6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb

6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Rongai Route

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route

Kilimanjaro climbing Rongai Route is the only route to ascend up the North side of the mountain, originating close to the Kenyan border. It is considered one of the easiest routes up Mount Kilimanjaro and boasts a high success rate for reaching the summit. However, it is one of the less-frequently used routes, mostly attributed to the long drive required to reach the gate on day one. This has its advantages though, as it is less crowded and therefore a quieter way to ascend the mountain.

The Rongai route is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route.

Itinerary

ARRIVAL DAY

On the arrival day, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

DAY 1: RONGAI GATE TO RONGAI CAVE

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Accommodation: Rongai Cave

DAY 2: RONGAI CAVE TO SECOND CAVE THEN KIKELEWA CAVE

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Heath

Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave

Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Heath

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Accommodation: Kikelewa Cave

DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAVE TO MAWENZI TARN

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn

DAY 4: MAWENZI TARN TO KIBO HUT

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

DAY 5: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

Forest On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation loss (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain

Meal Plan: Breakfast, and Lunch.

Accommodation: Your Hotel

DEPARTURE DAY

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

Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Group price

$2200 per person when 1 person travels alone

$1800 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together

$1700 per person when 5 – 7 persons travel together

$1600 per person when 8 – 15 persons travel together

For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

What is included

• Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi.

• 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb

• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate

• Park entry fees, Camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees

• 4 Season mountain tents

• Double layered Sleeping Mats

• Professional mountain guides, cook and porters

• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain

• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek

• Hot water for washing

• Fair treatment and payment of our crew

• Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

• Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent

• Emergency first-aid kit, and Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

What is not included

– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook