6 Days – Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route
Overview
Duration: 6 days
The Rongai Route is known for being one of the easier routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, boasting a high success rate. Starting on the northern side, just south of the Kenyan border, this route offers a quieter, less crowded experience with diverse viewpoints, descending via the scenic Marangu Route.
The journey to the trailhead takes approximately 3 hours from Moshi, passing through vibrant villages and coffee plantations, with a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. Alternatively, the Rongai Route can be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, requiring 2 hours and a passport copy for border crossing.
CLIMBING RATES
* Cost per person in USD
Itinerary
If you’ve opted for airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, we will hold a pre-trek briefing at your hotel, reviewing equipment and renting any necessary gear.
Your adventure begins with a drive to the charming village of Nale Moru, approximately 2 hours from Moshi, including a stop at Marangu to obtain permits. The hike starts on a wide trail through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The trail ascends gradually through the forest, home to diverse wildlife, and eventually opens up to moorland with expansive views over the Kenyan plains.
Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Today’s hike is a steady ascent to the Second Cave, offering breathtaking 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: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Continue your trek from the Second Cave to the Third Cave, navigating through semi-desert terrain.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Hike to Kibo Hut at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Spend the remainder of the day resting in preparation for the challenging final ascent.
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Start your summit attempt early in the morning, navigating steep scree and snow up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and celebrate your achievement with breathtaking panoramic views. Descend back to Kibo for a rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak) and down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi ascent / 15km/9mi descent
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, descend steadily through the moorland to Mandara Hut, continuing through lush forest to the Marangu Gate. Your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
This itinerary emphasizes key elements of the Rongai Route experience, from the rich wildlife in the Montane Forest to the dramatic views from Uhuru Peak, making it a compelling choice for trekkers seeking an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.
Included/Exclude
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips for porters and mountain crew is recommended
- The government imposed an increase in taxes and park fees
- Alcohol drinks
