6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Rongaii Route

Great Lake Expedition Ltd

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds.

Moshi

❮ ❯

See more photos

Day 1
Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp: 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.

Day 2 Simba camp – second cave camp: 5.8km/3.6mi | 5-6hrs | moorland
Elevation: 2635m/8645ft to 3487m/11,440ft

Altitude gained: 852m

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we continue along the 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 approved the second cave. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 3 Second cave camp – Third cave camp: 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.

Day 4 Third cave camp- Kibo huts: 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 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.

Day 5 Kibo huts – summit: 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

Day 6 Horombo huts – Marangu gate – Moshi: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | rainforest
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 1905m/6250ft

Altitude lost: 1816m