6-Day Rongai Route – Kilimanjaro Trek

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha, your adventure starts as you’re greeted by our friendly guide. You’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha, where you can relax and acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening, the excitement builds during your pre-trek briefing at the hotel. This is your chance to meet your expert guide and fellow trekkers. The guide will go over the logistics of the trek, give you essential safety tips, and ensure your gear is in perfect condition for the journey ahead. If you don’t have any trekking equipment, we offer high-quality rental options. You’ll feel the thrill of the upcoming adventure as you prepare for one of the most incredible experiences of your life.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a 2-hour drive to the village of Nale Moru, your starting point. As the rugged landscape of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes comes into view, the trek begins. The path initially leads you through maize and potato fields, giving you a glimpse of daily life in rural Tanzania. The trail then ascends into a pine forest, where the cool, crisp air and the sounds of chirping birds accompany you on your journey. As the forest gradually transitions into the moorland zone, you’ll notice a striking change in vegetation, and the expansive Kenyan plains stretch out before you, offering breathtaking views. After about 3-4 hours of steady hiking, you’ll arrive at Simba Camp, nestled at an elevation of 2,650 meters (8,700 feet), where you’ll enjoy your first mountain dinner and rest under the stars.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Today’s hike takes you higher into the mountain’s beauty. The path gradually climbs up through the moorland zone, offering fantastic views of Kibo Peak (the dormant volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro) and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. As you ascend to Second Cave, a sense of accomplishment sets in. The surrounding landscape becomes more dramatic, with vast expanses of rugged terrain and the looming peak ahead. This is a perfect place to rest and absorb the beauty of the mountain. After 3-4 hours of steady ascent, you’ll settle at the Second Cave camp, where you can gaze up at the majestic peaks and enjoy another hearty meal before resting for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft

Distance: 6km/4mi

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

The adventure continues with a steady climb from Second Cave to Third Cave. The terrain changes as you enter the semi-desert zone, where rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation characterize the landscape. The lack of vegetation makes the experience feel more remote and wild. As you trek for about 2-3 hours through this unique environment, you’ll feel the contrast between the lush forested lower altitudes and the barren, windswept heights. Upon reaching Third Cave, at an altitude of 3,880 meters (12,700 feet), you’ll be treated to incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Enjoy your lunch, relax, and brace yourself for the next leg of your climb.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft

Distance: 9km/5mi

Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Today’s trek will bring you closer to your goal, as you climb steadily toward Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic crater wall. The alpine desert landscape becomes more rugged as you near the summit zone. The air thins, and the temperature drops, but the stunning surroundings make the effort worthwhile. As you approach Kibo Hut (4,750 meters/15,600 feet), the excitement of reaching base camp sets in. After settling in, you’ll have a chance to relax, hydrate, and rest before the ultimate climb to the summit, which begins in the early hours of the following day. The anticipation builds as you prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Your summit day begins around midnight with a torch-lit hike up steep scree slopes. As you ascend, the challenge intensifies, but the sense of determination and excitement drives you forward. After several hours of climbing, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point at 5,700 meters (18,700 feet), where the view is nothing short of spectacular. From here, continue on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), the highest point in Africa. The sense of achievement upon reaching the summit is overwhelming, as you stand atop the Roof of Africa, gazing at the panoramic views of glaciers, ice fields, and distant plains below.

After soaking in the views and taking photos, descend back to Kibo Hut for a rest. Then continue your descent toward Horombo Hut (3,700 meters/12,200 feet), where a warm meal and a comfortable night’s rest await after a truly exhilarating day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Summit)

Descend: 3700m/12,200ft (Horombo Hut)

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After an exhausting but rewarding summit ascent, today’s descent is a chance to reflect on your achievement. Begin by trekking down through the moorland, passing through Mandara Hut, where the lush landscape reappears as you descend. As you continue through the forest, the temperature rises, and the environment becomes greener, signaling your approach to the lower altitudes. After a 4-5 hour descent, you’ll reach the Marangu Gate, where you’ll be congratulated for your accomplishment and awarded a summit certificate. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi, where you can relax and unwind at your hotel, surrounded by memories of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest