6 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Via Rongai Route
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route, approaching from the west and offering stunning 360-degree mountain views.
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Chalenging
- Price Per Person: $ 1,805- $1,735
- Scenery: very Good
Overview: Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trekking
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route is a fantastic way to experience the mountain, offering trekkers a less crowded and scenic route. The 6-day trek provides a manageable pace for ascent, with gradual acclimatization through the diverse habitats of Kilimanjaro, from lush forests to alpine deserts. As you make your way to the summit, you’ll encounter spectacular views and stunning landscapes. The Rongai route is known for its beautiful scenery and relatively easy start, making it a great choice for climbers looking for a unique experience.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Drive to Rongai Gate – Hike to Simba Camp
- Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
- Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
- Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
- Day 5: Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
- Day 6: Descent from Horombo Hut to Gate and Return to Hotel
What is Included
- Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
- National park fees and camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinders and first aid kit
- All meals while on the mountain
- Cleaned, Purified and drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- VAT (18% charged by government)
- Quality mess tents with table and chair
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- All necessary trekking gear such as tents, sleeping bags, etc.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy and nutritious food
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
What is not Included
- International and Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal items and gear (such as Clothing, trekking boots etc.)
- Soft drinks, alcohol or additional snacks
- Accommodation before and after trekking
- Tips and gratitude (senior guide $25 per day from the whole group, Assistant guide $20 per day for whole group, cooks $15 per day for whole group and Porters $10 per day from whole group.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Hotel
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide. You’ll be driven to your hotel in either Arusha or the Kilimanjaro area for check-in. After a short rest, your guide will provide you with a detailed briefing on the trekking route, safety measures, and general logistics. The evening is free to relax, prepare for the trek ahead, and get a good night’s sleep in anticipation of the upcoming adventure.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Gallery
Day 1: Drive to Rongai Gate – Simba Camp
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive to the Rongai Gate, which marks the official starting point of your trek. Once the necessary permits are processed, you’ll begin your trek through the beautiful forest, where you may encounter diverse wildlife like colobus monkeys. The trail winds its way gently upward through lush vegetation before arriving at Simba Camp, your first overnight stop. This day is relatively easy to help you acclimatize to the altitude.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Rongai Gate (1,950 meters / 6,398 feet) to Simba Camp (2,650 meters / 8,694 feet)
- Distance Covered: 8 km (5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
On this day, you’ll continue trekking upward to the Second Cave, crossing through beautiful moorland with ever-expanding views of the mountain’s eastern slopes. The terrain becomes more rugged and the vegetation thins out, revealing a more open, alpine environment. The day is a bit more strenuous, but it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the looming summit of Kibo Peak in the distance.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Rongai Gate (1,950 meters / 6,398 feet) to Simba Camp (2,650 meters / 8,694 feet)
- Distance Covered: 8 km (5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Today’s hike is a short but rewarding trek, leading you to the Third Cave, located at a higher elevation. As you move higher into the alpine desert zone, the terrain becomes more barren, and the vegetation continues to decrease. You may encounter some rocky, rugged paths that require careful navigation. The views of the surrounding areas are absolutely stunning, and you’ll feel the true sense of altitude as you approach the Third Cave, which is nestled in a very remote and peaceful part of the mountain. After setting up camp, take some time to acclimatize and rest.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Second Cave (3,450 meters / 11,319 feet) to Third Cave (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet)
- Distance Covered: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland, Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Today, you will continue your ascent toward Kibo Hut, located just below the summit of Kilimanjaro. The terrain becomes even more challenging as you climb through the alpine desert zone, where temperatures can fluctuate drastically, and winds can be strong. As you approach Kibo Hut, the landscape becomes more rugged and barren, with fewer signs of life. Kibo Hut serves as the final resting point before your summit attempt, and you will have the chance to rest and prepare for the difficult night ascent. The climb to Kibo Hut is mentally and physically demanding, but the satisfaction of reaching this point makes it worthwhile.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Third Cave (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet) to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters / 15,420 feet)
- Distance Covered: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 5: Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
The final day of your trek is the most challenging, as you will begin your summit attempt early in the morning (around midnight). Starting from Kibo Hut, you will ascend through the arctic desert zone toward the summit, Uhuru Peak. This will be a long and strenuous climb, requiring stamina and determination. The temperatures will be cold, and the altitude will make every step feel more difficult, but the reward of reaching the summit is unparalleled. After reaching Uhuru Peak and taking in the awe-inspiring views, you will descend back to Horombo Hut for the night. The descent is faster, but you will still need to be cautious of the high-altitude effects.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Kibo Hut (4,700 meters / 15,420 feet) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters / 12,200 feet)
- Distance Covered: 18 km (11.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 10-13 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Desert, Summit
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 6: Descent from Horombo Hut to Gate and Return to Hotel
After a restful night at Horombo Hut, you will begin your descent back down the mountain. The trek will take you through lush montane forests, and you’ll enjoy the cool, shaded environment as you make your way back to Marangu Gate. Upon reaching the gate, you will sign out and meet your driver, who will take you back to your hotel in either Arusha or Kilimanjaro. You can relax and celebrate your accomplishment before your departure.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720 meters / 12,200 feet) to Marangu Gate (1,830 meters / 6,004 feet)
- Distance Covered: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Price Per Person
SEASON & DATES
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax
PRICE
Per Person
$2,055 USD*
$1,955 USD*
$1,920 USD*
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