6 Days / 5 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations
Simba Camp /Second Cave /Third Cave /Kibo Hut /Horombo Hut / Moshi Hotel
Style
Mountai Trekking
Total hiking distance
100 km
About this Tour
One of the simplest ways with a very high success rate is the Rongai Route. One of the least popular routes, it begins on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border. Climbers can observe the peak from a variety of vantage points because the descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain.
The trip from Moshi to the trailhead, which passes through numerous towns and coffee fields and includes a stop in Marangu to obtain climbing permits, takes roughly three hours.
Amboseli National Park in Kenya is another point of access to the Rongai Route. Give yourself two hours to reach the border. Passport copies will be required in advance.
Brief itinerary below
Day 0: Arrival
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be picked up from with our driver and transfer you to the Hotel for overnight. (Bed & breakfast.
Destination
Moshi
Meals Plan
Bed & breakfast
Overnight
Panama Garden Lodge
Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp
Travel for around two hours, including a stop in Marangu to obtain permissions, to reach the charming wooden town of Nale Moru. You will start the walk on a broad trail that winds past potato and maize fields before entering a pine forest after registering and getting the porters ready.
After there, the track begins to climb steadily but gently through a lovely woodland that is home to a variety of wildlife. The first camp is situated at the edge of the moorland zone with broad views of the Kenyan lowlands as the forest starts to thin out.
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Distance
6km/4mi
Habitat
Montane Forest
Overnight
Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave
With breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim, the morning walk climbs steadily to the Second Cave.
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Distance
6km/4mi
Habitat
Moorland
Overnight
Secind Cave
Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave
Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
Hiking Time
2-3 hours
Distance
9km/5mi
Habitat
Semi-desert
Overnight
Third Cave
Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut
Trek to Kibo Hut, which is located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The rest of the day is spent getting ready for the last climb and a very early day!
Hiking Time
3-4 hours
Distance
5km/3mi
Habitat
Alpine desert.
Overnight
Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Start the ascent to Gilman’s Point, which is situated on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft), very early in the morning (midnight to 2am) on steep, heavy scree or snow. Moving forward, we climb to Africa’s highest peak, Uhuru Peak. There are breathtaking views everywhere you look. Take a photo at the summit to share with your loved ones. From here, we descend, making a stop at Kibo for lunch and recuperation before moving on to the Horombo campsite.
This climb starts in the dark and requires flashlights or headlamps. You will need all of your warm clothing because it will be extremely cold until you begin your descent. With numerous switchbacks, this is by far the most challenging portion of the journey. You can get there by moving “pole pole” steadily and with a positive attitude!
Hiking Time
6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Distance
6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat
Alpine Desert
Overnight
Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to trail head to Moshi hotel
We descend steadily through moorland to the Mandara Hut after breakfast. Proceed down the path through the verdant forest until you reach the Marangu National Park gate. It can be muddy and wet at lower elevations. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. It will likely be sufficient to wear shorts and t-shirts (have warmer clothes and rain gear on hand).
Our car will pick you up at the Marangu gate and take you back to your Moshi accommodation, which will take around an hour.
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Distance
20km/12.5mi
Habitat
Forest
INCLUDED
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- National Park gate fees
- Transfers Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi to starting point on mountain and return to Moshi then Kilimanjaro Airport
- Hut fees
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
- Salaries for all crew members
- Rescue fees (as required by national park)
- Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Oximeters
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $200-500/person)
- Sleeping bags and personal gear
- Single Supplement $80
Eco Dream Safari
Trekking Specialist
Enquire this Tour
Why Eco Dream
- Responsible Luxury & Comfort
- Personalized Safari Experience
- Authentic Wildlife Experience
Turn Your Kilimanjaro Dream into Reality
With our Kilimanjaro trekking experiences, every climb is designed around you. You have the freedom to choose your preferred route, pace, and level of challenge. Our sample itineraries are flexible and can be fully customized to match your goals—whether you seek a steady summit approach, a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, or a deeply rewarding personal achievement on Africa’s highest peak.
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