6 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Rongai Route

ARRIVAL 

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Take time to relax and acclimatize to the lower altitude while enjoying the scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

During the evening, there will be a detailed orientation and briefing with your guides covering the Rongai Route itinerary, safety guidelines, trekking tips and equipment usage. You will also be fitted with trekking gear such as backpacks, walking poles and other essentials. Dinner will be served at the hotel, allowing you to rest and prepare for the start of your adventure the following morning.
 

DAY 1: RONGAI GATE (1,950 m) – SIMBA CAMP (2,600 m)

After an early breakfast in Moshi, you will drive to Rongai Gate for registration and trek preparations. The hike begins through cultivated farmland and pine forest before entering the montane rainforest zone. The weather at this altitude is generally warm and humid, with possible light rain in the forest.

You will trek at a steady pace for about 3–4 hours, taking short breaks along the way. A packed lunch will be served on the trail at a scenic resting point surrounded by forest and open clearings.

As you gain altitude, the vegetation gradually changes into moorland with cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air. You will arrive at Simba Camp in the afternoon, where your tents will already be set up. Dinner will be served at the camp dining area, followed by a briefing for the next day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP (2,600 m) – SECOND CAVE CAMP (3,450 m)

The day begins with breakfast at Simba Camp while enjoying views over the Kenyan plains. The morning weather is usually cool and clear, ideal for trekking.

You will then continue your ascent through open moorland, where the landscape becomes less dense with low shrubs and grasses. The trek is moderate and lasts about 3–4 hours, with breaks for rest and hydration.

A packed lunch will be enjoyed along the trail with excellent views of Mawenzi Peak. In the afternoon, temperatures may drop slightly as clouds roll in.

Upon arrival at Second Cave Camp, you will have time to relax or take a short acclimatization walk to a higher altitude before returning to camp. Dinner will be served in the early evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP (3,450 m) – KIKELEWA CAMP (3,600 m)

After breakfast at camp, begin trekking towards the rugged slopes of Mawenzi Peak. The trail becomes steeper and more scenic, with dramatic views and unique alpine vegetation.

The weather becomes cooler and drier as you gain altitude, and winds may begin to pick up. The trek takes approximately 3–5 hours, with a lunch break taken along the trail in a sheltered area.

You will arrive at Kikelewa Camp in the early afternoon, located in a quiet valley surrounded by giant groundsels. After some rest, you may take a short acclimatization walk to improve altitude adaptation. Dinner will be served at camp, followed by rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 4: KIKELEWA CAMP (3,600 m) – KIBO HUT (4,700 m)

After an early breakfast, begin your trek towards Kibo Hut. The day starts with a gradual climb past Mawenzi Tarn before crossing the Saddle, a vast alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

This is a long and physically demanding day, taking 5–7 hours. The environment is dry, windy, and exposed, with strong sunlight during the day and colder temperatures as you ascend.

A packed lunch will be taken along the route in the open desert landscape. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt. An early dinner will be served, and you will be advised to sleep early as you will wake up before midnight for the summit climb.

Meals: Breakfast (Kikelewa Camp), Lunch (on the trail), Dinner (Kibo Hut).

DAY 5: KIBO HUT (4,700 m) – UHURU PEAK (5,895 m) – HOROMBO HUT (3,720 m)

You will be awakened around midnight and served a light breakfast with tea and snacks at Kibo Hut. The summit ascent begins under cold, windy, and dark conditions, with temperatures often below freezing.

The climb to the summit takes 6–8 hours, moving slowly through steep scree slopes. You will reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise and continue to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and celebrate your achievement.

After a short time at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a hot lunch and short rest. You will then continue descending to Horombo Hut, passing through alpine desert into moorland. Dinner will be served at Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night recovering from the long day.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT (3,720 m) – MARANGU GATE (1,860 m)

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, begin your final descent through moorland and into the rainforest zone. The weather becomes warmer and more humid as you descend, and the trail may be wet or muddy.

The trek takes 5–7 hours, with a lunch stop along the way or at the gate depending on pace. The route offers a final chance to enjoy the lush vegetation and possibly spot wildlife.

Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you will complete park formalities and receive your summit certificate. You will then be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.