The 6 days Rongai route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. A quieter, more remote climb with drier conditions and fewer crowds.
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The 6 days Rongai route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. In addition, it offers a quieter and more remote climbing experience and is popular for its solitude and dry conditions. Rongai is a good alternative to the crowded Marangu Route, especially during the rainy season. You climb through farmland, pine and montane forest, moorland and alpine desert, then reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and descend by the Marangu Route. Request a quote for this 6 days Rongai route and we will adapt it to your dates and group size.
Locations are approximate and shown for orientation. Your exact route may vary slightly with conditions.
Forest, moorland, semi-desert and alpine desert
A steady pace with rest stops along the route
Midnight start to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak
Kenyan plains, Kibo and the eastern ice fields
Day by Day Plan
Day00If you have booked the optional airport transfer, we pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi. Plan to arrive at least one day before the trek. Today you have the pre-trek briefing at your hotel, and we review your equipment and rent any gear you need.
Day01Drive about 2 hours to the wooden village of Nale Moru, with a stop at Marangu to get permits. After sign-in and porter preparation, you start on a wide path through fields of maize and potatoes into pine forest. The track then climbs gently through forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The trees thin out and the first camp sits at the edge of the moorland zone, with wide views over the Kenyan plains.
Highlight: Wide views over the Kenyan plains from your first camp.
Day02The morning hike is a steady climb to the Second Cave. Then, you get superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Highlight: Superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields.
Day03Today you continue your hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave, a short day that helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day04Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Later, you spend the rest of the day resting to prepare for the final ascent, which starts very early.
Day05Between midnight and 2 am you start the climb on steep, heavy scree or snow to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (5,700 m). From there you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with unbelievable views at every turn. Take your summit photo, then descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before you continue to Horombo. Also, the start is in the dark, so you need a headlamp and all your warm layers. This is the hardest part of the trek, so go slowly (“pole pole”) and stay positive.
Highlight: Stand on Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.
Day06After breakfast, a steady descent takes you through moorland to Mandara Hut, then along a lush forest path to the national park gate at Marangu. The lower slopes can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help. Shorts and a t-shirt are usually enough here, but keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy. Our vehicle meets you at Marangu Gate and drives you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 1 hour.
Get a personalized price for this 6 Days Rongai Route climb. Your final cost depends on your travel dates, group size and any extra nights or gear rental.
Fast reply from our safari team
Final price depends on your travel dates, group size and accommodation preferences.
This Rongai Route climb can be adapted to your dates, fitness and group size. You can ask for extra nights in Moshi, a longer 7-day plan for better acclimatization, or private gear rental. Prepare with our Kilimanjaro trekking guide for first-timers, trekking checklist, Trekking FAQs and quality gear rental. See what past travelers say about us on SafariBookings, TripAdvisor and Google reviews, or read our customer reviews page.
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