6 Days Rongai Route mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 1: RONGAI GATE / TRAILHEAD (1,950M) TO SIMBA CAMP (2,671M)

6 Days Rongai Route mount Kilimanjaro, Our Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning departure from the hotel. We drive toward the Marangu side of the mountain to complete the necessary registration and park procedures before continuing by road to the Rongai trailhead.

Once we arrive, the porters arrange the expedition equipment and prepare the luggage for the trek. We then begin walking through the Nale Moru area, passing small farms and cultivated fields before entering the peaceful pine forest.

The trail gains height gradually, making this a comfortable introduction to the mountain. We eventually arrive at Simba Camp, where we have dinner and spend our first night in the Kilimanjaro wilderness.

6 Days Rongai Route:

  • Distance: 7 km
  • Trekking duration: 3–4 hours
  • Elevation gain: 721 m
  • Starting elevation: 1,950 m
  • Camp elevation: 2,671 m
  • Accommodation: Mountain camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP (2,671M) TO KIKELEWA CAMP (3,660M)

After an early breakfast, we continue our ascent toward the interior of Kilimanjaro. The landscape gradually changes as we leave the forest environment behind and enter the open moorland.

We pass through the Second Cave area at approximately 3,450m before continuing toward Kikelewa. The increasing altitude brings cooler temperatures and expansive views across the mountain slopes.

Our destination is Kikelewa Camp, situated near the Kikelewa Caves at 3,660m. Once camp is set up, we have time to relax, eat, and recover from the day’s climb.

  • Distance: 6 km
  • Trekking duration: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation gain: 929 m
  • Camp elevation: 3,660 m
  • Accommodation: Mountain camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3: KIKELEWA CAMP (3,660M) TO MAWENZI TURN (4,310M)

We leave Kikelewa behind and tackle one of the steeper sections of the route. The trail climbs over open grass-covered slopes, with the vegetation becoming increasingly sparse as we move into the high-altitude zone.

As we approach Mawenzi, the scenery becomes more dramatic. The rugged volcanic formations of Mawenzi Peak rise above the surrounding landscape, creating an impressive backdrop for today’s camp.

We reach Mawenzi Turn at 4,310m and settle into camp. The remainder of the afternoon is intentionally kept easy, allowing time for rest and acclimatization before moving to even higher elevations.

 

  • Distance: 5 km
  • Trekking duration: 4–5 hours
  • Elevation gain: 650 m
  • Camp elevation: 4,310 m
  • Accommodation: Mountain camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4: MAWENZI TURN (4,310M) TO KIBO CAMP (4,720M)

Today’s trek takes us across the vast Saddle, the high-altitude desert separating Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is noticeably different from the lower slopes, with little vegetation and a stark, rocky appearance.

We walk steadily across this exposed terrain toward Kibo, the highest volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro. As we approach Kibo Camp, the massive crater wall becomes increasingly prominent.

At 4,720m, we arrive at our final camp before the summit attempt. The rest of the day is reserved for eating, hydrating, organizing summit gear, and getting as much rest as possible.

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Trekking duration: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation gain: 410 m
  • Camp elevation: 4,720 m
  • Accommodation: Mountain camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

This is the most important and demanding day of the trek. We wake at around 23:30 and prepare for the summit climb with hot tea and a light snack.

We leave Kibo Camp during the night and begin climbing slowly toward Hans Meyer Cave. From this point, the trail becomes increasingly steep as we make our way through loose volcanic scree toward Gilman’s Point at 5,681m.

After reaching the crater rim, we continue toward the summit. The final section can be affected by snow, ice, wind, and extreme cold depending on the conditions. Eventually, we reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest summit in Africa.

After celebrating our achievement and taking photographs, we begin the descent. We return to Kibo Camp for a short break before continuing downhill to Horombo Hut, where we spend the night.

Horombo Hut

  • Distance: 20 km
  • Trekking duration: 13–14 hours
  • Elevation gain: 1,175 m
  • Elevation loss: 2,175 m
  • Highest elevation: 5,895 m – Uhuru Peak
  • Overnight elevation: 3,720 m
  • Accommodation: Mountain camping
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT (3,720M) TO MARANGU GATE (1,640M)

After breakfast, we begin our final walk on Kilimanjaro. The trail descends steadily through the mountain forest, with the vegetation becoming thicker as we lose altitude.

We pass Mandara Hut along the way before continuing toward Marangu Gate. Once we reach the gate, we complete the necessary exit procedures and meet our private transfer.

We then drive back to the hotel, where the trek officially comes to an end. This is the perfect time to enjoy a hot shower, relax, and celebrate the completion of the Kilimanjaro climb.

  • Distance: 18 km
  • Trekking duration: 6–7 hours
  • Elevation loss: 2,080 m
  • Finish elevation: 1,640 m
  • Transport: Private transfer, approximately 1 hour / 40 km
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Scroll to Top