6-Day Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Climb

Overview

The Scenic and Peaceful Way to Conquer Kilimanjaro

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai Route, known for its peaceful trails, outstanding scenery, and high summit success rate. Starting from the remote northern slopes near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route offers a more private trekking experience with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes. This route is ideal for adventurers seeking a quieter path with gradual acclimatization and rewarding summit chances.

With Shafino Wildlife Safaris, your trek is carefully crafted for maximum safety, comfort, and success—guided by our expert team and backed by 26+ years of mountaineering expertise.

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Day to Day Itinerary

A Gentle Start Through Farmland & Forest

  • Elevation: 1,950m → 2,600m (6,398 ft → 8,530 ft)

  • Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Montane Forest

Your Kilimanjaro adventure kicks off after breakfast in Moshi or Arusha with a scenic drive to Rongai Gate. Begin your ascent through farmlands and forest, spotting blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and vibrant birdlife. Arrive at 1st Caves Camp, where our team will have your tented camp ready and a hot dinner served.

Overnight: 1st Caves Camp (at your selected tented camp)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Expansive Views & Beautiful Moorlands

  • Elevation: 2,600m → 3,600m (8,530 ft → 11,811 ft)

  • Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trail offers wide-open vistas as you ascend past Second Cave (3,450m)—a perfect picnic stop. Continue to Kikelewa Cave Camp, tucked in a scenic valley. The air gets crisp as you gain altitude, and the stars shine brighter than ever at night.

Overnight: Kikelewa Cave Camp (at your selected tented camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Steep Climb to Stunning Alpine Wilderness

  • Elevation: 3,600m → 4,330m (11,811 ft → 14,160 ft)

  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland & Alpine Zone

It’s a short but steep trek today as you ascend to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located beneath the dramatic peaks of Mawenzi. This is one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful campsites—perfect for rest and acclimatization.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (at your selected tented camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Crossing the Rugged Saddle to Base Camp

  • Elevation: 4,330m → 4,700m (14,160 ft → 15,420 ft)

  • Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today you cross the spectacular Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo—an alpine desert landscape. On arrival at Kibo Hut, enjoy a hot lunch and rest. After an early dinner, your guide will prep you for summit night. Get to bed early—the summit push begins at midnight!

Overnight: Kibo Hut (at your selected camp/lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Summit Day – Stand on Top of Africa

  • Ascent: 4,700m → 5,895m (15,420 ft → 19,341 ft)

  • Descent: 5,895m → 3,720m (12,205 ft)

  • Distance: 6 km up / 21 km down

  • Hiking Time: 8 hours ascent, 6 hours descent

  • Habitat: Arctic Zone to Moorland

Set off at midnight, trekking through moonlit alpine landscapes toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and on to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Celebrate your achievement at the Roof of Africa before descending to Kibo Hut for a quick rest and then onward to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Overnight: Horombo Hut (at your selected camp/lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your Final Descent & Celebration

  • Elevation: 3,720m → 1,980m (12,205 ft → 6,496 ft)

  • Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

  • Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, begin your final descent through lush rainforest, enjoying one last chance to spot colobus monkeys and tropical birds. At Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro certificate—a lasting token of your incredible achievement. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and celebration.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

What’s Included

  • Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters
  • All meals, water, and camping equipment during the climb
  • Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha
  • Emergency first aid kits, oxygen (if needed), and summit certificate

What’s Not Included

  • International flights
  • Additional accommodation before/after the safari
  • Tips (recommended $15 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visas, etc.)
  • Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, clothing, boots)
  • Accommodation before/after trek (can be arranged)
  • Travel insurance, visa, and personal expenses