6 Days Rongai Route

6 Days Rongai Route

The Kilimanjaro climb Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. The Kilimanjaro climb Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.

Tour Highlights

  • Day 1: Drive to Rongai Gate and Hike to Simba Camp
  • Day 2: Trek from Simba Camp to Second Cave
  • Day 3: Journey from Second Cave to Third Cave
  • Day 4: Hike from Third Cave to Kibo Hut
  • Day 5: Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
  • Day 6: Final Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha/Moshi

Tour Plan

Budget Lodging: 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
Meals: LD

Budget Lodging: Second Cave Camp
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
Meals: BLD

Trek 9 kilometers (5 miles) from Second Cave to Third Cave, ascending 430 meters (1,410 feet) through semi-desert terrain. Enjoy stunning views of Kibo Peak and the expansive plains. Overnight at Third Cave, with meals provided to keep you energized.

Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut Camp
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
Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. 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 Huts.
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  and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a 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).

Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B

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).

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.

levation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast

  • Airport Transfer: Pickup and transfer to Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
  • Mountain Crew: Professional team with fair wages as per KINAPA and KIATO standards
  • Permits and Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park permits and camping/hut fees
  • Meals and Equipment: 3 daily meals, modern tents, warm sleeping pads, first aid kit, and group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery)
  • Optional Facilities: Portable flush toilets available upon request
  • Post-Climb: Meeting at the park exit, transfer to hotel, accommodation after the climb, international ascent certificates
  • Return Transfer: Transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Flight tickets
  • Visa fees
  • Personal gear rental
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry services
  • Tips for the mountain crew

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