6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route
Tour overview
Rongai is the only northern route up Kilimanjaro. It will take you past the second-highest point in Tanzania – Mawenzi while offering bird’s-eye views of the mountain’s rain forest. The gentle gradient and its gradual acclimatization bring one safely to the highest point of Africa – Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak, at 5,895 m. Rongai Route boasts high success rates of 84 and 94 percent on 7-day climbs, respectively. Rongai is great for travelers with previous exposure to high altitude and offers an escape from fellow-climbers, as it requires the longest drive before reaching the park gate
Tour Type
Duration
Tour Location
Airport Pickup
- Kilimanjaro Int. Airport (KIA)
Tour Highlights
- Exceeding the Kilimanjaro
- Ascent via the Rongai route, descent via the Marangu route
- Very varied route from the dry north to the lush south
- Great views in the savannah and on the Mawenzi, on the route is the only mountain lake at Kilimanjaro
- Total distance about 70 km
Tour Itinerary
Kisambi Tours' representative will welcome you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and accompany you to your accommodations for the night. Our guides are well connected with the country, so you'll be in good hands from the minute you arrive until you leave.
After an early breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive to the Rongai Gate, the starting point of your trek. Here, you'll complete registration formalities before setting off on the trail. The first day's hike takes you through lush rainforest, offering glimpses of diverse flora and fauna. As you ascend, the landscape gradually changes, and after approximately 3-4 hours of hiking, you'll reach Simba Camp. This is your first campsite, where you'll spend the night under the starlit African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
- Elevation: 1,950m (6,398ft) to 2,671m (8,530ft)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: Approximately 7km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Today's trek takes you further into the foothills of Kilimanjaro. The trail winds through moorland, characterized by open grasslands and occasional stands of giant heather. You'll steadily gain altitude as you make your way to Second Cave Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,450 meters. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and keep an eye out for wildlife such as colobus monkeys and various bird species. Upon reaching camp, relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude, preparing yourself for the days ahead.
- Elevation: 2,671m (8,530ft) to 3,450m (11,319ft)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 11km (6.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Moorland
Leaving Second Cave Camp behind, you'll continue your ascent towards Kikelewa Camp. Today's trail offers stunning vistas of the rugged terrain, with Kilimanjaro's iconic peaks looming ever closer. As you hike, you'll notice the landscape becoming more sparse, dominated by rocky outcrops and alpine desert vegetation. Kikelewa Camp, situated at an elevation of 3,630 meters, provides a picturesque setting for your overnight stay. Take in the breathtaking views and relish the sense of accomplishment as you settle in for the night.
- Elevation: 3,450m (11,319ft) to 3,630m (11,811ft)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: Approximately 6km (3.7 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today's trek takes you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled beneath the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro's second highest summit, Mawenzi. The trail gradually ascends through alpine desert terrain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. As you approach Mawenzi Tarn, you'll be greeted by a pristine alpine lake, set against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing at camp, taking short walks to further explore the area and prepare for the final push to the summit.
- Elevation: 3,630m (11,811ft) to 4,315m (14,206ft)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 8km (5 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is the culmination of your journey as you set out for the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. The ascent begins in the early hours of the morning, under the glow of starlight, as you make your way up steep and challenging terrain. As the sun rises, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, you'll push onward, fueled by determination and the support of your experienced guides. Upon reaching the summit, take a moment to savor the incredible sense of achievement and enjoy panoramic views stretching across the vast African plains below. After celebrating your success, begin the descent back to Horombo Hut, where you'll spend your final night on the mountain, reflecting on the unforgettable experience.
- Elevation: 4,315m (14,206ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours (6-8 hours ascent, 4-7 hours descent)
- Distance: Approximately 21km (13 miles)
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
- Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
On the last day of your trek, you'll descend through the lush rainforest, retracing your steps back to Marangu Gate. Here, you'll bid farewell to your guides and porters, who have supported you throughout the journey. After completing the necessary formalities and receiving your summit certificate, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can rest and reminisce about your incredible adventure on Kilimanjaro. Take time to explore the local markets, interact with the friendly Tanzanian people, and soak in the vibrant culture before departing for your onward journey.
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,860m (6,102ft)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 20km (12.4 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
- Overnight stays in tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea & coffee
- Oxygen tank and oximeters
- All national park fees
- Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
Excludes
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Airport Transfer
- Pre and Post climb Hotel Accommodation
Gallery
GROUP DISCOUNT
Group adventures have a predetermined charge per person based on group size. However, we offer optional options for specific private and tailor-made preferences that are best suited to you, your family, and friends.
| GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | $ 1990 |
| 2 Pax | $ 1720 |
| 3 Pax - 4 Pax | $ 1560 |
| 5 Pax - 6 Pax | $ 1530 |
| 7 Pax | $ 1480 |
HIKING FAQ'S
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is a major Kilimanjaro Faq’s asked by most of the trekkers. Mount Kilimanjaro can be ascended year around and all the Kilimanjaro routes will support climbing Kilimanjaro round the year. As Kilimanjaro is near to equator the region experiences a very less extremes of winter and summer weather, rather it has wet and dry seasons. Hence, the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro is dry season which is warm. It is advised to avoid climbing Kilimanjaro during wet season for beginners. However, if you are with a professional climber and have all the safety precautions taken, then climbing Kilimanjaro in wet season would be really adventures. This also depends on your preference of Kilimanjaro Routes. You will need to choose best Kilimanjaro route and also choose a longer itinerary for better acclimatization.
The weather in Kilimanjaro is considered as wet season and dry season. Before knowing about Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro”, the weathers and climates are very important to decide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. All the Kilimanjaro routes pass the ecological or climatic zones where the weather tends to change hourly due to the high-altitude condition and the trade winds. The wet season has more rainfall and dry season has lesser rainfall with more dry days. The main climatic zones are: Cultivation zone, Rainforest zone, Heath or moorland zone, Highland dessert zone and Artic zone. Each zone are unique in its own way and also have a distinct weather conditions all the way.
The Kilimanjaro Food during your climb will help you to avoid from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness. The menu on Kilimanjaro is designed to ensure your food intake matches your level of exertion. It will provide you with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. When you are at altitude you could start to feel uneasy and your appetite may be suppressed, so the meals prepared at high altitude usually contain more carbohydrates and less protein to help you to digest your food. Your meals will be prepared by your cooks on Kilimanjaro and the food will be carried by your porters. You will be provided with Porridge, Toast, Pancakes, Egg, Smoked sausages, Tea, coffee and Hot chocolate. Sandwiches, Hard boiled eggs, Biscuits, Fruit juice. Soup, Pasts, Rice, Potatoes, Chicken, Beef, vegetables, Salad and Fresh fruits.
The Kilimanjaro Food during your climb will help you to avoid from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness. The menu on Kilimanjaro is designed to ensure your food intake matches your level of exertion. It will provide you with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. When you are at altitude you could start to feel uneasy and your appetite may be suppressed, so the meals prepared at high altitude usually contain more carbohydrates and less protein to help you to digest your food. Your meals will be prepared by your cooks on Kilimanjaro and the food will be carried by your porters. You will be provided with Porridge, Toast, Pancakes, Egg, Smoked sausages, Tea, coffee and Hot chocolate. Sandwiches, Hard boiled eggs, Biscuits, Fruit juice. Soup, Pasts, Rice, Potatoes, Chicken, Beef, vegetables, Salad and Fresh fruits.
It is better to check with your doctor or centre of disease control before leaving for any recommendations. This one of the major Mount Kilimanjaro Facts you should take into considerations. However, while entering Tanzania you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate and also malaria vaccination certificate. Apart from these other vaccinations are not compulsory. However, it is better to consult your doctor for Vaccinations for Kilimanjaro if you have asthma or any chronic health problems.
The usual ratio is three or four local staff for each climber, although small groups may have four or five staff per climber. The staff usually consists of an English speaking guide or guides, a professional cooker, and gear-carrying porters. We encourage you to interact with your staff. They are all trustworthy, local people who have grown up in the shadow of the mountain. Many of them have climbed the peak a hundred or more times.
We can measure each day in walking hours rather than kilometers. Most days, other than the summit day, will begin with breakfast around 6:30 AM and departure at 7 AM. You will walk four to five hours with a break for lunch followed by another hour or two of hiking in the afternoon. These days are not long or difficult and you will be advised to walk slowly.
We recommend a minimum of eight days from the USA and Europe, although some people may wish more time for the trip. We can customize itineraries or routes to offer more days in the park(s). Some people may wish to climb nearby Mount Meru as well. If you have more than eight or nine days, you can choose any of the main routes on the mountain and still have time for a wildlife safari before or after your trip.
Words from Our happy Clients
We have received feedback from our clients, and Kisambi Tours is rated 5/5 by them. Customers grant us this honor because we are constantly committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that their safari is completely satisfactory.
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