Tour Info
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Guided
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Available
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From US$ 1990 per person
MOUNT KILIMANJARO 6 DAY CLIMB – RONGAI ROUTE
The 6-day Rongai Route is a quiet and scenic way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail starts on the northern side of the mountain near the Kenyan border and is known for being less crowded compared to other routes. This route offers a gradual and steady climb, passing through forest, moorland, and alpine desert landscapes. Along the way, climbers enjoy beautiful views and a peaceful wilderness experience, including impressive scenery of Mawenzi.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to Arusha for briefing and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Venus Premier Hotel (BB)
- Elevation: 1,200 m → 1,950 m → 2,600 m
- Distance: ≈ 8 km
- Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hrs
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After early breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to Marangu Gate for registration, then continue for another 2 ½ hours to the Rongai Trailhead.
The trail begins in cultivated farmlands, ascending gradually through pine forest with occasional views of wildlife and surrounding valleys. Stop for lunch en route.
Arrive at Simba Camp (2,600 m) in the late afternoon. Tents will already be set up by the porters. Enjoy evening snacks and hot dinner as temperatures drop near freezing at night.
Overnight: Simba Camp
- Elevation: 2,600 m → 3,600 m
- Distance: ≈ 12 km
- Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, continue ascending toward Kikelelwa Cave. En route you’ll pass Second Cave (3,450 m), a perfect rest and lunch point.
The trail offers wide views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields.
Arrive at Kikelelwa Cave Camp in the afternoon. Hot drinks and dinner served at camp. Expect a cold night at higher elevation.
Overnight: Kikelewa Cave Camp
- Elevation: 3,600 m → 4,330 m
- Distance: ≈ 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
A short but steep climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp, nestled beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak. The area features striking high-altitude vegetation, including Giant Lobelia and Groundsel.
Afternoon at leisure for acclimatization and photo opportunities.
Dinner and overnight at camp.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp
- Elevation: 4,330 m → 4,700 m
- Distance: ≈ 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, trek gradually across The Saddle, a barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m) by early afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and prepare gear for the midnight summit attempt.
Note: No running water at Kibo Hut.
Dinner served early. Rest by 19:00 hrs.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
- Distance: ≈ 6 km Ascent + 21 km Descent
- Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hrs Ascent + 5 – 6 hrs Descent
- Habitat: Arctic → Moorland
Wake at midnight and begin the summit attempt.
Ascend past Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m) to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. Continue slowly along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—Africa’s highest point.
After photos and celebration, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and hot lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,980 m → 1,200 m
- Distance: ≈ 27 km
- Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hrs
- Habitat: Rainforest
Enjoy breakfast followed by a farewell celebration with the mountain crew. Descend through the rainforest via Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate.
Collect your Summit Certificates and transfer back to Arusha.
Accommodation: Pazuri Inn (HB) – Dinner & Breakfast / Or similar
After breakfast, day at leisure. Check-out by 11:00 hrs and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
Includes/Excludes
Inclusions
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and rescue fees
- Return transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha, and to/from climb starting point
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (BB basis)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks)
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters & cook
- Mountain huts accommodation during climb
- Camping equipment (tables, chairs, utensils, etc.)
- Water for daily washing
- Basic First Aid Kit (for emergencies)
- Kilimanjaro National Park Certificate (for successful summit attempt)
- Emergency medical evacuation cover
Exclusions
- International flights
- Items of personal nature (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tipping (recommended per participant: USD $250–$300 total for the team — guides, porters, and cook)
- Visa Fees
- Personal gear rentals (Sleeping bags, hiking shoes, trekking poles, etc)
- Portable toilet
- Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation up to 6,000 meters above sea level and any associated medical treatment.