6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route
Tour Overview
Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route – 6 Days
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341 ft) from the northern side, near the Kenyan border. Known for its remote feel, low foot traffic, and drier climate, it offers a more solitary and peaceful experience compared to the popular southern routes.
The 6-day itinerary includes a vital acclimatization day to increase your chances of a successful summit. The ascent provides striking views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged northern slopes, while the descent via the Marangu Route on the southern side gives you a diverse and scenic cross-section of the mountain. Ideal for those who prefer a gradual climb and a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Tour Highlights
Least crowded route on Kilimanjaro.
Spectacular views of the Kenyan plains and Mawenzi Peak
Gradual ascent—excellent for acclimatization.
One of the few routes that passes the Mawenzi Tarn, a dramatic alpine lake.
Stunning sunrise summit from the crater rim.
Descent on a different route (Marangu), offering full mountain exposure.
Perfect for those seeking solitude, scenery, and success.
Route Type: Camping Accommodation
Route: Rongai Route
Duration: 6 Days on the Mountain / 2 Nights at Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: High with Acclimatization
Best For: Trekkers seeking a quieter, scenic route with a gradual ascent and drier conditions
Price - Based on2 Pax $2,300 Per Person
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome to Kilimanjaro.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you’ll be warmly greeted by a representative from Travencia Safaris. After a friendly welcome and short briefing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. As you drive through the foothills of Kilimanjaro, keep an eye on the horizon, on clear days, the mountain may reveal itself briefly before retreating behind clouds. This first glimpse of Africa’s tallest peak often stirs a mix of excitement and awe.
- Accommodation: Planet Lodge.
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2: Nalemoru Gate (1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,625m)
Your trek begins at Nalemoru Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registration and meeting your porters and guides, you start your ascent through lush pine forests, home to colobus monkeys and exotic birds. The trail is steady and gentle, ending at Simba Camp, located in a small clearing with views over the Kenyan plains. Overnight at Simba Camp, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Distance: ~8 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Day 3: Simba Camp → Second Cave (3,450m) → Kikelewa Camp(3,630m)
Today’s trek begins with a gradual ascent from Simba Camp through open moorland, offering wide views of the plains below. You’ll stop briefly at Second Cave Camp (3,450m) for acclimatization and a rest, where views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks begin to open up.
From there, the trail becomes steeper as you continue to Kikelewa Camp (3,630m), set in a small sheltered valley near giant senecios. The changing vegetation and landscape mark your steady climb toward higher altitude. Overnight at Kikelewa Camp, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)
This is a steeper climb compared to previous days, but it’s short. You ascend to Mawenzi Tarn, a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath the spires of the Mawenzi peak.
The scenery is dramatic and rugged—this is one of the most scenic camps on the mountain. In the afternoon, you’ll do a short acclimatization hike to help your body adjust to the altitude. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
You traverse the Saddle, a lunar-like expanse of high-altitude desert that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo. This is a long, dry, and windy day, but the gradient is manageable. You arrive at Kibo Hut, the base camp for the summit push. After an early dinner, you’ll rest as the summit climb begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Hut, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Day 6: Summit Day! – Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
You’ll start the climb around midnight, ascending steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s a slow walk along the edge of the crater to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Expect freezing temperatures, wind, and limited oxygen—this is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. After a short time at the summit (due to the altitude), you descend all the way down to Horombo Hut, where you can rest at a much lower altitude. Overnight at Horombo Hut, Meals included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Distance: ~6 km ascent + 16 km descent
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Day 7: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate (1,860m)
A long descent through the heath and rainforest zones. You might see monkeys again and enjoy warmer, more oxygen-rich air. At Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out, receive your summit certificates (green for Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak), and say goodbye to your crew.
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Accommodation: Planet Lodge.
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast.
PRICING INCLUDES
- Airport transfers (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (one night before and one night after the trek, with breakfast included)
- Comfortable, high-quality, four-season mountain tents (shared by two climbers)
- Mess tent for dining and shelter
- Sleeping mattress
- All park entry fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Professional, experienced mountain guides (Wilderness First Responder certified)
- Assistant guides, cooks, and porters to support you throughout the trek
- Emergency oxygen cylinder carried on the trek for safety purposes
- Pulse oximeter monitoring (daily health checks)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), freshly prepared by our mountain chef
- Drinking water (filtered and treated)
- Summit certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park
- Fair wages for guides, cooks, and porters (following Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project guidelines)
- Transfer to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate
- Pre-climb briefing with your guide
PRICING EXCLUDES
- International airfare to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania entry visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory and must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended guidelines will be provided)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.)
- Lunch and dinner in Arusha (except breakfast at the hotel)
- Additional hotel nights beyond those included in the itinerary (if required)
- Personal expenses (such as souvenirs, snacks, and laundry)
- Beverages other than those served with meals (soft drinks, alcohol)
- Optional activities or excursions before or after your trek
- Half-day room use if your departure flight is late and you wish to rest after check-out (available at extra cost)
- Portable power banks or solar chargers for electronic devices
Inquire This Tour
Acclimatization Considerations – Rongai Route 6 Days
The 6-day Rongai Route offers a quieter, scenic ascent up Kilimanjaro from the northern side, with a relatively gentle gradient. However, compared to the 7-day version, the shorter itinerary provides less time for altitude adjustment, which can affect your summit success rate — especially if you’re not already acclimatized or experienced at altitude.
Gradual Ascent = Excellent Acclimatization
Starting at Rongai Gate (1,950m), the route climbs gradually through forest, heath, and alpine desert zones. The steady daily elevation gains allow the body to adjust slowly, reducing the likelihood of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and improving summit success rates.
No Extra Acclimatization Day:
: In contrast to the 7-day itinerary, the 6-day version does not include a second night at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, a key opportunity for rest and altitude exposure. Without this, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) increases, particularly on the final ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak.
Climb High, Sleep Low” Advantage
While the route still follows a steady elevation gain, opportunities to ascend high and descend to sleep lower — a proven acclimatization method — are more limited in this version. Optional short hikes from Mawenzi Tarn can help, but they are not built into the schedule as formally as on longer routes.
Hydration, Nutrition & Steady Pacing Are Key
Even with an ideal altitude profile, trekkers should stay vigilant: drink water frequently, maintain a steady pace, eat regularly, and rest well to ensure the body continues to adapt throughout the ascent.
Ideal for First-Time and Cautious Trekkers:
The Rongai Route is recommended for:
- First-time high-altitude hikers
- Trekkers concerned about altitude sickness
- Those seeking a quieter, more remote experience without technical difficulty
- Anyone prioritizing a safer, more comfortable summit approach
Preventive Altitude Medication (Optional):
While the route allows natural acclimatization, some trekkers may still benefit from preventive altitude medication like Diamox (consult your doctor). It’s also wise to learn the early signs of AMS and communicate any symptoms to your guide promptly.
Experience & Support
- Led by expert Travencia Safaris mountain guides, certified in Wilderness First Response (WFR).
- Supported by a full mountain crew (guides, cooks, porters).
- Emergency protocols in place, including oxygen, oximeters, and park rescue access.
- All camping equipment and hot meals included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Know before you go
- Accommodation is on a sharing basis: you will share a twin/double room in the hotel, a night before and after the hike, If you travel alone, you will be matched with a same-gender adventurer. A single supplement room is available $350 for two nights if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip.
- On the mountain you will sleep in the tents on your own mattress but share a tent with other travel companion. A single supplement tent is available $250 for the whole trip if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip.
- The diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by professional high-altitude cooks
- This is an 8-day hike to summit Kilimanjaro but this package also includes 2 nights’ accommodation in a hotel (1 night before the climb and 1 night after)
Paperwork Needed
The Marangu Route earned the nickname “Coca-Cola Route” because, historically, climbers could buy Coca-Cola and snacks at the huts along the way.
It also refers to the route’s greater accessibility and comfort — climbers sleep in huts instead of tents, and the trail is well-established. Compared to the more rugged “Whiskey Route” (Machame), Marangu offers a smoother and more social trekking experience.
Do I Need to Carry All My Own Gear on Kilimanjaro?
Absolutely not! Because our trips are fully supported, our porters will carry most of your gear from hut to hut.
You only have to carry a small daypack with the things that you might need while hiking to the next campsite. Generally, that would include extra clothing, rain gear, snacks and water.
Everything else goes into your duffel bag, which will be ready in your room by the hut you get to the camp.
Our porters will place your duffel bag and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure.
Is There a Weight Limit for My Kilimanjaro Gear?
Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. So be selective in what you take with you.
The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring too much gear. If you are having issues getting under the weight limit, review your gear along with our gear list carefully and cut out any extra or unnecessary items
Note that all the gear that the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into the duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is OK to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary. If you rent a sleeping bag from us, note that the bag weighs 5 lbs 6 oz. and this weight does count against the 33 lb limit.
If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter. It is rare to require an extra porter and should happen only in special cases, such as for carrying extensive photography equipment.
Can I Store Extra Luggage at the Hotel?
Yes. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climb, such safari clothing, gear and equipment, can be safely stored at the hotel.
What Happens if My Baggage is Lost or Delayed?
If your baggage is lost or delayed, please notify us immediately upon your arrival so we can assist you in assembling the necessary gear. We will take you to local, independently owned gear shops in Moshi. But you might not be able to find what you need at these stores and the quality and condition of the gear might be substandard. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to carry on the most important pieces of gear as noted above.
We will make reasonable attempts to deliver delayed luggage to you on the mountain. All additional expenses that are incurred by us while resolving lost or delayed luggage problems must be reimbursed locally.
What Gear Do I Need To Climb Kilimanjaro?
The gear required to climb Kilimanjaro is extensive. You are responsible for bringing personal gear and equipment while communal equipment (tents, food, cooking items, etc.) is provided
Below is a Kilimanjaro gear list of required, recommended and optional items to bring on your climb.
Technical Clothing
1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, with hood
2 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
3 – Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking (hood recommended)
1 – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking (optional)
1 – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)
2 – Hiking Pants
1 – Fleece Pants, warm
1 – Shorts (optional)
1 – Long Underwear, moisture-wicking
4 – Underwear, moisture-wicking
3 – Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 – Knit Hat, for warmth
1 – Neck Gaiter, for dust, wind and warmth
Handwear
1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 – Gloves, light
Footwear
1 – Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof
4 – Socks, wool or synthetic
1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
1 – Sunglasses
1 – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
1 – Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
1 – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
1 – Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or “Ziploc”-Type Plastic Bags, to keep gear dry and separate. Note that there is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, however Ziploc-type bags for toiletries are permitted for tourists.
Equipment
1 – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons*
1 – Sleeping Pad, inflatable (optional, foam pad provided)
1 – Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
1 – Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)*
1 – Head Lamp, with extra batteries
1 – Duffel Bag, 70L-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
1 – Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear
*may be rented on location
Other
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent,
- containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (recommended)
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Where Will I Sleep On Kilimanjaro?
Mountain Hardwear Tents
Climbers will sleep in state of the art, four-season mountain tents during the trek.
Our Mountain Hardwear tents are warm, waterproof and roomy – perfectly suited for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
We understand that some climbers are anxious about camping for so many days, so we aim to have them be as dry, warm and comfortable as possible.
Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 tents are built for the toughest alpine conditions.
Trango 3 tents are standard issue for refined basecamp shelters on mountaineering expeditions worldwide.
Each three-person sized tent will comfortably house two climbers and their gear. The interior floor space is 48 square feet, with a large vestibule, dual doors, and internal mesh pockets. The Trango 3 is a fully waterproof tent with fully taped seams and welded corners
A 1.5inch foam sleeping pad is provided to all climbers.
These sleeping pads are better than any commercially available sleeping pad. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring another sleeping pad unless you really want to use your own, or perhaps to double up on pads.
Our sleeping pads are thick, warm and comfortable, even for those not used to camping. Most of our clients are pleasantly surprised how well they manage to sleep on our trips.
The pad is placed inside a washable cover for cleanliness.
Mountain Hardwear Sleeping Bag Rentals
Mountain Hardwear Lamina -20F and -30F sleeping bags are available for rent on location in Tanzania for $50 per trip (USD). You do not need to reserve them ahead of time. Just request a rental sleeping bag at the trip briefing on the day before your climb.
These warm, winter synthetic sleeping bags are constructed to enhance loft and eliminate cold spots. The durable nylon shell repels water while the polyester lining wicks away moisture, keeping weary climbers dry and warm.
The Lamina is long enough to fit someone 6′ 6″ tall, weighs 5 lbs 14 oz. and is temperature rated to -20F (-29C) or -30F (-34C), more than sufficient even for Kilimanjaro’s chilly nights.
They are washed after every use and rented for only a short period before they are removed from the rental inventory
