6 Days Rongai route

Rongai route 7 Days Highlights

  • Affordability: The Marangu route is the least expensive option for climbing Kilimanjaro.
  • Perceived Ease: It's considered one of the least strenuous routes.
  • Hut Style Accommodation: Offers basic huts for overnight stays.
  • Acclimatization Challenge: Requires an extra day due to poor acclimatization.
  • Success Rate: Has a lower success rate due to being chosen by inexperienced trekkers.
  • Popular but Crowded: It's one of the most popular routes, leading to higher crowding.
  • Same Path Both Ways: Uses the same trail for ascent and descent, adding to the traffic.
  • Gradual Slope: Features a steady, gradual slope for comfortable walking.
  • Limited Scenic Variety: Offers less diverse scenery compared to other routes.
  • Budget-Friendly: Ideal for budget-conscious trekkers seeking hut-style accommodation.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Nale Moru to Simba Camp

Departing from Moshi a 4-5 hour drive will take you through the coffee plantations and Village of Nale Muru to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful wooded scenery, and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife you are likely to see. Simba camp sits near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast we continue along moorland terrain on a consistent ascending path. You will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 9 km | 5.6 mi miles

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast and packing, you continue your stead ascent, entering into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the Easter ice fields, continually drawing your attention to their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 11,440 ft to 12,913 ft

Distance: 3.3 km | 2 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

As you depart early the semi-desert zone from the Third Cave early in the morning and begin your trek into the Alpine Desert terrain for the remainder of your ascent. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall to the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will merge with the Marangu Route, which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of rest before your summit attempt.

Elevation: 12,913 ft to 16,975 ft

Distance: 6.7 km | 432 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.


Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa


After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak:

Elevation: 15,429 ft to 19,340 ft

Distance: 6.3 km | 4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts:

Elevation: 19,340 ft to 12,202 ft

Distance: 21 km | 13 miles

Hiking Time: 12-14 hours

Habitat: Stone scree / Ice-cap summit

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,970 m /6,462 f). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.

Elevation: 12,202 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 27 km | 16 miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Low alpine zone and Montana forest

You Trek Includes:

  • Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport to hotel
  • Pre trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
  • Return transport from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Guide, Assistant Guide, Chef and Porters
  • Non participation, full service camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Meals as specified and drinking water
  • All national park entry and climbing fees
  • Rescue fee
  • Post trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
  • Departure transfer from hotel to Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
  • All current Government taxes and surcharges

Upgrade Your Accommodation:

We also offer accommodation located in the heart of Arusha as well as at coffee lodges and 5-star hotels. Upgrade to one of our 5-start hotels – The Arusha Hotel or the Mount Meru Hotel for just $35 per person, per night. If you would like to upgrade your pre or post safari accommodation in Arusha please ask us for recommendations and availability.

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