Six Days Rongai Route Trek

6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route Trekking

$1810-1980 USD

Get quote

Quick to reply to quote requests!

Safari summary

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Known for its quiet paths, gradual slopes, and stunning wilderness scenery, it is ideal for trekkers who prefer a more remote experience. Unlike the busy Marangu or Machame routes, Rongai offers solitude and unique perspectives of Africa’s tallest mountain, with breathtaking views of both Mawenzi Peak and the sweeping plains below.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Rongai Simba Camp

Kilimanjaro

Day 1: Moshi/Arusha – Rongai Gate (1,950m) – Hike to Simba Camp (2,600m) After breakfast at your hotel, you will drive for 2–3 hours to the Rongai Gate, located on Kilimanjaro’s remote northern side. The drive itself is scenic, taking you past rural villages and fields before reaching the trailhead. Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: ~7 km Meals & Overnight: Simba Camp – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping

Rongai Second Cave

Kilimanjaro

Day 2: Simba Camp (2,600m) – Second Cave (3,450m) Today’s trek ascends steadily into the moorland zone. The forest thins out, giving way to heathers, grasses, and shrubs. The views become more expansive, with Mawenzi Peak a jagged volcanic cone rising dramatically in the distance. The pace is deliberately slow to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Distance: ~11 km Meals & Overnight: Second Cave Camp – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping

Rongai Kikelelwa Camp

Day 3: Second Cave (3,450m) – Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) The trail continues across open moorland with sweeping views over the northern wilderness. Vegetation becomes sparser as you climb, and the air feels cooler and thinner. You’ll cross small ridges and valleys before reaching Kikelewa Camp, located in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant groundsels and lobelias. Hiking time: 5–6 hours | Distance: ~9 km Meals & Overnight: Kikelewa Camp – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping

Mawenzi Turn Hut

Kilimanjaro

Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) The trail becomes steeper today as you climb grassy slopes with increasingly dramatic views. The air gets noticeably thinner, but the climb is short and rewarding. By midday, you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak beside a small alpine lake. Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: ~6 km Meals & Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping

Rongai Kibo Hut

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m) Leaving Mawenzi behind, you cross the barren Saddle—a vast high-altitude desert that links Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape is stark and lunar-like, with little vegetation but endless horizons. The trail is not steep, but the altitude makes every step more challenging. Hiking time: 5–6 hours | Distance: ~9 km Meals & Overnight: Kibo Hut – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping

Rongai Summit day

Kilimanjaro

Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut (4,700m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m) Your summit attempt begins around midnight. Equipped with headlamps and layers of warm clothing, you will start the slow, steady climb up steep scree slopes toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. This is the toughest part of the climb physically and mentally. Hiking time: 12–14 hours | Distance: ~20 km Meals & Overnight: Horombo Hut – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping

Marangu gate to Arusha

Kilimanjaro

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Marangu Gate (1,970m) – Return to Moshi/Arusha After breakfast, make your final descent through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. This long walk is filled with fresh air, lush vegetation, and the chance to reflect on your achievement. Hiking time: 5–6 hours | Distance: ~18 km Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Arusha Tulia Hotel

Here are the latest 6 tours by Africa Joy Tours and Safaris Limited. See all 9 tours.