6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Rongai Route

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Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Difficult Level

Challenging

Minimum Age

10 Years

Best time

January

Tour Overview

The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It is drier than the southern routes, making it a good choice in the rainy season, and far quieter, so you often have the trail almost to yourself.

The route crosses pine plantations and dry forest, then open moorland to Kikelewa and the spectacular Mawenzi Tarn, a glacial lake beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. From there you cross the lunar Saddle to Kibo Hut and climb to Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The descent follows the Marangu Route, so you see both sides of the mountain.

The gradient is gentle and steady throughout, and the night at Mawenzi Tarn helps acclimatisation. That makes it well suited to first-time climbers and those who prefer a quieter, wilder experience. Accommodation is in quality mountain tents, with a night in the huts at Horombo on the way down.

Your climb is led by experienced, licensed Licaon Safaris mountain guides, supported by porters and a cook who prepares fresh, hearty meals every day. You sleep in quality four-season mountain tents with sleeping mats, and eat in a mess tent with table and chairs. Your guides carry a first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter and check your health every morning and evening.

Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the best conditions are in the dry seasons, from late June to October and from January to early March, when the trails are drier and the skies clearer. April, May and November are the rainy months; the mountain is quieter then, but expect wet forest sections and cloud.

Itinerary details

Day 1

Rongai Gate (1,950 m) – Simba Camp (2,600 m): about 7 km / 3–4 hours

Elevation: 1,950 m → 2,600 m (+650 m)
Distance: about 7 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest and heath
Overnight: Simba Camp (First Cave)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Moshi or Arusha, you drive around the eastern side of the mountain to Nale Moru village near the Kenyan border, where the Rongai Route begins. This is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, and it is drier and quieter than the southern trails.

After registration and lunch, the trail passes through pine plantations and then a band of drier forest where colobus monkeys are often seen. You arrive at Simba Camp in the late afternoon, with views north over the Kenyan plains of Amboseli.

Guide’s tip: Nights on the northern side are clear and cold. Pack a warm hat and a fleece to put on as soon as you reach camp.

Day 2

Simba Camp (2,600 m) – Second Cave – Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m): about 11 km / 6–7 hours

Elevation: 2,600 m → 3,600 m (+1,000 m)
Distance: about 11 km
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Heath and moorland
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail climbs steadily through open moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. You break for lunch near Second Cave (3,450 m), with Kibo's snow-capped dome now clearly in view.

In the afternoon you leave the main trail and head across the moorland towards Mawenzi, arriving at Kikelewa Camp. The campsite is sheltered among giant groundsels and has a nearby stream, with fine views back over the plains.

Guide’s tip: Refill your water at the stream near Kikelewa. Your crew will purify it, but always use the water they give you rather than drinking straight from streams.

Day 3

Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m): about 5 km / 4–5 hours

Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,330 m (+730 m)
Distance: about 5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short, steep climb up grassy slopes brings you to Mawenzi Tarn, a small glacial lake beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second summit. It is one of the most spectacular campsites on the mountain.

You arrive by lunchtime. In the afternoon, a short acclimatisation walk up the ridges around Mawenzi helps your body adjust before you cross the Saddle. The sunset colours on Mawenzi's rock towers are unforgettable.

Guide’s tip: Don't skip the afternoon acclimatisation walk around Mawenzi Tarn. It makes a real difference to how you feel on the Saddle and at Kibo Hut.

Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m) – Kibo Hut (4,720 m): about 9 km / 5–6 hours

Elevation: 4,330 m → 4,720 m (+390 m)
Distance: about 9 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you cross the Saddle, the vast lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The gradient is gentle, but the altitude and the open, wind-swept terrain make it a real test of endurance. Keep your layers handy and your water bottle close.

Kibo Hut, where the Rongai and Marangu routes meet, sits at the foot of the summit cone. After an early dinner, your guide gives the summit briefing. Prepare your warmest clothes, head torch and snacks, and rest until the wake-up call just before midnight.

Guide’s tip: The Saddle is exposed to wind and sun at the same time. Wear sunglasses, a buff over your face and sunscreen, and keep a windproof layer handy.

Day 5

Kibo Hut (4,720 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m): about 6 km up, 16 km down / 6–8 hours up, 5–6 hours down

Elevation: 4,720 m → 5,895 m (+1,175 m), then → 3,720 m (−2,175 m)
Distance: about 6 km up, 16 km down
Hiking time: 6–8 hours up, 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Scree, snow and ice at the summit
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Around midnight, after hot tea and biscuits, you set off by head torch up the steep switchbacks of the summit cone. The night is cold and quiet, the pace very slow. You pass Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m) and reach Gilman's Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim around dawn. The sunrise over Mawenzi is unforgettable. From here the trail follows the rim past glaciers and ice cliffs to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

After photos at the famous summit sign, you descend the same way to Kibo Hut for a short rest and a hot drink, then continue down across the Saddle to Horombo Hut. It is a very long day of 11 to 14 hours, but the thicker air makes each step easier, and dinner at Horombo tastes like a celebration.

Guide’s tip: Wear all your layers, including down jacket, warm gloves and a balaclava, and keep your camera and phone batteries inside your jacket so the cold doesn't drain them. Small, steady steps and slow breathing will get you to the top.

Day 6

Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m): about 20 km / 5–6 hours

Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,860 m (−1,860 m)
Distance: about 20 km
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast and a farewell song from your mountain crew, you descend through the moorland and back into the rainforest, passing Mandara Hut on the way. Trekking poles take much of the strain off your knees on the long descent. Take the time to enjoy the birdsong and the monkeys you may have missed on the way up.

At Marangu Gate you sign out of the park, and climbers who reached Gilman's Point or Uhuru Peak receive their official summit certificates. Your driver then takes you back to your hotel for a long hot shower and a well-earned celebration.

Guide’s tip: Keep a few dollars in your daypack for a cold drink at the gate. Tipping your crew usually happens at the end of the trek, and your guide will explain the customary amounts.

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Tour Costs

Per person Sharing

Number of PAX

Solo Traveler

2 People

3 People

4 People

5 People

6 People

Price

$2,107

$1,756

$1,686

$1,657

$1,647

$1,627

Price includes

All meals and accommodations during the entire safari
A very high quality safari land cruiser with pop-up roof
A professional English speaking safari guide
Unlimited mineral water during the entire safari
Kilimanjaro tea/coffee during game drive
All park fees for all the national parks
Unlimited game drives
All transfers
Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Zanzibar activities as in the itinerary
Mto wa mbu cultural walk
Flying doctors rescue cover

Price excludes

Visas
International flights
Lodge and Guides Tips
Drinks at the lodges
All personal related

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