6 Nights Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Trip Overview & Highlight
Itinerary
7 Days Rongai Route Kilimanjaro | Rongai Route Trekking
The Rongai Route stands out as one of the more approachable paths up Mount Kilimanjaro, boasting a notably high success rate among climbers. Beginning from the mountain’s northern side, just below the Kenyan border, it’s distinguished by its lesser-traveled status. Climbers on this route are treated to varied perspectives of the mountain as they descend via the Marangu Route on the southern side.
The journey to the trailhead typically spans around 2.5 hours from Moshi, traversing numerous villages and coffee plantations en route. Before embarking, climbers must register their climbing permits at Marangu, a necessary stop along the way.
For those coming from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, accessing the Rongai Route requires a roughly 2-hour journey, including the border crossing. It’s advisable to provide copies of passports in advance to facilitate this process.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Route Highlight:
- Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp
- Day 3: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave
- Day 4: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
- Day 5: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
- Day 6: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
- Day 7: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut
- Day 8: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi town or Arusha city
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Tour Plan
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
-- Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Simba Camp
Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave
The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
-- Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Second Cave Camp
Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
Head out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios nearby.
-- Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft
-- Distance: 9km/5mi
-- Walking Time: 2-3 hours
-- Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
-- Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi
-- Walking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Day 5: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
-- Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
-- Distance: 9km/5mi
-- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp
Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
-- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
-- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
-- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp
Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi town or Arusha city
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
-- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
-- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
-- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-- Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge
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