6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route
- 5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
The Rongai Route
A Scenic and Less Crowded Path to Kilimanjaro’s Summit
The Rongai route is one of the seven main routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is known for its scenic beauty and less crowded trails compared to other popular routes. This trek is perfect for those seeking a more serene and nature-immersed journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Duration: The Rongai Route typically takes 6-8 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization schedule. This gradual approach to the summit ensures a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.
Difficulty Level: The Rongai Route is considered to be a moderate difficulty trek. The route is less steep and less physically demanding than some of the other routes, making it suitable for trekkers with average fitness levels.
Terrain: The Rongai Route starts on the northern side of Kilimanjaro and passes through a range of different landscapes, including dense forests, heathlands, and moorlands. The diverse terrain provides trekkers with a constantly changing and captivating environment.
Highlights: The Rongai Route offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged terrain and wildlife, including buffalo, monkeys, and a variety of birds. The route also provides trekkers with an opportunity to see the Mawenzi peak, the second highest peak on Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Trekkers on the Rongai Route can stay in tents or mountain huts along the way. The huts offer a more comfortable option, with beds and basic amenities, while the tents provide a more authentic camping experience.
Overall, the Rongai Route is a great choice for those looking for a less crowded and more scenic trek up Kilimanjaro, while still experiencing the beauty and challenges of the mountain.
Day 1
- Arrival
- ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.
🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.
🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.Day 2
- Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
- Elevation: 1,950m to 2,625m
- Distance: 8km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
After enjoying your breakfast, our team will collect you from your hotel in either Moshi or Arusha. You will then be driven to the Rongai Gate, situated at the Nalemoru village on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Following registration with the park authorities, your trek commences, leading you through a lush rainforest teeming with opportunities to spot monkeys and other wildlife along the way. By early evening, you will reach your inaugural campsite, Simba Camp, located on the cusp of the moorland zone, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 3
- Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
- Elevation: 2,625m to 3,600m
- Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Following breakfast, your journey continues through the heather and moorland zones, occasionally granting you glimpses of Kibo peak in the distance. The trail remains relatively gentle, though the altitude may pose some hiking challenges. By mid-afternoon, you will reach your second campsite, Kikelewa Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 4
- Second Cave Camp – Third Cave Camp
- Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
- Distance: 6km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Today’s trek guides you through the saddle, a high-altitude desert nestled between the towering peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. You’ll journey across the alpine desert landscape and arrive at your third campsite, Mawenzi Tarn, in the early afternoon. This campsite is beautifully positioned on the tranquil shores of a small lake, affording magnificent views of Mawenzi Peak.
Day 5
- Third Cave Camp- Kibo Huts
- Elevation: 4,330m to 4,700m
- Distance: 8km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Following breakfast, your journey continues toward Kibo Hut, which serves as the base camp for the ultimate ascent to the summit. The trail remains moderately gentle, but the higher altitude can add to the hiking challenge. You’ll reach Kibo Hut in the mid-afternoon, and there, you’ll enjoy an early dinner before resting in preparation for the summit day.
Day 6
- Kibo Huts – Summit
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m
- Distance: 22km
- Hiking Time: 12-16 hours
On this crucial summit day, your ascent begins around midnight. The trail leads you along a steep and rocky path, ultimately reaching Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the surrounding landscape. From Gilman’s Point, your journey continues along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After savoring the remarkable views and celebrating your achievement, you will commence your descent towards Horombo Hut, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
Day 7
- Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi
- Elevation: 3,720m to 1,830m
- Distance: 20km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Following breakfast, your descent begins, leading you through the heather and moorland zones as you make your way towards the Marangu Gate. You’ll once again journey through the rainforest, with the opportunity to spot some of the wildlife you encountered on your first day. Upon reaching the gate and completing the necessary formalities with the park authorities, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and celebrate your remarkable journey.
RONGAI ROUTE 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS : Price/per
| No. of Persons | Days | Luxury($) | Mid-Range($) | Budget($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 3451 | 2927 | 2058 |
| 2 | 2489 | 2111 | 1714 | |
| 3-4 | 2221 | 2015 | 1541 | |
| More than 4 |
Contact us |
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Your Package Categories:
| Luxury | Mid-Range | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Park fees | Park fees | Park fees |
| Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee | Rescue Fee |
| Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) | Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee. |
| Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel |
Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel |
Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation |
| 3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain |
| Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds | Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress | Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet. |
| camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters | camping fees for guides, cooks and porters |
- If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
- Click here to get more details about the price categories.
Included
- Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
- Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.
$1,291 to $2,400 pp. (USD)