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KILIMANJARO / RONGAI / 6 DAYS

6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route

Approach from the north near Kenya, via Mawenzi Tarn and Kibo, with descent along Marangu after the summit attempt.

6 days / 5 nights · Camps and hutsUhuru Peak 5,895 mNorthern approach · Marangu descent
Mountain trekking landscape in the Rongai source

Overview

Rongai begins on quieter northern trails through forest, moorland and alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. Six days remains compact, particularly the long summit and descent day; discuss an additional acclimatisation day with the local team.

DAY BY DAY

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 01

    Day 1: Rongai Gate → Simba Camp

    Register near Nale Moru on the northern slopes, then climb gradually through farmland, pine forest and montane forest to Simba Camp.

    Trekking guide · 1,950 → 2,600 m · ~8 km · 4–5 h

    Accommodation
    Simba Camp
    Meals
    Lunch and dinner
  2. 02

    Day 2: Simba → Kikelewa Camp

    Climb across northern moorland via Second Cave for lunch, then turn towards Kikelewa Camp in a valley beneath Mawenzi.

    Trekking guide · 2,600 → 3,600 m · ~9–12 km · 6–7 h

    Accommodation
    Kikelewa Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  3. 03

    Day 3: Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn

    Ascend towards camp beneath Mawenzi’s rocky spires. Rest in the afternoon and prepare for the next day’s crossing.

    Trekking guide · 3,600 → 4,330 m · ~6 km · 3–4 h

    Accommodation
    Mawenzi Tarn Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  4. 04

    Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut

    Cross the open alpine desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Rest at Kibo Hut, organise summit equipment and attend the briefing.

    Trekking guide · 4,330 → 4,700 m · ~8 km · 4–5 h

    Accommodation
    Kibo Hut
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  5. 05

    Day 5: Kibo → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut

    Start around midnight on steep scree towards Gilman’s Point and continue along the rim towards Uhuru Peak. Descend via Kibo to Horombo on this demanding day.

    Trekking guide · 4,700 → 5,895 → 3,720 m · 12–16 h

    Accommodation
    Horombo Hut
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with summit snacks and fluids
  6. 06

    Day 6: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate

    Descend through moorland via Mandara and rainforest to Marangu Gate, then transfer to Arusha or Moshi.

    Trekking guide · 3,720 → ~1,860 m · ~18 km · 5–7 h

    Accommodation
    Departure; no overnight stay
    Meals
    Breakfast and lunch

Included

  • National park entry, applicable camping or hut fees and rescue fees
  • Return transfers between Arusha or Moshi and the mountain gates
  • Professional mountain guides, porters and cooks
  • Mountain accommodation, meals and drinking water as described
  • Basic first-aid supplies and routine monitoring by the mountain crew
  • Summit certificate where the qualifying summit point is reached

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance with appropriate high-altitude cover
  • Hotels before and after the climb, unless specified
  • Personal trekking clothing, boots, sleeping bag, poles and headlamp
  • Tips for guides, porters and cooks
  • Alcoholic and other personal drinks
  • Laundry and other personal expenses
  • Other services not specifically listed as included

Elevations, distances and walking times are approximate and may change with weather, trail conditions and the group’s pace. High-altitude trekking is demanding and the summit is not guaranteed; guides may adjust the plan to conditions. Confirm preparation, equipment, high-altitude insurance, transfers and inclusions before departure. Hotels before and after the climb require separate confirmation.

Photos from the supplied itinerary illustrate the route.

PHOTO CREDITS

Views of the wild and the mountains

Hero photograph: Gijs Tool / Unsplash ↗

Plains photograph: Husha Bilimale / Unsplash ↗

Kilimanjaro photograph: Sergey Pesterev / Unsplash ↗

Photographs illustrate travel ideas, not specific itineraries, accommodation or guaranteed wildlife sightings. The summit photograph was taken from Amboseli, Kenya.