6 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek
Overview
(8 Days Total: Arrival + 6 Days Trekking + Departure)
Start Point: Rongai Gate (Northern Kilimanjaro)
End Point: Mweka Gate (Southern Slope)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Climb: January–March & June–October
Route Type: Less-crowded, dry-side route with diverse views
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Known for being quiet, scenic, and relatively dry, it’s an excellent choice for trekkers looking to avoid crowds while enjoying gradual acclimatization. This 6-day trek offers changing landscapes from arid wilderness to alpine desert and lush rainforest on the descent via Mweka Gate. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful climb with a high summit success rate.
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro/Arusha)
- 2 nights accommodation in Arusha/Moshi (pre/post trek)
- All park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and taxes
- Professional certified English-speaking guides, porters, and cook
- Sleeping tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs
- All meals on the mountain (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Purified drinking water
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Certificate of achievement (gold for Uhuru Peak)
- International/domestic flights
- Tanzanian visa ($50)
- Personal trekking gear (available for rent)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Tips for guide, cook, and porters (recommended $250–$300)
- Alcohol, soda, snacks, and personal expenses
Tour Plan
Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing, gear check, and overnight rest.
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Distance: 7 km
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Zone: Montane Forest
Drive to Rongai Gate and begin hiking through lush pine forests and local farmland. Overnight at Simba Camp with mountain views.
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Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
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Distance: 12 km
Climb gradually through heath and moorland. Stop for lunch near Second Cave, and overnight nearby with excellent views of Kibo Peak.
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Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
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Distance: 10 km
Trek toward Mawenzi, the jagged volcanic peak. Stop at Kikelewa Camp before continuing to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, a stunning site beneath Mawenzi’s cliffs.
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Distance: 9 km
Cross the high alpine desert toward Kibo Hut, the base camp for your summit push. Eat early dinner and sleep before your midnight ascent.
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Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
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Distance: ~22 km
Start summit attempt at midnight via Gilman’s Point and Stella Point, then reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point! After photos and celebration, descend to Horombo Camp for overnight rest.
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Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
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Distance: 20 km
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Mweka Gate. Collect your certificate and transfer back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration dinner.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight. Asante sana – we hope to welcome you again!