6 Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro | Rongai Route 6 Days | Trekking Itinerary & Prices | 6 Days Rongai Route Climbing Tanzania | 6 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route | 6 Days Rongai Route Climb | Rongai Route Kilimanjaro 95% Summit Success Rate | 6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route | 6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai route | Mt Kilimanjaro Climbs
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints.
The drive to the trailhead takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu. The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including the border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
All our Kilimanjaro treks are offered as a private trip, starting on any day.
Kilimanjaro Climbing 6 Days Rongai Route Hike Summary Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive to Kilimanjaro Rongai Gate (Nale Moru – 2000 Meters/ 6560 Feet), Hike to Simba Camp (2650 Meters/ 8700 Feet)
Day 2 : Hike Simba Camp (2650 Meters/ 8700 Feet) to Second Cave (3450 Meters/ 11,300 Feet)
Day 3 : Hike Second Cave (3450 Meters/ 11,300 Feet) to Third Cave (3880 Meters/ 12,700 Feet)
Day 4 : Hike Third Cave (3880 Meters/ 12,700 Feet) to Kibo Hut (4750 Meters/ 15,600 Feet)
Day 5 : Kibo Hut (4700 Meters/ 15,500 Feet) Hike to Summit (5895 Meters/ 19,340 Feet), and down to Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet)
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/12,200 Feet) to the trailhead at Marangu Gate (1700 Meters/ 5500 Feet) Park drive to Moshi
Day by Day Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp (L & D)
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 the 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/6560feet to 2650m/8700feet
* 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 (BLD)
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/8700 feet to 3450m/11,300 feet
* 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 Third Cave (BLD)
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
* Elevation: 3450m/11,300 feet to 3880m/12,700 feet
* Distance: 9km/5mi
* Walking Time: 2-3 hours
* Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Third Cave Camp
Day 4: Hike Third Cave to Kibo Hut (BLD)
Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
* Elevation: 3880m/12,700 feet to 4750m/15,600 feet
* Distance: 5km/3mi
* Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
* Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut (BLD)
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 (elevation 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 on 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 having an optimistic attitude will get you there!
* Elevation: 4700m/15,500feet to 5895m/19,340feet
* Down to 3700m/12,200feet
* Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9miles down
* Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9miles down
* Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp
Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to the trailhead, drive to Moshi (B)
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/12,200feet to 1700m/5500feet
* Distance: 20km/12.5miles
*Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
*Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
6-Day Rongai Route Prices are Per Person and Valid for Trips through December 31, 2022, Including:
All accommodations per itinerary + All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) + All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded) + All transportation and transfers per itinerary + National Park gate fees + Transport from Moshi to the trailhead and return to Moshi + Camping fees + Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes + Salaries for all crew members + Rescue fees (as required by the national park) + Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils + Oximeters & Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)
People in Group: |
1 Guest
|
2-3 Guests
|
4-6 Guests
|
7+ Guests
|
Mid-Range Lodging: |
3,295 US Dollars | 2,695 US Dollars | 2,395 US Dollars | 2,295 US Dollars |
Notes:
6-Day Rongai Route Prices Exclude:
* Optional tours
* Meals not listed
* Beverages and alcohol
* Single room supplement
* 40 US Dollars for a single tent
* International and domestic flights
* Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
* Sleeping bags and personal gear
* Low season discount in April/May
* Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
* Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget 350-500 US Dollars/person)