Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and it attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. The Rongai Route is one of the less crowded routes up the mountain. It starts on the northeast side of the mountain near the Kenyan border and descends on the southeast side of the mountain. The route is six days long and is considered a more challenging route due to its steep ascent.

The Rongai route offers a variety of stunning scenery, including the remote wilderness area of the northern slopes, views of Mawenzi Peak, and the Kibo crater. This route is ideal for those who want a more isolated trek and who enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
• Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Cave Camp
• Day 3: Kikelewa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
• Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
• Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
• Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

— Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Simba Camp

Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

— Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Walking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Moorland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Second Cave Camp

Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Third Cave

Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

— Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
— Distance: 9km/5mi
— Walking Time: 2-3 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Third Cave Camp

Day 4: Hike Third Cave to Kibo Hut

Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!

— Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut Camp

Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

— Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
— Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut Camp

Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
— Distance: 20km/12.5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge