6 DAYS KILIMANJARO RONGAI ROUTE
This 7-day itinerary includes an arrival day in Tanzania followed by a 6-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. Starting on the northern side, this quieter route offers a scenic journey through forest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit, culminating at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). With tented camps and a balanced pace, it maximizes your chances of summiting while enjoying the wilderness.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha (about 1-hour drive). Rest after your journey or explore the town. Meet your guide in the evening for a pre-climb briefing to review the itinerary and gear.
- Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar in Arusha)
- Meal Plan: Dinner (Full Board begins the next day)
Day 2: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
- Distance: 7 km
- Elevation: 1,950m to 2,600m
- Time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, drive from Arusha to Rongai Gate (2.5-3 hours). Register with park authorities, then trek through pine forests and farmland to Simba Camp. This gentle ascent offers views of the plains and marks your entry into the moorland zone.
Day 3: Simba Camp to Second Cave
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation: 2,600m to 3,450m
- Time: 3-4 hours
Trek through moorland after breakfast, with heather and volcanic rocks lining the trail. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak as you ascend to Second Cave. Arrive by midday, leaving time to rest and acclimatize in the afternoon.
Day 4: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation: 3,450m to 3,600m
- Time: 3-4 hours
Continue through moorland with a gradual ascent to Kikelewa Camp. This shorter day aids acclimatization, offering views of Mawenzi Peak and the eastern slopes. Rest at camp to prepare for higher altitudes.
Day 5: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn
- Distance: 5 km
- Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
- Time: 4-5 hours
Ascend steeply into the alpine desert after breakfast, passing rugged terrain and cliffs. Reach Mawenzi Tarn, a picturesque campsite beneath Mawenzi Peak’s spires. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the tarn area.
Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut and Summit Attempt (Uhuru Peak)
- Distance: 9 km to Kibo Hut, 6 km to summit
- Elevation: 4,330m to 4,703m (Kibo), then 5,895m (summit)
- Time: 11-14 hours total
Trek across the saddle to Kibo Hut (4-5 hours) after breakfast. Rest briefly, then begin the summit push at midnight. Ascend through scree to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) by dawn, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise. After celebrating, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest.
Day 7: Kibo Hut to Mweka Gate, Return to Arusha
- Distance: 20 km
- Elevation: 4,703m to 1,650m
- Time: 6-8 hours
After breakfast, descend through the Mweka Route’s rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail passes moorland and lush vegetation, offering a final glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s diversity. Receive your summit certificate (if successful), then drive back to Arusha (2-3 hours).
- Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar in Arusha)
- Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
What's Included on the Price
INCLUDED
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport to/from your hotel in Arusha.
- Accommodation: Pre- and post-climb
- Meals: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park Fees: Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees.
- Guide and Porters: Professional English-speaking guide, cook, and porters to carry gear and set up camp.
- Transport: Transfers between Arusha and Trekking Gate.
- Summit Certificate: Provided upon successful summiting (Green Certificate for Gilman’s Point, Gold for Uhuru Peak).
EXCLUDED
- International Flights: Airfare to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visa Fees: Tanzania entry visa (check requirements based on your nationality).
- Personal Gear: Trekking equipment (e.g., sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, headlamp, boots).
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and cook (suggested: $15-20/day for guide, $10-15/day for porters, split among group).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory coverage for high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
- Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, sodas, or bottled water (water is provided but may need purification tablets).
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, or additional activities in Arusha.
- Extra Nights: Accommodation if you arrive early or stay longer post-climb.
