6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Rongaii Route

The Rongai route stands as the exclusive pathway leading towards Kilimanjaro from the northern direction, situated adjacent to the Kenyan border. Despite its growing appeal among climbers, this trail remains relatively underutilized, attracting fewer visitors compared to other routes.

Day 1

Simba Camp, located at an elevation of approximately 1997 meters (6552 feet) to 2635 meters (8645 feet), offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Departing from Moshi via a four-to-five-hour drive through coffee plantations and villages, travelers arrive at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate where they will await their permits. During this period, visitors can observe various crew preparations, enjoy lush woodlands, and experience the wind-swept trails. A guided tour highlights the local flora and fauna, offering insights into the potential wildlife encounters. Simba Camp, situated near the first cave, provides splendid vistas of Kenya’s plains.

Day 2

Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp, covering a distance of approximately 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles) over five to six hours, ascends to an elevation of 2635 meters (8645 feet) to 3487 meters (11,440 feet). As participants settle in for the night, they prepare for another challenging ascent. The moorland area transitions into a thinning shrub landscape, gradually cooling temperatures.

Day 3

Second Cave Camp to Third Cave Camp, covering a distance of approximately 3.3 kilometers (2 miles) in three to four hours, involves ascending to an elevation of 2635 meters (8645 feet) to 3936 meters (12,913 feet). After breakfast, participants embark on a steady climb, gaining altitude by 449 meters (1468 feet). They venture into the semi-desert region, experiencing a shorter but still significant hike. Their bodies adapt during this phase, prompting them to pay close attention to their health and communicate any symptoms of altitude sickness to their guides promptly.

Day 4

Third Cave Camp to Kibo Huts, covering a distance of approximately 6.7 kilometers (4.2 miles) in four to five hours, takes climbers to an elevation of 3936 meters (12,913 feet) to 5174 meters (16975 feet). Participants start their descent early in the morning from the third cave, passing through the semi-desert terrain. They reach the Kibo Huts, just below the Kibo Crater Wall, after a brief stop. Here, they transition onto the Marangu Route to complete the remaining ascent to the summit.

Day 5

Kibo Huts to Summit, covering a distance of approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in five to seven hours, culminates in reaching an elevation of 5174 meters (16975 feet) to 5895 meters (19,341 feet). The descent begins at 3721 meters (12,208 feet), followed by a loss of 2174 meters (7125 feet) in altitude.

Day 6

Marangu Gate to Horombo Huts, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) in six to seven hours, descends to an elevation of 3721 meters (12,208 feet) to 1905 meters (6250 feet). An additional loss of 1816 meters (5959 feet) in altitude completes the descent.