6 Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Tour/Activity in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania

About this activity

A peaceful, picturesque ascent from Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, offering a steady climb to the summit with fewer crowds.

Your Travel Experience with Shemeji Safari team

Day 1

Transfer from your Arusha Hotel to Rongai Gate

Enjoy a scenic 4–5 hour drive from your Arusha hotel to Rongai Gate, passing through rural highlands and the town of Moshi. A private, comfortable vehicle will take you across the eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro to the remote northern entrance, where your trek begins.

Nale Muru to Simba Camp

The trek begins at Nale Muru (1,950m) with a gentle ascent through cultivated fields and pine forest, leading into heathland as you approach Simba Camp (2,625m). The hike covers about 8 km and takes 3–4 hours, offering scenic views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2

Simba Camp – Second Cave – Kikelewa Cave

From Simba Camp (2,625m), the trail gradually climbs through open moorland to reach Second Cave (3,450m), where you’ll take a short break. The route then continues with sweeping views of Mawenzi Peak, ending at Kikelewa Cave Camp (3,600m). The total hike covers about 10–11 km and takes 6–7 hours, helping with acclimatization.

Day 3

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

This shorter yet steeper trek ascends from Kikelewa Cave (3,600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m). The trail climbs through alpine vegetation and rugged terrain, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak. The hike takes about 3–4 hours and is key for altitude acclimatization.

Day 4

Mawenzi Tarn to School Hut

The route from Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m) to School Hut (4,750m) crosses the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, offering a dramatic shift into alpine desert terrain. This 4–5 hour hike is gradual but challenging due to the altitude. School Hut is your final base before the summit attempt.

Day 5

School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

Summit day begins just after midnight with a tough ascent from School Hut (4,750m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) via Gilman’s Point. The climb takes 6–8 hours, with steep, cold, high-altitude conditions. After a brief celebration at the summit, you’ll descend to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for the night—covering up to 15–16 hours of trekking in total.

Day 6

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The final leg descends from Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,870m) over approximately 20 km, taking 5–7 hours. You’ll pass back through moorland and lush rainforest, ending your trek with a sign-out at the gate and a well-earned certificate of achievement.

Transfer back to Arusha

After completing your trek, enjoy a comfortable 2.5 to 3-hour drive back to your Arusha hotel, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages—perfect for reflecting on your Kilimanjaro adventure.