6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route – Classic Tanzania Trek

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Tour Overview

Total Program Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $2,995 USD per person

The Rongai Route is considered one of the easier routes on Mount Kilimanjaro and offers a high summit success rate. It approaches the mountain from the northern side near the Kenyan border, making it one of the least crowded routes.

The ascent begins at Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), and the descent follows the Marangu Route on the southern side of the mountain, allowing climbers to experience different landscapes and viewpoints.

The drive to the trailhead takes approximately 3 hours from Moshi, passing through rural villages and coffee plantations, including a permit registration stop in Marangu.

The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya (approximately 2 hours including border crossing). Passport copies are required in advance for border arrangements.

All Kilimanjaro treks are offered as private departures starting any day, with selected group departure dates available. This trek can also be combined with a Tanzania safari.

Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day:

Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.

In the evening, you will have a full trek briefing with your guide, equipment check, and rental arrangements if needed. Extra luggage can be securely stored at the hotel.

Accommodation: Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meals: Not included

Day 2: Rongai Gate (Nale Moru) – Simba Camp (LD)

Drive to Nale Moru village (approximately 2–3 hours including permit registration). The trek begins along a wide trail through farmland before entering pine forest.

The trail gradually ascends through beautiful forest inhabited by wildlife. Camp is located at the edge of the moorland zone with expansive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2,000m to 2,650m (6,560ft to 8,700ft)
Distance: 6 km (4 mi)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Accommodation: Simba Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Simba Camp – Second Cave (BLD)

Today’s steady climb leads to Second Cave Camp, offering impressive views of Kibo Peak and the eastern ice fields.

Elevation: 2,650m to 3,450m (8,700ft to 11,300ft)
Distance: 6 km (4 mi)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Second Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Second Cave – Third Cave (BLD)

Continue ascending across open alpine terrain toward Third Cave Camp. The landscape becomes more dramatic as vegetation decreases.

Elevation: 3,450m to 3,880m (11,300ft to 12,700ft)
Distance: 9 km (5 mi)
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Third Cave – Kibo Hut (BLD)

Trek across the alpine desert to Kibo Hut, located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The afternoon is reserved for rest and final summit preparation.

Elevation: 3,880m to 4,750m (12,700ft to 15,600ft)
Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Kibo Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut (BLD)

Summit day begins between midnight and 2:00 AM. The climb ascends steep scree to Gilman’s Point (5,700m / 18,700ft) on the crater rim, then continues to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) — the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch, then continue to Horombo Hut.

This is the most challenging day of the trek. A slow and steady pace is essential.

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m, then down to 3,700m
Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down (4 mi up / 9 mi down)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent / 5–6 hours descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Horombo Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha (B)

Descend through moorland and lush forest to Marangu Gate. After receiving your summit certificate, transfer back to Arusha.

Elevation: 3,700m to 1,700m (12,200ft to 5,500ft)
Distance: 20 km (12.5 mi)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Forest

Accommodation: Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure (B)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure or continue with a safari extension.

Meals: Breakfast

Price Per Person:

From $2,995 USD per person

Tour Price Inclusions:

INCLUDES

All accommodations per itinerary
All meals as specified (B, L, D)
National Park fees and camping fees
Rescue fees as required by the National Park
2 nights 3-star accommodation in Arusha (upgrade available)
One-way airport transfer on arrival (shared)
Transport from Arusha to trailhead and return
Certified English-speaking mountain guides
Assistant guides, cooks, and porters
Tents and cooking equipment
Filtered drinking water
Oximeters and first aid kit
Emergency oxygen

EXCLUDES

International and domestic flights
Meals not listed in itinerary
Beverages and alcohol
Tips for guides, porters, cooks, and drivers (recommended $400–600 per person)
Optional tours
Single room or single tent supplement
Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, internet, etc.)
Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and personal trekking gear
Portable toilet