6 Days Rongai Route – The Easiest Route

Day 1: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (2,650m)

After an early morning breakfast, you will depart from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drive to the Rongai Gate, located at an altitude of 1,970 meters. The drive takes approximately three hours. After completing the necessary registration formalities, you will start your hike to Simba Camp. The trail winds through farmland and forest, and you may see wildlife such as Colobus monkeys and baboons. You will reach Simba Camp in the late afternoon, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m)

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Kikelewa Camp, located at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The trail passes through the second climatic zone, the heath zone, characterized by moorlands and heather. You may see wildlife such as elands and mountain zebras. The hike is long and tiring, taking approximately 6-7 hours. You will reach Kikelewa Camp in the late afternoon, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

After breakfast, you will continue your hike to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located at an altitude of 4,330 meters. The trail passes through the Alpine Desert, characterized by rocky and barren landscapes. You will have a short climb up to the Mawenzi Ridge, where you will have stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the Kibo Massif. The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours, and you will have lunch on the way. You will reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp in the early afternoon, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp (4,700m)

After breakfast, you will begin your hike to Kibo Camp, located at an altitude of 4,700 meters. The trail passes through the lunar desert, characterized by rocky and sandy terrain. You will pass the Last Water point before continuing your hike to Kibo Camp. The hike takes approximately 5-6 hours, and you will have lunch on the way. You will reach Kibo Camp in the early afternoon, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 5: Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

You will start your hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, at midnight. You will be woken up by your guide and have a light breakfast before beginning your climb. The climb is challenging, and you will have to take it slow to avoid altitude sickness. After approximately 6-7 hours of climbing, you will reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, at an altitude of 5,895 meters. You will have a short celebration and take photos before descending to Horombo Hut. The descent will take approximately 6-7 hours. You will reach Horombo Hut in the late afternoon, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.

After breakfast, you will start your descent to Marangu Gate, located at an altitude of 1,860 meters. The trail passes through the heath and rainforest zones, and you may see wildlife such as monkeys and birds. The descent takes approximately 5-6 hours, and you will have lunch on the way. You will reach Marangu Gate in the afternoon, where you will receive your certificate of achievement before driving back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.