6 Days Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is considered one of the easier routes with a high success rate. It begins on the north side of Kilimanjaro, just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the less frequented paths. Climbers descend via the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southern side, offering a chance to experience different viewpoints of the summit.

The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours, passing through various villages and coffee plantations, with a stop at Marangu to register climbing permits.

Additionally, the Rongai Route can be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, with a 2-hour drive, including the border crossing. We’ll need copies of your passports in advance to facilitate the process.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing
If you’ve selected the optional airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi. We’ll have a pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Moshi. Make sure to arrive at least a day before the trek starts. This day will be spent reviewing the trek, checking your gear, and renting any equipment you may need.

Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp
After breakfast, we drive to the charming village of Nale Moru, located about 2 hours away, with a stop to get permits at Marangu. Upon signing in and preparing the porters, we’ll begin the hike along a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes, gradually entering a pine forest. The trail then ascends steadily but gently through the forest, home to a variety of wildlife. As we continue, the forest thins out, and we’ll reach our first camp at the edge of the moorland zone, offering 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

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
The hike today is a steady ascent towards the Second Cave, where we’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Today, we continue our trek from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
We continue the hike today to Kibo Hut, located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is dedicated to resting and preparing for the summit climb.
Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
We start very early in the morning (between midnight and 2 am) to begin the summit climb. This part of the trek is on steep scree or snow, heading up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (elevation 5700m/18,700ft). From here, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with breathtaking views all around. After enjoying the summit, we descend, stopping for lunch and rest at Kibo before continuing down to the Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft, then down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Trailhead to Moshi
After breakfast, we begin our descent through moorland to the Mandara Hut. From there, we’ll continue down through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. The lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be useful. Light clothing such as shorts and t-shirts should be fine (but keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy). A vehicle will be waiting at Marangu gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Price Includes

  • Four-Season Sleeping Tents: Twin-sharing, waterproof mountain tents.
  • VAT (18%): Included in the package cost.
  • Rescue Fees: Covered as part of park fees.
  • Meals on the Mountain: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
  • Transfers: Round-trip from Moshi hotel to mountain gate.
  • Nutritious Food: Fresh, healthy meals prepared by mountain chefs.
  • Professional Guides: Experienced, licensed guides for a safe climb.
  • Purified Drinking Water: Provided daily.
  • Sleeping Mattress: Comfortable mats for restful sleep.
  • Conservation Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Mess Tents: Dining tents with tables and chairs.
  • Summit Certificate: Awarded to all who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
  • Camping Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder: For high-altitude safety.
  • Staff Salaries and Fees: Fair wages and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks.
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Price not Includes

  • Alcoholic and Bottled Beverages: Not included.
  • Online Payment Surcharge: 5% on advance and balance payments.
  • Tanzania Visa: To be arranged by the traveler.
  • Travel Insurance: Not provided.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and other personal costs.
  • Flights: International and domestic airfare.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and staff.
  • Hotel Accommodation: Available as an optional add-on.
  • Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags, boots, and clothing (available for rent).
  • Unlisted Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional Transfers: Available upon request.