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6 Days Rongai Route

6 Days Rongai Route

Safari Overview

Starting from the remote north side of Kilimanjaro, the Rongai Route takes you on a gradual ascent, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and distant peaks. Traverse through dense forests rich in biodiversity, encountering unique flora and fauna along the way. As you ascend higher, the landscape transitions to moorlands and rocky terrain, with panoramic vistas of the plains below. Acclimatization days are strategically built into the itinerary to optimize your chances of summit success. On summit night, you'll embark on a challenging trek under the starlit sky, reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend via the Marangu Route, celebrating your achievement and reflecting on the unforgettable journey.
6 Days Rongai Route Route

Day to day description

Arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi Town

After your long flight, rest assured that comfort awaits you at Chanya Lodge in Moshi, where you'll spend your first night. If you've opted for our airport pickup service, our friendly Driver will be waiting at Kilimanjaro International Airport to greet and escort you to your hotel. Take this opportunity to unwind and relax after your journey as your adventure in Tanzania begins.

 

Approximate driving time: 1-2 hours to your Lodge in Moshi
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Meals included: Dinner.

Day 1 Moshi – Nalemuru Gate – Simba Camp

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we set out around 08:00 hrs, reaching Nalemuru Gate by approximately 13:00 hrs, where we'll enjoy a picnic lunch. Following the completion of registration formalities, you'll meet your essential trekking team who will accompany you up the mountain. As your porters load up, we embark on the trek! Beginning at 1,950 meters, today's ascent takes us to a new altitude of 2,620 meters. The trail initially winds through pine forest and vegetable fields before transitioning to lusher forest where colobus monkeys may be spotted. Moving further, the landscape transforms into heathland adorned with towering heathers. Our aim is to reach Simba Camp at 2,620 meters by 17:00 hrs, covering a distance of only 8km/5miles with an estimated trekking time of 3-4 hours. Upon arrival, relax before enjoying dinner around 19:00 hrs.

 

Approximate driving time: 1-2 hours to Nalemuru gate
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey time and Altitude: 3-4 hours’ walking, from 1950m at Nalemuru Gate to 2620m at Simba Camp
Walking distance: 8km/5miles

Day 2 Simba Camp – Kikelelwa Camp

Rise and shine! After a restful night on the mountain, fuel up with breakfast before gearing up for today's trek, commencing around 08:00 hrs. Today's route covers approximately 12km/8miles with an ascent of about 980 meters, requiring 6 to 8 hours of walking. As you ascend, notice the gradual transition in vegetation, with once-large heathers giving way to smaller ones and fewer trees. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views extending over the border to Kenya. The path entails a steady, steep, and often dusty ascent, with a picnic lunch around 13:00 hrs. Continuing in a south-easterly direction, you'll be greeted by the craggy peak of Mawenzi ahead. Traverse moorland terrain with less ascent than the morning, making for a challenging yet rewarding journey. Aim to reach camp by 17:00 hrs., with dinner served , marking the end of a long but fulfilling day on the trails..

Approximate driving time: 0 hours of Driving
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey time and Altitude: Between 6 and 8 hours’ walking, climbing from 2620m at Simba Camp to 3600m at Kikelelwa Camp
Walking distance: 12km/8miles

Day 3 Kikelelwa Camp -Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Enjoy an extra hour of sleep as we depart a bit later today. With a short distance of only 5km/3miles but an ascent of over 700 meters, that extra rest will be appreciated. As you ascend, vegetation gradually diminishes at this altitude, offering stunning views along the Rongai route. We aim to reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,300 meters by around 13:00 hrs for a hearty cooked lunch. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing to the altitude in this picturesque setting, with exceptional views of Kibo peak at 4,700 meters in clear weather. Dinner will be served around 18:00 hrs, allowing ample time to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.

 

Approximate driving time: 0 hours Driving
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey time and Altitude: Between 3-4 hours, climbing from 3600m at Kikelelwa to 4300m at Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Walking distance: 5km/3miles

Day 4 Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Kibo Tarn Camp

We're back to our early breakfast routine to ensure we're prepared for departure from Mawenzi by 08:00 hrs. Today's ascent takes us from our starting altitude of 4,300 meters to Kibo Camp at 4,700 meters. We'll head westward before crossing the ridge and continuing along the edge of the Saddle, where little vegetation exists but sightings of elands are possible, a rarity at such altitude. Our goal is to reach Kibo Camp by around 15:00 hrs, stopping for a midday picnic lunch along the way. As we prepare for tomorrow's summit attempt, dinner will be served earlier, around 17:30 hrs, allowing ample time for rest before the big day ahead.

 

Approximate driving time: 0 Hours of Driving
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey time and Altitude: Around 5-6 hours, climbing from Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4300m to Kibo at 4700m.
Walking distance: 8km/5miles

Day 5 Kibo Hut – Summit – Horombo Hut

On our 'Summit Day', we rise at 23:00 hrs to prepare for the toughest challenge yet. After tea and biscuits at 23:30 hrs, we embark on our midnight departure, facing a daunting ascent of around 1,195 meters. With an estimated 10-13 hours of walking time and a total distance of 22km/14miles, reaching the summit from 07:00 hrs onwards is our goal. Beginning on a rocky path, we navigate a series of tight zig-zags as we climb. Key landmarks include William’s Point (5,131 meters), Hans Meyer Cave (5,258 meters), and Gillman’s Point (5,719 meters). The focus is on a steady, slow pace ('pole pole'). Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), we celebrate our triumph, capture memorable photos, and savor the moment before descending to Kibo Hut by around 11:00 hrs. After a well-deserved two-hour rest and brunch, we resume our descent at 14:00 hrs, arriving at the familiar Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) by approximately 17:00 hrs. Dinner will be served at 19:00 hrs, providing a chance to reflect on our extraordinary achievement.

 

Approximate driving time: 0 Hours of Driving
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey time and Altitude: 10-13 hours’ walk, from 4700m at Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak at 5895m then return to 3720m at Horombo Hut
Walking distance: 22km/14miles

Day 6 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha

After breakfast at 07:00 hrs, we gather for the important 'Tipping Celebration', expressing our gratitude to the hard-working guides and porters who have supported us throughout the journey. Then, we bid farewell to Horombo Huts and commence our descent towards Marangu Gate at 1,970 meters. Around midday, we pause at Mandara for a cooked lunch before continuing our descent. The gate is typically reached by 16:00 hrs, covering approximately 20km/12miles over 5 to 7 hours of walking time. At Marangu Gate, you'll receive your well-deserved certificate, a cherished memento of your remarkable achievement. From there, we return by vehicle to Arusha, where your lodge awaits for an overnight stay and some well-deserved relaxation. Alternatively, if energy permits, feel free to celebrate your incredible feat—you've just conquered Africa's highest mountain.

 

Approximate driving time: 0 Hours of Driving
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey time and Altitude: 6-7 hours’ walk from Horombo Hut 3720m to Marangu Gate 1970m, then return by vehicle from Marangu to Arusha 3 hours drive
Walking distance: 20km/12miles

Day 7 Departure Day or Continued with Other Activity

On your departure day, bid farewell to the majestic Kilimanjaro and depart from Moshi, reflecting on the incredible journey you've experienced. Alternatively, if you're up for more adventure, consider continuing with another exciting activity in Tanzania, such as a safari in the Serengeti, exploring the cultural richness of Zanzibar, or embarking on a thrilling wildlife safari in one of Tanzania's renowned national parks. Whatever you choose, your Tanzanian adventure promises to be unforgettable.

 

Approximate driving time: 1-2 Hours to Kilimanjaro International  Airport
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey time and Altitude: 0
Walking distance: 0

Enquire for this Tour
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing

Includes

- Experienced mountain guides and porters 

- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tents)

 - All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner) 

- Clean drinking water provided throughout the trek 

- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees 

- Portable toilet facilities at campsites

 - Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro International Airport 

- Comprehensive pre-climb briefing 

- Pre-climbing Accommodation in Moshi

 - Accommodation before and after the climb in Arusha or Moshi

Excludes

- International flights to and from Tanzania 

- Tips for guides, porters, and other trekking staff (customary but not obligatory) 

- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and beverages 

- Travel insurance (recommended for medical emergencies and trip cancellations)

 - Any additional activities or excursions not included in the itinerary

 - Visa fees for entry into Tanzania (if applicable) 

- Any optional equipment rentals (e.g., trekking poles, sleeping bags)