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Tour overview
Get ready for an epic 6-day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania via the Rongai Route. This route is beautiful, although it is not as popular as the other routes. Climbers looking to escape the crowd will love this route. Visit to Tanzania Tours & Travel will make sure that you are on the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the border of Kenya. The route is scenic, offers diverse wildlife, and boasts a higher probability of success due to its gradual height. These successes are perfect for those looking to conquer the Uhuru Peak. This route is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts as well, you will be able to spot buffalos and antelopes as well. Kilimanjaro can be done by anyone with some experience, and this tour includes camping, meals, and other supplies, allowing you to travel light while immersing yourself in the stunning Tanzanian wilderness. After the trek, feel free to extend your tour and go on a safari. Guides play a big role in making your trek easier, and our mountain guides are some of the very best.
Why Choose Visit to Tanzania?
Visit to Tanzania ensures your Kilimanjaro climb is safe, memorable, and tailored to your pace. With expert mountain guides, reliable porter support, and top-notch camping gear, we prioritize your comfort and summit success. The Rongai Route offers a unique blend of solitude, scenic views, and effective acclimatization, making it a standout choice for this high-altitude adventure. Ready to conquer Uhuru Peak? Contact us to customize your Tanzania adventure today!
Trip Style
Private Tour | High Altitude Trekking | Scenic Hiking | Wilderness Camping | Peak Ascent
Day to day itinerary
The Kilimanjaro climb starts at around 7am when you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha. First, a drive of about 3–4 hours brings you to Rongai Gate (1,950m/6,398ft) on the northern slopes of the mountain. After registering with the park authorities, the adventure begins with a trek of 3–4 hours (6.4 km) across beautiful pine plantations and montane forests. During the trek, you will be accompanied by your guide who will lead the way until you reach Simba Camp (2,600m/8,530ft). The camp will have porters waiting to set up your camping gear. With a little help from the guides, you will start the climb. You will be able to see the plains below and might even spot some wildlife like monkeys and antelopes. After the climb, you will have a warm meal to help get ready for the following days.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Choices: Budget- Simba Camp (tented camping)
Main Activities: Drive to the Rongai Gate, which includes a forest trek for acclimatization purposes.
Gained elevation: 650m/2,132ft
Day 2 :
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
One will rise at 6.30 am and be served breakfast before departing for their next location. The Second Cave Camp is located at 3,450m/11,319ft and is a 3–4-hour (6 km) trek away. This part of the hiking trail goes from having forest terrains to moorland, and provides breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro's northern slopes and Kibo Peak being in sight. This gradual ascent helps with preventing altitude sickness by assisting in the acclimatization's process. Mountain guides provide assistance by suggesting pacing tips such as ‘pole pole’ (slowly, slowly) while the support porters manage all the logistics. The arrival time will have everyone at camp ready by midday, so hot lunches can be served right away, and everyone can then retreat into a state of relaxation, along with some light acclimatization walks to the heath covered in giant heather. Dinner will then follow, along with an overnight stay as everyone enjoys the view of the stars in the sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Budget – Second Cave Camp (tented camping)
Key Activities: Moorland trek, acclimatization walk
Elevation Gain: 850m/2,789ft
On the third day, you will have breakfast at 7 AM and then embark on a 4 – 5 hour long, 6.5km long trek to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,811ft). This day’s trekking itinerary winds through rolling moorlands, and to your right, the stunning Mawenzi Peak appears as a reminder of the peak you will soon be setting out for. The path remains steady, making it easy to acclimatize to the lowering levels of oxygen. The mountain guides teach you about the flora of the country, and the Tanzanian culture as a whole, while the porter teams see to it that your gear is brought to you ahead of time. You will arrive at camp mid afternoon in time to enjoy lunch, followed by a nap or a stroll whilst embracing the wilderness. As the temperatures drop, dinner will be served, helping you prepare for the higher altitudes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
Accommodation Options: Budget - Kikelewa Camp (tent camping)
Main Activities: Moorland journey, adjustment
Elevation Gain: 150m/492ft
Rest at dawn for breakfast and continue with a strenuous 4-5 hour trek (4 km) towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft). This section is shorter in distance, however the elevation gain is significant. It leads you to the alpine desert region, characterized by spectacular views of the Kibo mountain on one end, and the Mawenzi Peak's sharp hewed spires on the other. The barren surroundings indicate that you are reaching for an untamed wilderness which will strain your stamina and push you to prevail for the summit. There's a tranquil tarn (lake) close to the camp which serves as a relaxing place for you array of thoughts post lunch, while your mountain guides check on you for the possibility of having altitude sickness. With the energy levels this low, it is best to spend the afternoon reclining and reserving your energy for the more strenuous work that lies ahead. Enjoy dinner with the team while looking at the endless sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation Options: Budget - Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tented camping)
Key Activities: Trekking in alpine desert, rest for acclimatization
Elevation gain: 730m/2,395ft
Wake up at 7:00 am and enjoy breakfast before heading out on a joyous trek of 9 km that lasts 5-6 hours. During this trek, you will pass the Kibo camp, situated at 4,700m/15,420 ft. This hike will take you across the barren “Saddle” that runs between Mawenzi and Kibo and looks like a moon. It provides great scenic views which you will be able to enjoy while extensively jawing with your mates. Reach Kibo during lunch and have a Smokey BBQ with a few hours of chilling. At 11:00 pm, after consuming a light meal, grab your gear. You are now ready for the peak. You need to trek around 6-8 hours to face the Uhuru peak (5,895m/19,341 ft). You will be up there by sunrise and can have a great view of the peak while snapping pictures and smiling for the cameras. After that, trek down for 3-4 hours or reach Kibo Camp and enjoy some hot brunch. This is the last spot where you will rest before conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: breakfast, light meal, brunch
Accommodation Options: Budget - Kibo Camp (tented camping)
Key Activities: Saddle trek, summit, and descent to Kibo
Elevation Gain: 1,195m/3,921ft to summit; Descent 1,195m/3,921ft
How about a little snooze until 7 o'clock? There is breakfast waiting for you, then you will walk for five to six hours, around 15 km distance, until you get to Horombo Hut at 3720m / 12,205 feet. On your way there, you will pass throug moorlands and forests. This final stretch will allow you to enjoy some animal spotting – perhaps looking out for colobus monkeys to relive memories from your trip to Tanzania. After lunch at Horombo, set off for a further 4 to 5 hours, roughly ten kilometers, of walking until Marangu Gate. Make sure to take note of the new elevation at 1860m/6102ft because there you will get your well-earned summit certificate. Finally, there is a short 2–3-hour drive back to Arusha, 100 Kms, and you will be in the city by the afternoon, just in time in case you would like to extend your safari trip to Tanzania’s parks.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged upon request)
Key Activities: Descent, certificate ceremony, return drive
Elevation Loss: 2840m/9318ft
Includes And Excludes
Includes And Excludes
- Meals (as listed daily)
- Tented camping
- Transport (Arusha to Rongai Gate, Marangu Gate to Arusha)
- Guides and porters
- Trekking and summit certificate
- Personal gear
- Extra meals/drinks
- Park fees
- Arusha hotel
- Medical/insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Safari extensions
Prices
| Dates | 2 People | 4 people | 6 people | 8 people | 10 people |
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| Low season |
Price per person
FAQ
What’s included in the 6 Day Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route?
The package includes group-guided trekking via the Rongai Route to Simba Camp, Second Cave Camp, Kikelawa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, and Kibo Camp, culminating in Uhuru Peak. The trek includes accommodations, all meals and purified water, park fees, shared transfers, a certified guide, and a basic climbing experience.
Is the climb suitable for beginners, or do I need mountaineering experience?
The Rongai route is not too hard and can be chosen with good fitness. It is suitable for beginners with no mountaineering experience. However, the summit night can be hard, especially on the steep hills before Gilman’s point.
When is the best time to book a Kilimanjaro climb?
Dry seasons, including January to March and June to October, are the best time for a Kilimanjaro climb. April, May, and November have the risk of rain and may require waterproof gear for climbing.
How does the tour ensure sustainable and ethical practices?
All our Rongai climbing operations follow KINAPA regulations for waste management, trail preservation, fair wages for porters, guides, and cooks, and ethical behaviour by tourists.
best time to visit tanzania
Reviews
My safari with Visit to Tanzania Destination was absolutely unforgettable! The team organized a seamless 5-day adventure through Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Our guide, Juma, was incredibly knowledgeable, spotting wildlife I’d never have seen on my own. The lodges were comfortable, and the food was fantastic. I’m already planning my next trip to climb Kilimanjaro with them! Highly recommend for anyone wanting an authentic Tanzanian experience.
Zanzibar was a dream come true thanks to Visit to Tanzania Destination! The beaches in Stone Town were stunning, and the spice tour they arranged was a highlight – so much history and flavor! Everything was perfectly planned, from transfers to the resort to snorkeling trips. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel so welcome. I’ll be telling all my friends to book with them!
Climbing Kilimanjaro was the adventure of a lifetime, and Visit to Tanzania Destination made it happen flawlessly. The guides were professional. & equipment was top-notch, and the porters were amazing—true heroes! The itinerary was well-paced, and summiting at sunrise was magical. This company knows how to deliver an epic experience. Thank you!
Our family booked a combined safari and Zanzibar trip with Visit to Tanzania Destination, and it was perfection. The kids loved seeing elephants and lions up close, and our guide’s storytelling kept them engaged. Zanzibar’s clear waters and relaxing vibe were the perfect way to unwind after the safari. The team handled every detail, making it stress-free. We’re so grateful for this incredible journey!
