Rongai Route Kilimanjaro trek
6 days—A scenic, less crowded climb with high success rates, diverse landscapes, wildlife, and a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak!
From
$1800 USD
pp
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Safari summary
The 6-Day Rongai Route offers a less crowded and scenic trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, starting from the northeastern side. This route provides a gradual ascent, enhancing acclimatization and increasing summit success rates. Trekkers journey through diverse terrains—from rainforests to moorlands—while passing key campsites like Simba Camp, Kibo Hut, and Gilman’s Point.
A major highlight is witnessing a breathtaking sunrise from Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with panoramic views of the vast plains below. The route is also rich in wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and even elephants, making it a unique and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
- Primate trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Moshi to Rongai gate to Simba Camp
Kilimanjaro
Start your 6-day Rongai Route with an early breakfast before a 2–3-hour drive through villages and coffee plantations to Rongai Gate. After registration, begin your 7 km trek (3 hours) through maize and potato fields into the Montana Forest, home to diverse wildlife. The trail gently ascends through thinning forest, leading to Simba Camp (2,750 m), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Kenyan plains.
Simba Camp
Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Kilimanjaro
Elevation : 2750 m to 3600 m, Distance : 11 km, Hiking Time : 6 hours, Habitat: Moorland After an early breakfast you will have a steady ascent to the second cave Kikelewa Camp where you will stop for lunch. You leave the direct trail at this point and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path toward Mawenzi side peak to Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley. At the Kikelewa Camp you will settle for your dinner and overnight rest
Kikelewa Camp
Kikelewa camp to Mawenzi turn hut
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, trek 5 km (4 hours) with a steep ascent up grassy slopes, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast wilderness. Leaving vegetation behind, arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m), nestled beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak spires. Discover the undried lake with no inlet or outlet, then enjoy lunch, rest, and dinner before an overnight stay in this stunning semi-desert landscape.
Mawenzi turn hut
Mawenzi Tarn hut to Kibo Huts camp
Kilimanjaro
After an early breakfast, trek 5 km (5 hours) across the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. Reach Kibo Hut (4,695 m), located at the base of Kibo's crater wall. Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the upcoming summit hike, conserving energy for the challenging ascent ahead. The alpine desert landscape offers a unique, otherworldly atmosphere.
Kibo Huts camp
Kibo Huts camp to Uhuru Peak
Start at midnight with a light breakfast, preparing for your summit ascent. The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak just before or at sunrise. Trek 6 km up (10-15 hours) through steep scree or snow, reaching Gilman’s Point with stunning views of the crater and icecaps. After another 2-hour hike, reach Uhuru Peak, the true summit of Kilimanjaro. After descending back to Kibo Hut for lunch and rest, continue your descent through the saddle, reaching Horombo Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Horombo Huts camp
Horombo Huts camp to Marangu Gate
After a restful night, wake up for breakfast and start your descent through the moorland to Mandara Huts for lunch. Continue your 18 km descent (5-7 hours) through lush forests to Marangu Park Gate. After signing out, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel, where you'll receive your summit certificate and celebrate your successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro! A perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.
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