Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Climb
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northern side near the Kenyan border. Known for its quieter trails, gradual ascent, and beautiful wilderness, it is an excellent choice for climbers seeking a less crowded experience with a high chance of spotting wildlife during the lower sections of the climb. The route offers diverse scenery, excellent acclimatization, and descends via the Marangu Route, providing a varied trekking experience from start to finish.
Package Includes
- Return airport transfers and transfers to and from the Rongai Route trailhead.
- Two nights’ accommodation in Arusha on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Six day Rongai Route climb.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees and government taxes.
- Professional English-speaking Mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook.
- Three freshly prepared meals daily on the mountain, including hot drinks.
- Daily washing water.
- Porter service for one duffel bag (maximum 15 kg).
- Basic emergency first aid kit.
- Official Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate
Package Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended).
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Sleeping bag (unless rented separately).
- Personal expenses, including laundry, beverages, snacks, and souvenirs.
- Tips for the mountain crew.
Details
2 Nights in Arusha | 6-Day Mountain Trek
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by Usari Safaris and Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, meet your mountain guide for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing and equipment check before your adventure begins. Enjoy an overnight stay at
Arusha Planet Lodge (BB)
After an early breakfast, depart for Rongai Gate where park formalities are completed before continuing by road to the Rongai Trailhead. Your trek begins through cultivated farmland before entering peaceful pine forests with a gradual ascent towards Simba Camp. Enjoy lunch along the trail before arriving at camp where your tents will already be prepared by the mountain crew.
Elevation: 1,950 m – 2,600 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Today's hike continues through open moorland with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Stop for lunch near Second Cave before continuing the gradual climb to Kikelewa Camp. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you continue acclimatizing to the increasing altitude.
Elevation: 2,600 m – 3,600 m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A shorter but steeper trek leads to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, nestled beneath the dramatic peaks of Mawenzi. Along the way, you'll pass giant lobelias and other unique alpine vegetation while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery. The afternoon is ideal for rest and acclimatization before the higher ascent.
Elevation: 3,600 m – 4,330 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, cross the alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks to reach Kibo Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt. Following an early dinner, your guide will conduct a detailed summit briefing before you rest ahead of the midnight ascent.
Elevation: 4,330 m – 4,700 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Shortly after midnight, begin your summit attempt via Hans Meyer Cave and Gilman's Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for lunch before continuing to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 4,700 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m
Distance: 6 km ascent / 21 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 5-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Following breakfast, celebrate your successful climb with the mountain crew before descending through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Your driver will then transfer you back to Arusha for your final overnight stay at
Arusha Planet Lodge (BB)
Elevation: 3,720 m – 1,980 m
Distance: 27 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of conquering Africa's highest mountain.
