Rongai Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Trekking
- Kilimanjaro NP
Overview
The 6-day Rongai Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a scenic and less crowded ascent, starting near the Kenyan border and gradually climbing through diverse landscapes. Known for its gentler gradient and striking views, this route begins in lush rainforest and transitions to moorland, semi-desert, and alpine desert as it approaches the summit. Key highlights include the stunning vistas of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields, the tranquil campsites such as Simba Camp and Kibo Huts, and the rewarding experience of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5895m, the highest point in Africa. The Rongai Route 6 Days trek is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more remote path to the summit while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Route Highligts
- Diverse Ecological Zones
- Panoramic Views and Scenic Beauty
- Comfortable Hut Accommodations
Itinerary
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.
Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate.
DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP
- Distance: 7 km / 5 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft
- Altitude Gained: 638m
Depart from Moshi and drive for 4-5 hours through coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After permits are issued, begin your trek through beautiful wooded scenery and winding trails. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Simba Camp, near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, offers spectacular views of the Kenyan plains.
DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP
- Distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft
- Altitude Gained: 852m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, continue along the moorland terrain on a consistently ascending path. You’ll enjoy terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as you approach the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP
- Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Semi Desert
- Elevation: 3487m/11,440ft to 3936m/12,913ft
- Altitude Gained: 449m
After breakfast and packing, continue your steady ascent, entering the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Eastern ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS
- Distance: 6.7 km / 4.2 mi
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4750m/15,580ft
- Altitude Gained: 814m
Depart early from Third Cave and trek into the Alpine Desert terrain. The day’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. Prepare your clothing and equipment before going to bed by 7 PM to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.
DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT – HOROMBO HUTS
- Distance Up: 4 km / 2.5 mi
- Duration Up: 5-7 hours
- Distance Down: 15.75 km / 9.8 mi
- Duration Down: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation Up: 4750m/15,580ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained: 1145m
- Descent to: 3721m/12,208ft
- Altitude Lost: 2174m
Start early, between midnight and 2 a.m., for the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest here. The remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak may involve snow. After celebrations and photos at the summit, begin your steep descent to Horombo Hut, stopping at Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. We recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft
- Altitude Lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. Continue the descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you will be leaving them here. Return to Marangu Gate to receive your summit certificates. The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Credit Card Transfer Fees
Not Included
- Flight
- Visa fees
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendations
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Tips for porters and mountain crew? ($20 Guide, $15 Cook, $10 Porter)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
- No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
Supplements
- Off-season supplement = USD 90
Charged for solo trekkers looking to start a new departure in March, April, May, and November. Does not apply if you join an existing group. Does not apply if other trekkers also join your new group.
Private Trek
Solo Trekker
$ 1909 USD*
2 Persons
$ 1731 USD*
4 Persons
$ 1678 USD*
6 Persons
$ 1648 USD*
8 Persons
$ 1633 USD*
10+ Persons
$ 1617 USD*
Available Discounts
- Children between 5 years and 15 years old
Code: CHILDKILI10 – USD 590 per person - Expatriates/Residents living in Tanzania
Code: EXPATKILI10 – USD 210 per person - East African Citizens
Code: EACKILI10 – USD 750 per person
ADDONS
HOTELS
Enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure with our comfortable addon hotels. Perfect for pre and post-climbing accommodation, offering relaxation, modern amenities, and seamless transitions for an unforgettable journey.
GEAR
Enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure with our addon gear options. Ensure you’re fully equipped with high-quality trekking gear, including jackets, boots, poles, and more, for a safe and comfortable climb.
TRANSFERS
Make your Kilimanjaro adventure seamless with our addon transfer options. Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers to and from your hotel, ensuring comfort, safety, and convenience at the start and end of your journey
How it works
- Describe your dream adventure
- Expert will help curate your experience
- Confirm & start packing for the adventure
Let's plan your dream Safari!
Enquire now and Our Experts will get back to you within 24 hours
