6-days Rongai route 2025/2027, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mwerka.
Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Less crowded because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a unique wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo. As there is typically less moisture on this side of the mountain you are less likely to encounter rain and have more unclouded views of the peak. While it is flatter, it does not give the climb high sleep low option and therefore recommended to select more days for acclimatization.
The 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027 is one of the easier routes up Kilimanjaro. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and the descent is via the Marangu Route.Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by the Marangu route which passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak.
There are several variations; the one described is a longer route taking in Mawenzi Tarn. 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Day by Day itinerary, 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Day 1: Rongai Gate (2,020m) to Simba Camp (2,625m), 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +605m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route: Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Rongai Gate for registration. Start the trek through farmland and pine forests.
Highlights: Peaceful wilderness and views of Kenya’s savannah plains.
Accommodation: Simba Camp (tents).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Simba Camp (2,625m) to Second Cave (3,450m), 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation Gain: +825m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: Ascend steadily through moorland, with increasingly expansive views of Kibo Peak and the eastern ice fields.
Highlights: Unique views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Accommodation: Second Cave (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Second Cave (3,450m) to Kikelewa Camp (3,630m), 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: +180m
Time: 3-4 hours
Route: A shorter trek through rugged moorland terrain, approaching Mawenzi’s dramatic ridges.
Highlights: Stunning views of Mawenzi and a chance to rest for better acclimatization.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Kikelewa Camp (3,630m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m), 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Elevation Gain: +685m
Time: 4-5 hours
Route: A steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated in a beautiful cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
Highlights: Incredible alpine scenery and an opportunity to acclimatize.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,315m) to Kibo Hut (4,720m), 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation Gain: +405m
Time: 5-6 hours
Route: Trek across the lunar desert of the “Saddle,” a broad expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, the base camp for your summit attempt.
Highlights: Majestic views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,720m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,175m/-2,175m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Midnight Start: Begin the final ascent to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro.
After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Highlights: Reaching Uhuru Peak, with incredible sunrise views over the glaciers and African plains.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (tents).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m), 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Elevation Loss: -1,860m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route: A long but gradual descent through moorland and lush rainforest. At Marangu Gate, receive your summit certificate and celebrate your achievement.
Transfer: Return to Moshi or Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Why Choose the 6-Day Rongai Route?
Less Crowded: The Rongai Route is one of the least trafficked paths on Kilimanjaro, offering solitude and tranquility.
Gentle Ascent: The gradual incline makes it a great choice for beginners.
Unique Perspective: Approaching from the north provides distinct views of the mountain and its surroundings.
Best Times to Climb
January to mid-March: Cooler, quieter period with occasional snow at higher altitudes.
June to October: Warm and dry, but the trail is still less crowded than others.
Inclusions, 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Mess tents Day 1
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Clean, purified drinking water
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions, 6-days Rongai route 2025/2027
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages