The 6-day Rongai Route is a quieter and less crowded path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting from the northern side of the mountain. Known for its scenic beauty and gradual ascent, this route provides trekkers with stunning views of the Kenyan plains and the mountain’s vast landscapes. The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route offers a unique experience, traversing through pristine forests and alpine meadows, making it an ideal option for those seeking a more peaceful Kilimanjaro adventure.

Peaceful Start from the North – Begin your Kilimanjaro journey on the quieter Rongai Route, passing through charming Chagga villages and scenic farmlands for a cultural and calming start.

Wildlife Encounters – Trek through lush forests where black-and-white colobus monkeys swing overhead and keep an eye out for elands across the open moorlands.

Breathtaking Mawenzi Views – Camp below the dramatic Mawenzi Peak and enjoy serene alpine tarns and awe-inspiring sunsets beneath its jagged spires.

Lunar-Like Landscapes – Cross the vast saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a surreal, silent plain that feels like walking on another planet.

Summit Under the Stars – Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise after a magical, starlit summit push—an unforgettable high point in every sense.

Celebrate with Heart – End with laughter, hugs, and your summit certificate—proof of your strength, spirit, and once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

6 Days Rongai Route wildlife

Trip Highlights

  • Peaceful, uncrowded northern approach.
  • Charming villages and friendly locals en route.
  • Spot monkeys and alpine wildlife.
  • Sleep beside scenic Mawenzi Tarn.
  • Magical starlit summit to Uhuru Peak.
  • Earn your summit certificate with pride.

Day-By-Day

Day

1

Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

After a scenic two-hour drive from Moshi around Kilimanjaro’s eastern slopes, you arrive at Nalemoru Gate.

  • Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Hiking Time: 2 hours

Day

2

Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelewa Camp (3675m)

Today is a longer trek as you steadily ascend through the moorlands.

  • Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
  • Distance: 11.8 km
  • Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Day

3

Kikelewa Camp (3675m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302m)

Today may be short in distance, but it’s a steep and rewarding climb to one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.

  • Kikelewa Camp (3675m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
  • Distance: 3.75 km
  • Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

Day

4

Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302m) to Kibo Hut (4715m)

Your trek begins with a descent from Mawenzi Tarn before you cross the vast saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.

  • Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302m) to Kibo Hut
  • Distance: 9 km
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Day

5

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

The most challenging and rewarding day begins around midnight.

  • Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
  • Distance: 15.25 km
  • Hiking Time: ~9–10 hours total

Day

6

Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1905m)

Your final day on the mountain takes you down through moorland and lush rainforest.

  • Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
  • Distance: 20.75 km
  • Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

Itinerary Details

Nalemoru Gate

Day 1: Nalemoru Gate (1990m) to Simba Camp (2625m)

After a scenic two-hour drive from Moshi around Kilimanjaro’s eastern slopes, you arrive at Nalemoru Gate. This area gives you a glimpse of traditional Chagga life, with banana farms, mud huts, and friendly locals lining the route. Following registration at the gate, your trek begins through cultivated farmland, fields of maize and potatoes, and occasional pine plantations. Soon you enter a forest belt, often alive with the chatter of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail then opens into heathland as you reach Simba Camp.

  • Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
  • Distance: 20.75 km
  • Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

Kikelewa Camp

Day 2: Simba Camp (2625m) to Kikelewa Camp (3675m)

Today is a longer trek as you steadily ascend through the moorlands. The landscape transitions into a rugged terrain of heathers and volcanic rock. The trail offers stunning vistas over the Kenyan plains, making every uphill step worthwhile. You’ll pause at the Second Caves for lunch and a rest before continuing to Kikelewa Camp. Your guides will monitor your acclimatization as you climb over 1,000 meters. The camp offers a dramatic view of Mawenzi Peak – Kilimanjaro’s craggy second summit.

  • Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
  • Distance: 11.8 km
  • Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Mawenzi Tarn Hut

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3675m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302m)

Today may be short in distance, but it’s a steep and rewarding climb to one of the most scenic camps on the mountain. Mawenzi Tarn Hut lies beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak, located beside a tranquil alpine tarn (small lake). This is a perfect day for rest and acclimatization. You’ll enjoy a hot lunch and have the option of taking a short acclimatization hike up the nearby ridge. On a clear day, the views across to Kibo Peak are breathtaking.

  • Kikelewa Camp (3675m) to Mawenzi Tarn Hut
  • Distance: 3.75 km
  • Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

Kibo Hut

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302m) to Kibo Hut (4715m)

Your trek begins with a descent from Mawenzi Tarn before you cross the vast saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. This stark, lunar-like landscape offers sweeping views and an eerie silence. Keep your eyes open—you might spot an eland, Africa’s largest antelope. As you approach Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kilimanjaro’s summit cone, you’ll get your first look at the summit route leading up to Gillman’s Point. After a hot lunch, you’ll rest early in preparation for summit night, which begins before midnight.

  • Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4302m) to Kibo Hut
  • Distance: 9 km
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Uhuru Peak

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

The most challenging and rewarding day begins around midnight. Fueled by tea and biscuits, you’ll climb slowly and steadily up steep switchbacks to reach Gillman’s Point (5685m) by sunrise. The stars above and your headlamp will light the path. From Gillman’s, it's another hour along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point. Soak in the awe-inspiring sunrise, glaciers, and the vast expanse of the roof of Africa.

Back at Kibo Hut, rest briefly and refuel before continuing down to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved night’s rest.

  • Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
  • Distance: 15.25 km
  • Hiking Time: ~9–10 hours total

Marangu Gate

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1905m)

Your final day on the mountain takes you down through moorland and lush rainforest. If you're in no rush, ask our guide to take the lesser-used Marangu Nature Trail, which winds past waterfalls and offers great chances for birdwatching and monkey sightings. At Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out of the national park, receive your summit certificate, and have time to browse local souvenirs. From here, you’ll be driven back to your hotel for a well-earned hot shower—and maybe even a massage!

  • Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
  • Distance: 20.75 km
  • Hiking Time: 7–8 hours

What to Expect

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers adventure, challenge, and incredible views, supported by expert crews, proper equipment, and thoughtful logistics for a safe ascent.

Connection

Transfers

Airport pickups and transfers to your chosen trailhead.

Activities

Activities

Daily guided treks, acclimatisation hikes, and summit attempts.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Mountain tents or huts with meals prepared fresh daily.

Support 24/7

Support

Certified guides, porters, and 24/7 local emergency assistance.

Knowing Melodica Tours has taken care of everything

"At Melodica Tours and Safaris, we believe the smallest details make the biggest difference. We won’t stop refining your safari experience until everything feels just right. From the very beginning, our focus is to bring your dream journey to life — thoughtfully, beautifully, and down to the finest detail."

About Booking This Tour

Booking your adventure is simple, secure, and fully supported by our expert team. From reserving your place to arranging flexible travel protection, we are here to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

Booking your dream safari is easy. Once you’ve chosen your preferred itinerary, simply contact our reservations team through our website, email, or phone.

We’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the booking process. You’ll then receive a detailed confirmation and travel documents, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

To secure your place, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount depends on your chosen tour and will be communicated. Final payment is generally due 60 days before departure.

Our team will send reminders and support you through the process so your payment schedule is clear and stress-free.

We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan. This helps safeguard your investment in case of unexpected situations such as illness, delays, or lost luggage.

You can choose coverage through a provider of your choice, or let us assist you with recommended options tailored to East African safaris, giving you greater peace of mind.

We understand that plans can change. If you need to postpone your safari, please contact us as early as possible.

We’ll work with you to reschedule your travel dates, subject to availability, and explain any applicable change fees.

Our team is committed to finding flexible solutions to protect your travel investment wherever possible.

If you must cancel your booking, please notify us in writing right away. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you inform us and are outlined in our booking conditions.

We aim to minimise any costs where possible, and we recommend travel insurance to help recover funds for non-refundable services in case of cancellation.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Prepare for a seamless safari journey by arranging your passport, visa, health documents, and baggage details early, ensuring you arrive relaxed, confident, and fully ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Once you have chosen your itinerary, confirming your reservation is the first step. Our team will assist you with securing your spot and provide all necessary pre-departure information.

We recommend confirming early to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Once reserved, you will receive detailed documents to help you prepare.

A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance typically due 60 days before departure.

Full details will be shared upon reservation. Our team will support you with reminders and a clear payment schedule to ensure your planning remains stress-free and your adventure stays on track.

All travellers will need a valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for entry into your chosen East African destinations.

We recommend checking requirements early and applying for visas in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

International flights are not usually included in our tours, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and trusted airlines.

Remember to review your airline’s luggage limits, as smaller safari planes may also have weight restrictions.

Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for ease of storage on light aircraft and safari vehicles.

Let’s Plan Your Next Holiday Trip

Let’s plan your unforgettable African safari—epic game drives, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and close encounters with wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and lifelong memories await you here.

  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
  • All camping equipment (including tents, mattress, sleeping bags, & pillows)
  • private mountain guide, private chef, porters
  • trekking poles
  • first aid kit
  • rescue fees
  • portable toilet
  • Kilimanjaro National Park Fees & camping fees
  • All Government Taxes.

  • Other trekking gear
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
  • International flight
  • Travel insurance

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