Overview
Want to steer clear of Kilimanjaro's busier trails? Rongai is among the least-traveled paths to the summit. It approaches from the northern side of the mountain, near the Kenyan border, and feels quieter and more remote than Marangu or Machame.
The landscape also differs from the southern routes: it's drier and more open in places, and it shows a side of the mountain that most climbers never see, because far fewer operators run climbs this way.
Despite the "6 Day" name, this itinerary spends 8 days on the mountain, which allows well-paced acclimatization. That's a real boost to summit chances, and a big reason we suggest Rongai to climbers who want a quiet route and good odds of reaching Uhuru Peak. You camp in tents throughout and descend by the Marangu route on the southern side, so a single climb shows you two quite different faces of the mountain.
Check our route length and success rate guide, or contact us to book your Rongai climb.
A real elevation profile for the Rongai Route — 5,895m at the summit, from a 1,900m start.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (8 days)
On this 6 Day Kilimanjaro Rongai route, you are met on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to Moshi. You are free to spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening there is a briefing to prepare you for the trek ahead. Your night will be spent at the Sal Salinero Hotel.
Meal: Dinner
Once breakfast is over, a vehicle takes you to the north-western side of Kilimanjaro, and after 3 to 4 hours you arrive at Nalemoru Gate, where our climb begins. The trail follows the fields of mountain farmers and pine forests, then enters the thin mountain forest belt, where black and white colobus monkeys are often seen. After about 3 to 4 hours of walking, you get to Simba Camp, where you stay the night.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
The trek today crosses the heather and moorland zones, with grand views of Mawenzi and the wide Kenyan steppes. Lunch is at the Second Cave (3,450 m), and after a brief rest you cross rolling terrain to reach Kikelewa Camp. The camp offers wonderful views, and after a tiring day on the trail you can unwind in its calm surroundings.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Before long the typical scenic vegetation fades and the landscape turns more barren, dotted with occasional rock formations. When the weather is good, you can take in sweeping views of the Kibo and Mawenzi summits and of Kenya’s savannah grasslands. A few more rock formations later, you reach Mawenzi Hut, which many climbers consider the most atmospheric camp on the mountain.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today's stage crosses the Kibo Saddle along a fairly gentle path. The landscape is bare, since only a handful of grasses and other plants can survive in the dry air and thin atmosphere. One last rocky section must be tackled shortly before you reach the day's destination. You finish at the School Hut, where you can rest and get your mind ready for tomorrow's summit push. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
The ascent starts at about 00:00, and after 5 to 7 hours on frozen volcanic ash you arrive at Gillman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Warmed by the sun, you hike a further 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak, where you stand on “Africa’s Roof.” The way down follows nearly the same route over ash that has since thawed, and you reach School Hut late in the morning. A hot meal is served there, and once you have rested the descent carries on to Horombo Hut.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Following an easy descent of about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you reach Marangu Gate in the early afternoon. After saying farewell to your mountain crew, a short transfer brings you to Sal Salinero Hotel, where you can enjoy a warm shower and celebrate what you have accomplished.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Once you have had breakfast, you are driven to Kilimanjaro Airport. If you prefer, you can instead head out on safari or extend your stay at the beach.
Meals: breakfast
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.