6 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking via Rongai Route Ultimate Adventure

Although many still call this starting point the Rongai gate, it is now officially named after the nearby Nalemoru village, after the original path (starting from Rongai village) was closed. The starting point is about a 2-hour drive from Moshi town around the eastern side of the mountain. This is a beautiful drive, giving you a glimpse into local "Chagga" life as you pass through villages, gazing out at the mud huts and banana plantations. After signing up at the gate, you'll start your walk along a track through fields of potatoes and maize, and the occasional pine plantation. After about 1 hour, you'll pass through a small strip of forest, home to black and white colobus monkeys, before entering into heathland. Following a short uphill walk, you'll arrive at Simba Camp, where you'll be welcomed with a hearty warm dinner.

Destination: Rongai Gate To Simba Camp

Accommodation: Simba Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

After breakfast at the camp, set off along the undulating path, enjoying views down and across to Kenya. Along the way, you will be hiking up with views towards the ragged peak of Mawenzi (Kilimanjaro's second highest peak). Continue along the rocky path, stopping for lunch along the way before reaching Kikelelwa Camp in the afternoon. A nice easy day, with just a short gain in elevation, you may have energy to check out the nearby caves and get great snaps of the beautiful groundsels and lobelia plants located around the campsite.

Destination: Third Cave Camp To Kikelelwa Camp

Accommodation: Kikelelwa Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Today is a special day, with a total distance of just under 4km, but a gain of over 600m in elevation. You start with a steady hike up to the Mawenzi Tarn Hut, situated just underneath Mawenzi peak. In the afternoon, you can take an (optional but recommended!) acclimatization walk along the ridge, where, provided it is a clear day, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view across to Kibo Peak. Tonight, you'll be treated to a hot lunch and a delicious dinner cooked up at the hut.

Destination: Kikelelwa Camp To Mawenzi Turn Camp

Accommodation: Mawenzi Turn Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

As you begin your day, you'll start by descending from the Mawenzi Tarn Huts, taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you go. The terrain becomes increasingly lunar-like as you reach the Northern edge of the saddle that separates Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Keep your camera at the ready for some unforgettable panoramic shots of the breathtaking views in every direction. As you cross the saddle, you'll have the opportunity to spot the majestic Eland, Africa's largest antelope, roaming the landscape. You'll continue on to Kibo Hut, a well-deserved resting place just under the peak of Kibo itself. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a late lunch and have some time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt. The journey to Kibo Hut is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the landscape that surrounds you on this incredible journey.

Destination: Horombo Hut To Kibo Hut

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

  hut

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

As you prepare for your summit attempt, you'll start your day by leaving Kibo Huts and heading towards Horombo Huts, the next stop on your journey. The trail ahead is a challenging 9km, but the stunning views of the surrounding landscape will keep you motivated. Depending on your acclimatization, you'll be woken up at 11pm-12am to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The first part of your journey will take you up to Horombo Hut, where you'll take a well-deserved break to refuel and rest before tackling the final stretch to the summit. Once you reach the peak, you'll have earned a well-deserved certificate for your achievement. But don't let that stop you from continuing on to the summit – the views of the surrounding glaciers and craters will take your breath away. Heading back down to Kibo Hut will be surprisingly quick, and you'll have plenty of time to rest and recuperate before making your way back down to base camp.

Destination: Kibo Hut To Uhuru Peak To Horombo Hut

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

  hut

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

After six days of incredible trekking through the breathtaking beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro, it's time to bid farewell to the summit and make your way back down to the base. But before you do, there's one more challenge to conquer: the final ascent to Marangu Gate. Finally, after 7-8 hours of hiking, you'll reach the gates of Marangu. As you sign out of the park, you'll be overcome with a sense of accomplishment and pride. You've climbed one of the Seven Summits, conquered one of the world's most challenging hike, and made memories that will last a lifetime.