Experience the adventure of a lifetime on this 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Rongai Route, one of the mountain’s most scenic and less crowded trails.
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on this 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Rongai Route, one of the mountain’s most scenic and less crowded trails. Starting from the northern side near the Kenyan border, this route offers breathtaking landscapes ranging from rainforest and moorlands to alpine desert and snow-capped glaciers.
Reach the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters and enjoy unforgettable sunrise views from the Roof of Africa. This package includes mountain accommodation, meals during the trek, professional guides and porters, park fees, transport, plus hotel stays before and after the climb for a complete and comfortable Kilimanjaro experience.
Geographic Profile
Daily walking times range from 4 to 7 hours across distinct biomes (rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and arctic summit scree). Elevation gains are strategically calculated to give your body adequate time to produce oxygen-carrying red blood cells naturally.
Transparency
Day by day
6Days Itinerary
Day by day • Detailed daily breakdown
Trail: 7KM /5MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 1997m/6552ft to 2635m/8645ft Altitude gained: 638m 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.
Trail: 5.8KM/3.6MI | 5-6HRS | MOORLAND Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft Altitude gained: 852m 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.
Trail: 3.3KM/2MI | 3-4HRS | SEMI DESERT Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3936m/12,913ft Altitude gained: 449m 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.
Trail: 6.7KM/4.2MI | 4-5HRS | ALPINE DESERT Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 5174m/16975ft Altitude gained: 1238m 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.
Trail: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9.8MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT Elevation: 5174m/16975ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 721m Descent to 3721m/12,208ft Altitude lost: 2174m Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. 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.
Trail: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft Altitude lost: 1816m After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in arusha (about 1 hours 45 minutes). Enjoy a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!.
On trekking itineraries, we provide four-season expedition mountain tents with thick high-density foam sleeping pads, private chemical toilet tents, and a spacious all-weather mess tent with dining tables and back-supported chairs. On safari days, lodging matches your chosen comfort tier (hand-picked eco-lodges or luxury tented safari camps with en-suite bathrooms and solar hot water).
Preparation
This trip requires good cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance. Prior mountaineering experience is not mandatory, but you should be capable of walking 5 to 7 hours per day with a 6–8 kg daypack. We recommend 8 to 12 weeks of training before departure: stair climbing, trail hiking with a loaded backpack, and aerobic workouts (jogging, swimming, cycling).
Clear value
Indicative Base Fare
From $1,950 per person
Private Treks: Start any day of the year you choose. No penalty for solo or duo parties.
Open Group Treks: Scheduled weekly departures during the dry seasons (June–October & December–March).
Solo Climbers: Join an existing open departure or book a dedicated private expedition.
Our Standard
Gear Checklist
Clothing Layers:
Footwear & Gear:
Travelled with us? Share your feedback
Answers
The 6 Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb runs for 6 days. It starts with Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp and finishes with Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi.
Included: Accommodation; Food; Park fees. The full list of inclusions and exclusions is on this page.
Prices start from $1,950 per person. The final price depends on dates, group size and options, so ask us for a personal quote.
This trip is rated challenging. The highest point is 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak).
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the 9 Day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb with certified KINAPA wilderness guides and high summit success.
From $3,150 per person
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the 8 Day Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb with certified KINAPA wilderness guides and high summit success.
From $2,485 per person
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the 7 Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb with certified KINAPA wilderness guides and high summit success.
From $2,250 per person
Mount Kilimanjaro
Marangu route, commonly known as the coca cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
From $1,850 per person
Common questions
Most of our packages include accommodation, meals, park fees, private 4x4 safari transport, professional guides, airport or hotel transfers, and activities mentioned in the itinerary. Specific inclusions may vary depending on the tour.
Tanzania can be visited year-round, but the best time for safaris is usually during the dry season from June to October. Zanzibar is also beautiful during this period, while Kilimanjaro climbs are ideal from January to March and June to October.
Yes! We specialize in personalized experiences and can tailor your safari, Zanzibar holiday, or Kilimanjaro trek based on your travel style, budget, and preferences.
We offer a variety of accommodations including budget camps, mid-range lodges, luxury safari lodges, beachfront resorts, and mountain camps during Kilimanjaro treks.
We offer both private and group safari options. Private safaris provide a more personalized experience, while group safaris are a great option for travelers looking for a more affordable adventure.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is physically challenging but achievable for most people with proper preparation and determination. Choosing the right route and itinerary greatly improves acclimatization and summit success.
Plan with confidence
Keep reading
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. The best time depends on what you want to see and how much you value quiet roads, lush landscapes and good weather.
2 min read
View details
Northern Tanzania has four parks that are often visited together. Each is different, so knowing what each does best helps you plan a trip you will enjoy.
2 min read
View details
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see a wide range of wildlife in a small area. Here is what to expect and how to make the most of a day in the crater.
2 min read
View details