6 Days Rongai Route
Overview
Stay Locations
- Day 1 - Simba Camp
- Day 2 - Kikelewa Camp
- Day 3 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Day 4 - Kibo Hut
- Day 5 - Uhuru Peak
- Day 6 - Horombo Hut
Itinerary
Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
Elevation: 6,398 ft (1,950 m) to 9,300 ft (2,835 m) | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, a 2-3 hour scenic drive will take you from Moshi to the Rongai Gate, passing through farmland and small villages on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. After completing the necessary registration, the trek begins. The trail winds through lush farmland and pine forests, offering a gentle ascent that allows you to acclimatize slowly. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and other wildlife along the way. You’ll arrive at Simba Camp by mid-afternoon, where you’ll be served a hot meal and enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Elevation: 9,300 ft (2,835 m) to 11,810 ft (3,600 m) | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek takes you out of the forest and into the moorland zone. As you ascend, the vegetation becomes sparser, offering views of Mawenzi Peak in the distance. The trail gradually becomes steeper as you approach Kikelewa Camp, where you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views. After arriving at camp, you’ll enjoy a hot meal and relax, surrounded by the peace and beauty of the high-altitude wilderness.
Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Elevation: 11,810 ft (3,600 m) to 14,157 ft (4,315 m) | Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, offering dramatic views of the mountain. The landscape transforms into rocky alpine desert as you ascend toward Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. The tarn (small mountain lake) creates a stunning and surreal setting. Upon arrival at camp, you’ll have the opportunity to rest or embark on a short acclimatization hike to prepare for the higher elevations ahead.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 14,157 ft (4,315 m) to 15,430 ft (4,703 m) | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours| Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you’ll cross the Saddle, a vast alpine desert that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This part of the trek is characterized by its barren landscape, with little vegetation but expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged beauty. The hike to Kibo Hut is gradual but can feel challenging due to the altitude. Upon arrival at Kibo, you’ll rest and prepare for the final ascent to the summit.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 15,430 ft (4,703 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m) then down to 12,205 ft (3,720 m) | Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Ascent Time: 6-8 hours | Descent Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Arctic / Heath
Around midnight, you’ll begin the most challenging part of your climb — the final push to the summit. The trail to Gillman’s Point is steep and covered in loose volcanic scree, making the trek strenuous and mentally demanding. Upon reaching Gillman’s Point (18,650 ft / 5,685 m) on the crater rim, you’ll continue to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft / 5,895 m), the highest point on the African continent. After a brief celebration at the summit, you’ll begin your descent to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi
Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m) to 6,046 ft (1,843 m) | Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland to Montane Forest
Your final day on Kilimanjaro begins with a descent through the moorland zone and into the lush rainforest. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Marangu Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your certificates of achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where you can celebrate your accomplishment with a hot shower and a well-deserved meal.
Book This Tour
Included
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- Tips.
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance
Are you ready to begin planning your Trekking Experience?
Our team specializes in crafting personalized journeys through Tanzania, ensuring a unique safari experience for everyone. Anticipate unforgettable encounters with diverse breathtaking sunsets, all tailored to your individual preferences.
This isn’t just a trip; it’s a customized adventure. Begin planning today!
Mountain Trekking - Packages
Marangu Gate, Mandara Huts, Horombo Huts, Kibo Huts, Uhuru Peak
Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Uhuru Peak
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
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