6 Days Rongai Route Climb Kilimanjaro

After an early breakfast at your hotel, the adventure officially begins. Departure is around 08:00 hrs, with a transfer to Nalemuru Gate, arriving around 13:00 hrs for a picnic lunch amid the fresh mountain air.

At the gate, you’ll complete registration formalities and meet your trekking team—guides, porters, and support staff—who will accompany you up Kilimanjaro. Your porters will load the camping gear while you prepare for the first leg of your trek.

The hike starts at an altitude of 1,950 meters, gradually ascending to 2,620 meters at Simba Camp. The trail initially passes through pine forests and cultivated fields, occasionally dipping into lusher rainforest where colobus monkeys may be spotted. As you gain altitude, the scenery transitions into heathland, dotted with giant heathers that define this unique ecosystem.

• Walking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

• Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours

• Altitude Gain: 1,950 m → 2,620 m

By 17:00 hrs, you’ll reach Simba Camp, where you can relax and soak in the surrounding mountain views. Dinner is served around 19:00 hrs, followed by a restful night in tented accommodation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Simba Camp

Tip: Take short breaks during the hike to enjoy the scenery and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Staying hydrated is essential even on this relatively easy first day.

After an early breakfast, the trek continues from Simba Camp to the second high-altitude stop, Kikilewa Camp, situated at 3,630 meters (11,906 ft). Today’s hike is more challenging than Day 2, as you ascend higher into Kilimanjaro’s alpine zone, so pacing yourself is essential.

The trail takes you through heathlands and moorlands, with striking views of Kibo Volcano, particularly breathtaking on a clear day. The rugged terrain and longer hiking hours make this a physically demanding day, but reaching Kikilewa Camp rewards you with spectacular mountain scenery and a sense of accomplishment.

• Walking Distance: 10–12 km / 6–8 miles

• Hiking Duration: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Gain: 2,620 m → 3,630 m

Upon arrival at Kikilewa Camp, take time to rest and acclimatize, preparing your body for the higher altitudes ahead. Dinner is served in the cozy camp tents, followed by an early night to conserve energy.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Kikilewa Camp

Pro Tip: Drink plenty of water and take short, regular breaks during the hike to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude.

After an early breakfast, the climb continues from Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at the base of Mawenzi Volcano, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest peak. This section of the trek brings you deeper into the alpine desert, where the landscape transforms into rugged moorlands and dramatic volcanic terrain.

Upon arrival at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, enjoy lunch and a two-hour rest before embarking on an acclimatization hike toward Mawenzi Volcano. This short hike, gaining about 200 meters (656 ft) in elevation, is designed to help your body adjust to the high altitude, improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely.

• Acclimatization Hike Distance: 2 km / 1.2 miles

• Hiking Duration: 1–2 hours

• Elevation Gain: 4,315 m → 4,510 m

After completing the acclimatization hike, descend back to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for dinner and a well-deserved rest. These shorter, high-altitude walks are essential to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and prepare your body for the final summit push.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Tip: Take acclimatization hikes seriously—walking slowly and breathing deeply during these short climbs dramatically increases your summit success rate.

After breakfast, the journey continues toward Kibo Hut Camp, located at 4,720 meters (15,482 ft). Today’s trek takes you through a rocky, semi-desert landscape, a dramatic shift from the moorlands of previous days. The terrain is relatively gentle but requires steady pacing to conserve energy for the summit attempt later that night.

• Walking Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles

• Hiking Duration: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Gain: 4,315 m → 4,720 m

Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, it’s crucial to rest, hydrate, and eat well, as your body prepares for the challenging summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft). Avoid strenuous activity and focus on conserving energy for the night ascent, which typically begins around midnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Kibo Hut

Tip: Take short walks around the camp and drink plenty of water to maximize acclimatization before the summit climb.

Your final day begins with a midnight departure from Kibo Hut (4,720 m / 15,482 ft) for the ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft), the highest point in Africa. While the climb is technically manageable, the extreme altitude makes even simple movements physically demanding. To ensure safety, climbers are paired in twos and accompanied by personal guides who closely monitor energy levels, breathing, and overall well-being.

Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is an unforgettable experience, with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and surrounding plains. Many trekkers take a short detour to the glacier for photos before beginning the descent.

The descent follows a careful path back to Kibo Hut for a two-hour rest, after which you continue descending to Horombo Camp (3,720 m / 12,202 ft). Keep in mind that the majority of accidents on Kilimanjaro occur during the descent, often from slips or trips. Pay close attention to footing, particularly on scree slopes, to protect your feet and avoid injuries such as bruised toenails or twisted ankles.

• Walking Distance: 21 km / 13 miles

• Hiking Duration: 12–14 hours

• Altitude Changes: 4,720 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Horombo Camp

Pro Tip: Use trekking poles to reduce strain on knees during the descent, and keep energy snacks and water handy. Maintain a steady pace, focusing on safety rather than speed.

After a hearty breakfast at Horombo Camp, the final leg of your journey begins: the descent to Marangu Gate (1,970 m / 6,462 ft). This 18 km (11-mile) hike takes approximately 5–6 hours and winds through rainforest and montane landscapes, offering one last chance to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s beauty at lower altitudes.

Upon reaching the gate, the entire group gathers to celebrate the successful climb. Climbers are encouraged to share their experiences in the guestbook, creating lasting memories of the trek. Certificates commemorating your achievement are presented, marking your successful ascent of Africa’s highest peak.

From Marangu Gate, you will be transferred back to your hotel to relax and reflect on an unforgettable adventure.

• Walking Distance: 18 km / 11.1 miles

• Hiking Duration: 5–6 hours

• Altitude Change: 3,720 m → 1,970 m

Pro Tip: Even on the final day, maintain steady footing and take breaks as needed. The descent can be surprisingly tiring, and careful pacing ensures you finish safely and comfortably.

After an early breakfast at 07:00 hrs, the day begins with the Tipping Celebration, a moment to honor the dedication of your guides and porters who supported you throughout the climb. Following this, you start your final descent from Horombo Huts toward Marangu Gate (1,970 m / 6,462 ft), with a stop at Mandara Hut around midday for a cooked lunch.

This descent covers approximately 20 km (12 miles) and takes between 5–7 hours, offering one last chance to soak in the lush rainforest scenery and reflect on your journey. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your summit certificate, a lasting memento of your incredible achievement.

From Marangu Gate, a vehicle transfer returns you to Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy the comfort of your lodge, relax, and celebrate completing the climb to Africa’s highest peak.

• Walking Distance: 20 km / 12 miles

• Hiking Duration: 6–7 hours

• Altitude Change: 3,720 m → 1,970 m

• Transfer: 3-hour drive to Moshi or Arusha

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Cooked Lunch

Tip: Take time during the descent to appreciate the rainforest’s beauty and snap a few last photos. Celebrating your achievement with your trekking team is a special way to close this unforgettable adventure.