6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha | Moshi town. Here, you will meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek. An equipment check will be conducted to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day.

• Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

This morning begins with a drive to Nale Moru village, the starting point of the Rongai Route. The trail leads through farmland and pine forest, offering a peaceful and scenic start to the trek. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, and with a bit of luck, you may spot elephants or buffalos along the way.

We’ll reach Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone, where we’ll settle in for our first night on the mountain.

• Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
• Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today’s trek takes us steadily up towards First Caves (3482m), where we’ll stop for lunch after covering about 5.8km. After a short break, we continue ascending through moorland terrain, with the scenery opening up beautifully as we gain altitude.

The trail leads us to Kikelewa Camp (3679m), nestled in a sheltered valley. Water is available from a nearby stream just below the camp. By now, you’ll really start to feel the scale of Kilimanjaro around you.

• Approx. time taken: 6 – 7 hours
• Distance: Approximately 11.8 km
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today involves a short but steep climb up grassy slopes that quickly rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. As you gain elevation, the vegetation begins to thin out, giving way to an alpine desert landscape.

You’ll arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically set beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. The afternoon is free for acclimatization walks and exploring the surreal terrain.

• Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
• Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, you’ll head west, steadily ascending along the eastern flank of Kibo. The trail takes you across the saddle — a broad, high-altitude desert that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape here is stark and dramatic, offering a sense of the mountain’s true scale.

The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours, and upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Staying hydrated and minimizing exertion is crucial during this time.

• Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
• Approx. time taken: 5 – 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

You’ll wake around 23:20 for tea and biscuits before starting the summit push. The trail begins with a rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m) — a good place to rest. The climb then zigzags steeply up a scree slope toward Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim — the most mentally and physically demanding part of the entire trek.

From Gillman’s Point, expect snow all the way to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. On reaching the summit, take in the incredible views and emotions — you’ve done it!

After a short time at the top (weather permitting), descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3700m) for your final overnight on the mountain.

• Approx. time taken: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo
  Distance: Approxim 12 – 15 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the heath and rainforest zones, passing Mandara Hut along the way. The hike down takes about 6 hours and is often muddy and slippery, so trekking poles are helpful.

Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out of the park and receive your summit certificates:
- Green certificate for those who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m)
- Gold certificate for those who made it to Uhuru Peak (5895m)

It is advised not to tip the porters until you and your gear are safely at the gate.

After formalities, you’ll be driven back to Moshi for a hot shower, hearty dinner, and well-deserved rest and celebration!

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Distance: Approximately 29 km
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha | Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.