6 Days Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

This is the third popular route on Kilimanjaro and involves much shorter approach to Kibo than the Marangu Route.

Accommodation: Tents

Standard duration: 6 days, the walking is quite strenuous.

Day 1: Rongai Gate to the First Cave

Drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate for the necessary registration formalities and then transferred by Land Rover to Rongai, which should take about 1.5 hours. The climb starts at the village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The climb is consistently and gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. Reaching first Campsite, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.), giving you extensive views over the Kenyan plains. (7km, 3-4 hrs Trekking)

Day 2: First Cave to the Kikelewa Caves

After breakfast start with steady walk ascent up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m.). Start seeing Kibo Peak and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) (15km, 5-7 hrs of trekking) 

Day 3: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Trailing start with short but steep climb up grassy slopes, which are rewarded with superb circular views and a tangible sense of wilderness, before reaching Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), for camping. Spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization (10km, 5-7 hrs. of trekking)

Day 4: Kibo Campsite/ School Campsite

Early morning proceeds with trekking crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School Campsite at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. (8km, 6-7 hrs of trekking). Spend remainder of the day resting and preparation for the final ascent 

Day 5: Trek to Uhuru Peak 5895m

The last day will be a really early beginning for the summit, normally 01:00 am, trailing through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point, take a rest for short while before continuing to the Uhuru Peak (which might take 3 hours) After relaxing, watching the sun rise and taking memorable pictures, start descending to the Horombo Hut and spend overnight there.

Day 6: Horombo to the Hotel

After breakfast descend to Marangu Gate, meet the driver and return to your hotel in Arusha