, included in the package. Your accommodation offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot showers, polite and helpful staff, a refreshing swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi access. This relaxing environment is perfect for recovering from your journey and preparing for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. In the evening, you’ll attend a detailed pre-climb briefing with our expert managers and guides. They will go over the trekking itinerary, check your gear, discuss safety procedures, and answer any questions to ensure you’re fully prepared
Day 2: Hotel to Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Down to 3700m/12,200ft)
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Main Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6: Horombo Hut to trail head to Arusha hotel
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Mangalo Expeditions vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Main Destination: Drive back to Arusha Town
Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks: Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Accommodations
Welcome to Mvuli Hotels
Whether you’re seeking the ultimate safari retreat near the stunning Ngorongoro Crater or a peaceful escape in the heart of Arusha, our hotels offer a blend of luxury, tranquility, and authentic hospitality. From the boutique safari experience in Karatu to the lush, garden-surrounded charm of Mvuli Hotel, each destination is designed to provide an unforgettable stay, seamlessly combining modern comfort with the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes.
Mountain Camps
Your ultimate comfort camping experience features all-weather tents customized with upgraded zippers, flysheets, and insulating full-ground pads. We ensure privacy with daily private toilet tents and communal dining in solar-lit tents. You’ll enjoy hot, fresh meals prepared by our dedicated chef, and we provide afternoon treats of hot drinks and snacks.
What the Price Includes & Excludes
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Meals
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
What Our Guests Have to Say?
Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
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