Rongai Route 6 Days Overview

6 Days Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain, just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is on the south side of the mountain, on the Marangu route, so climbers can see the mountain from several viewpoints.

The rongai route takes 6 days minimum to complete, although 7 days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the southeast side of the mountain. Because the starting point is far from Moshi, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate.

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6 Days Rongai Route Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek briefing

We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at the Moshi hotel. You must plan your arrival at least one day before the start of the tour. Today we are spending time on a pre-excursion briefing. We will review your equipment and rent the necessary equipment.

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Day 1: Hotel to Simba Camp

Travel to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (approx. 2 hours including obtaining permits in Marangu). After checking in and preparing the porters, we start the tour on a wide path that winds through corn and potato fields before entering the pine forest. The track then climbs steadily but gently through attractive woodland that harbors a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is on the edge of the marshland with a sweeping view of the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft-2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: lunch and dinner

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Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave

Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Hut

Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!

Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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Day 6 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

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Price includes:

• Trekking tour according to the itinerary
• Accommodation in tents and hotels as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Personal porter
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Drinking Water
• Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
• Portable toilet and toilet tent
• Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
• National park fees
• Rescue fees

Price excludes:

• Flights (international and domestic)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
• Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
• Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)