6 Days – Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route - African Landscape Adventures

6 Days – Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route

$ 1731

/pax

Overview

The 6-Day Rongai Route Trek on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a scenic and less crowded path to the summit, starting near the Kenyan border and gradually ascending through a variety of landscapes. Known for its gentle gradient and spectacular views, the Rongai Route begins in lush rainforest and transitions through moorland, semi-desert, and alpine desert as you approach the summit. Highlights of this trek include breathtaking vistas of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields, peaceful campsites like Simba Camp and Kibo Huts, and the ultimate reward of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5895m, the highest point in Africa. Perfect for those seeking a quieter, more remote route, the Rongai Route 6-Day Trek provides an unforgettable experience amid diverse flora and fauna, guided by the expert team at African Landscape Adventure.

Itinerary

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

Welcome to your adventure with African Landscape Adventure! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, located at an elevation of 890m (2,920ft).

Once you’ve settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a detailed climb briefing. During this session, we’ll go over the itinerary for your upcoming trek to ensure you’re fully prepared and informed. Following the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear for a safe and successful climb. If any items are missing, you can easily rent or purchase them at our store.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore Moshi, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, allowing time to rest and acclimate to the local climate.

DAY 1: NALE MURU GATE – SIMBA CAMP

Distance: 7 km (5 mi)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Habitat:Rainforest
Elevation: 1997m (6,552ft) to 2635m (8,645ft)
Altitude Gained: 638m

After departing from Moshi, you’ll embark on a 4-5 hour drive through scenic coffee plantations and the village of Nale Muru, eventually reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Once permits are issued, your trek begins, winding through lush wooded landscapes and picturesque trails. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. As you approach Simba Camp, located near the first cave at the edge of the moorland zone, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Kenyan plains in the distance.

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP – SECOND CAVE CAMP

Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
Duration: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 2635m (8,645ft) to 3487m (11,440ft)
Altitude Gained: 852m

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, continue your ascent along the moorland terrain. The path steadily rises, offering stunning views of Kibo and your first sight of the ice fields along the Eastern crater rim. As you approach the Second Cave, the small shrubs of the moorland start to thin out, and the temperature begins to drop. This day promises both a challenging climb and breathtaking scenery as you make your way towards higher altitudes with African Landscape Adventure.

DAY 3: SECOND CAVE CAMP – THIRD CAVE CAMP

Distance: 3.3 km (2 mi)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3487m (11,440ft) to 3936m (12,913ft)
Altitude Gained: 449m

After breakfast and packing, begin your steady ascent into the semi-desert terrain. This relatively short hiking day brings you closer to the breathtaking Eastern Ice Fields, where their striking beauty will capture your attention throughout the journey. As you progress, be mindful of how your body is responding to the altitude, and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness. With expert guidance from African Landscape Adventure, you’ll safely continue your climb while enjoying the stunning surroundings.

DAY 4: THIRD CAVE CAMP- KIBO HUTS

Distance: 6.7 km (4.2 mi)
Duration: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3936m (12,913ft) to 4750m (15,580ft)
Altitude Gained: 814m

Depart early from Third Cave and begin your trek through the vast Alpine Desert landscape. The day’s hike will bring you just below the Kibo Crater wall, reaching Kibo Huts. Here, you will merge with the Marangu Route, the final stretch leading you to the summit. Take time to prepare your clothing and gear in preparation for the summit attempt. By 7 PM, settle into your hut for some much-needed rest before beginning your ascent to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro

DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT – HOROMBO HUTS

Duration Down: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
Elevation Up: 4750m (15,580ft) to 5895m (19,341ft)
Altitude Gained: 1145m
Descent to: 3721m (12,208ft)
Altitude Lost: 2174m

Embark on an early start, between midnight and 2 a.m., for the most demanding section of your climb. Ascend through challenging scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise during a short rest. The final 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak may involve snow and is a true test of endurance. After reaching the summit and celebrating your achievement with photos, begin your steep descent to Horombo Hut, with a brief lunch and rest stop at Kibo Hut along the way.

For this rugged terrain of loose gravel and volcanic ash, we recommend using gaiters and trekking poles for extra support and comfort. Spend the night at Horombo Hut, reflecting on the unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa with African Landscape Adventure.

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE

Distance: 20 km (12.5 mi)
Duration: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m (12,208ft) to 1905m (6,250ft)
Altitude Lost: 1816m

After a nourishing breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, it’s time to bid farewell. Begin your descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for a well-deserved lunch. Before continuing, remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters as they will be finishing their journey here. Continue your descent to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates in recognition of your incredible achievement.

The terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles for extra comfort and safety. Once at the gate, a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi, about a 45-minute drive. After a long day, enjoy a hot shower, a hearty dinner, and reflect on the accomplishment of completing the Rongai Route 6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek with African Landscape Adventure.