6 Days Rongai Route

6 Days | 5 Nights

Trip Days

Destinations

Nalemoru Gate, Simba Camp, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Horombo Hut, & Marangu Gate.

Accommodation

Camp

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Full itinerary

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 6,398 ft (1,950 m) to 8,530 ft (2,600 m) | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border, to Nalemoru Gate (Rongai trailhead). After completing registration and formalities at the gate, your trek starts through cultivated farmland, leading into a pine forest. The trail is quiet and peaceful, offering a serene start to your climb. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kenyan plains. The first night is spent at Simba Camp, nestled at the edge of the moorland zone.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Cave

Elevation: 8,530 ft (2,600 m) to 11,811 ft (3,600 m) | Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland

As you leave Simba Camp, the terrain gradually changes from forest to open moorlands, and the path gently ascends through grassy hills. You’ll pass by the Second Cave, which offers stunning views of Kibo, the highest volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro, and Mawenzi Peak. The trail becomes more rugged as you approach Kikelewa Cave, where you’ll set up camp amidst giant lobelias and senecios. This scenic campsite is located in a beautiful sheltered valley near Kikelewa Cave.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Elevation: 11,811 ft (3,600 m) to 14,160 ft (4,315 m) | Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek offers one of the most visually striking days on the mountain. The hike becomes steeper as you leave the moorland and enter the alpine zone. The route offers panoramic views as you approach the rugged peaks of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak. After a few hours of ascent, you will reach Mawenzi Tarn, a beautiful campsite nestled in the shadow of Mawenzi. The tarn (mountain lake) reflects the towering peaks and provides a tranquil and isolated resting point.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 14,160 ft (4,315 m) to 15,430 ft (4,703 m) | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you continue trekking through the barren lunar desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. This day involves a long but gradual climb, giving you time to adjust to the altitude. The stark, windswept landscape of the alpine desert is a fascinating contrast to the greenery you encountered on the lower slopes. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit, in the afternoon. This is where you’ll rest and prepare for the final push to Uhuru Peak, which begins around midnight.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo Hut

Elevation Gain: 15,430 ft (4,703 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m) (Uhuru Peak), then descent to 12,205 ft (3,720 m) (Horombo Hut) | Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles (total ascent and descent)Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic at the summit, Alpine Desert on descent

The summit day begins at midnight. After a quick meal, you’ll set off on the steep, zigzagging path through loose volcanic scree. The trail to Gilman’s Point (18,652 ft / 5,685 m) on the crater rim is tough, but the spectacular sunrise makes it worthwhile. From Gilman’s Point, it’s another challenging yet rewarding hike along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking in the awe-inspiring views, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m) to 6,046 ft (1,843 m) | Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hour | Habitat: Moorland and Rainforest

On your final day, you will continue descending through the moorland and lush rainforest zone back to Marangu Gate. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife like Colobus monkeys and marvel at the vibrant rainforest scenery. At Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate—green for reaching Gilman’s Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. Afterward, you will be driven back to Moshi for a well-earned rest, where you can celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro summit.