6 Days Rongai Route

This 6-day itinerary takes you to the summit of Kilimanjaro using the Rongai Route. Tranquil Kilimanjaro offers treks up the Rongai Route, which is recognized for being more picturesque than the Marangu Route, easier than the Machame Route, and with a high success rate. Unlike the Marangu Route, where you sleep in huts, the Rongai Route requires you to sleep in tents (tents are provided) that are pitched by porters. Meals are served outside on a blanket or under a dining tent. One of the least trafficked routes, the Rongai begins on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border. For the summit ascent, the Rongai meets the Marangu, and then you descend the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast flank, giving you magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.

Click here to book this Rongai Route 6 Days Trek

This Rongai expedition is available in two versions: a 6-day straight route and a 7-day one that takes a lengthier path. The shorter 6-day schedule is detailed here, while the lengthier variant is detailed in the additional day’s section.

6 Day Rongai route summit success rate

The summit success rate for the six-day Rongai route is only 65 percent while the seven-day Rongai route has a higher summit success rate of 80 percent. Because the 7-day route option provides an additional day for acclimatization, the success percentage is significantly higher than the 6-day route.

Distance and other information about the Rongai route

Length: The Rongai course is 72 kilometers long (44 miles).
Location: The Rongai route scales Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit from the northeast, near the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Elevation: At 5,895 meters, the Rongai path reaches Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak (19,341 feet).
Trail conditions: Because the northeastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro get less precipitation and moisture than the southern slopes, the Rongai Path is the finest route for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro at any time of year.

How to climb the 6 Days Rongai Route.

Keep a supply of wet wipes on hand in case you go a few days without having a bath.
Keep a good mindset even if the trail conditions become too difficult.
Bring along your favorite pocket music player or iPod with a collection of your favorite and uplifting tunes to keep you company to help relieve the tension that comes with long and tiring trips.
Be psychologically prepared to accept and discover strategies to overcome altitude sickness since it is real and can happen to anybody.
To psychologically prepare for the Rongai route, spend a few days camping to get used to utilizing restricted amenities and to overcome any little obstacles that may arise.
Before beginning on your 7-day Rongai route trip on Mount Kilimanjaro, make sure you try on your hiking boot to ensure you are comfortable with it and that it fits you well. This is to avoid blisters and discomfort, which might cause you to abandon your trip to the top.
Always remember that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is like running a marathon, not a 100m sprint. This will lower your heart rate and prevent your heart and lungs from working too hard.
• Drink as much water as you can, preferably above 4 liters each day! Water aids in acclimatization and the prevention or reduction of altitude sickness.

Additional information

Difficulty	Challenging

Day 1

NALE MORU GATE – SIMBA CAMP

7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
Altitude gained: 638m

We will transport you to Rongai from Moshi town after breakfast to begin your 6-day Rongai Route trek. The ascent begins on a little trail that passes past maize and potato fields before entering a pine forest from the charming wooden town of Nale Moru (1,950 m.). The trail then begins a steady but gentle rise through lovely woodland, which is home to a variety of species, including the gorgeous Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys have a flowing white tail and a large ‘cape’ of white hair. The forest thins out, and the first camp (at 2,600 meters) sits at the edge of the moorland zone, with expansive views of the Kenyan lowlands. [Walking time: 3–4 hours]

Day 2

SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP

5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
Altitude gained: 852m

The morning trek is a steady rise to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.), which offers spectacular views of Kibo and the crater rim‘s Eastern ice fields. After lunch, we depart from the main trail and follow a narrower path through the moorland to Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. Near the Kikelewa Caves, our campground is in a hidden valley with spectacular views (3.600 m.) [Walking for 6-7 hours]

Day 3

SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP

3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft
Altitude gained: 449m

A short but steep ascent over grassy hills is rewarded with spectacular vistas all around and a distinct sense of wildness. We leave the vegetation behind just before arriving at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), which is magnificently located in a cirque right underneath Mawenzi’s towering spires. As an assist to acclimatization, the afternoon will be free to rest or explore the local region. [Walking time: 3–4 hours]

Day 4

THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS

6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT
Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft
Altitude gained: 1238m

Between Mawenzi and Kibo, we cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ to reach the School campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater rim. The rest of the day is spent recuperating in anticipation of the last ascent and an early night! [Walking for 4-5 hours]

Day 5

KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 721m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m

Around midnight or 1 a.m., we’ll begin the last, and by far the steepest and most difficult, section of the ascent by torchlight. We trudged up a switchback track over loose volcanic scree in the dark to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We’ll take a little break there to see the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still in good shape may go to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m) in three hours, passing close to the stunning glaciers and ice cliffs that still comprise the majority of the summit region. The drop to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly quick, and after refueling, we continue down to Horombo, our final campsite (3,720 m.). [Walking for 11 to 15 hours]

Day 6

HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI:

20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m

Wake up early for a long descent across moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first halt before reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance (1,830 m.). [Walking for 5-6 hours. For the night, you will be taken to Springlands Hotel or Alternative Hotel in Moshi marking the end of our 6-day Rongai Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Rongai route for 6 days is as follows.

1 Person: $2,225

A group of 2 people: $1,820 per person

A group of 3 people: $1,690 per person

A group of 4 people: $1,620 per person

A group of 5 people: $1,580 per person

A group of 6 People: $1,555 per person

A group of 7 people: $1,520 per person

A group of 8 people: $1,500 per person

A group of 9 people: $1,485 per person

A group of 10 people: $1,450 per person

6 Days Rongai Route Price includes

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

Sleeping Mattress

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)

Price Excludes

Airport transfers

Accommodation in Arusha

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

What should I do to get ready for the Rongai route?

Any physical exercise you can undertake before to your climb will make it more fun. Whether you’re going for the Uhuru Peak or a shorter trek, how hard you train will be determined by your goals.

When is the best time to climb the Rongai route?

The Rongai trail is accessible all year, however, it may be rainy and chilly, necessitating the use of waterproof clothing. Consider climbing during the months of January and March and June and October. The rainiest months are April, May, and November.

What should I bring with me and what equipment do I require?

While some trekking trip providers may provide some equipment, there are a few must-haves, such as waterproof clothing, a headlamp, sunglasses, proper hiking boots, personal medication, a non-disposable water bottle, and a cap or beanie, to name a few.

What is the best way to get to the Rongai route?

Before embarking on your hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll need to figure out how to get there and which kind of transportation is appropriate for your itinerary or trip. Travelers arriving from the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, or Canada, as well as other regions of the world, have a few alternatives to choose.

What climbing skills are required for the Rongai route?

Mount Kilimanjaro welcomes hikers of all fitness levels and abilities, but if you want to reach the summit, you’ll need to prepare ahead and train hard. To minimize altitude sickness and to enjoy your experience climbing Kilimanjaro, consider adding extra time to your plan. Find out more.

Do I require any permits?

To assist administer the national park, each visitor will be forced to pay a conservation charge per person, per day. Most excursions, on the other hand, include the permits and admission fees in the price.

What is the length of the Rongai route?

The Rongai Route is 72 kilometers long (44 miles) in length.

What is the quickest way to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro?

The Rongai path is the most straightforward ascent of Kilimanjaro. It’s known for being an isolated forest route. The only way to reach Kilimanjaro from the north is via Rongai.