6 Days Rongai Route Climb – The Most Scenic & Tranquil Route to the Summit

Day 00: Arrival in Tanzania

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you'll be greeted by your guide and transferred to a comfortable hotel in Moshi. The drive offers scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the evening, meet your trekking team for a briefing. During this meeting, you'll review the essential gear needed for the Rongai route, including proper hiking boots, warm clothing, and hydration packs. This is also a good time to adjust your gear and mentally prepare for the climb ahead.

Day 01: Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Simba Camp

The first day begins with a transfer to the Rongai Gate, the starting point of the Rongai Route. After registering, you’ll trek through a dense montane forest, home to wildlife like elephants and monkeys. This section of the trail is relatively gradual, offering a scenic introduction to the climb. After a 4 to 5-hour trek, you’ll reach Simba Camp (2,600 meters / 8,530 feet), where you’ll rest and enjoy dinner before the next day’s ascent. This is a great chance for acclimatization and enjoying the quiet beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.

Day 02: Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Second Cave Camp

On the second day, you’ll ascend into the moorland zone, which is marked by tall grasses and small bushes. The hike takes around 5 to 6 hours, reaching Second Cave Camp at 3,450 meters (11,319 feet). The change in terrain offers an excellent opportunity to view expansive landscapes, and occasionally, you’ll spot wildlife like buffalo or giraffes. This camp offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Day 03: Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp

Day three continues through the alpine desert zone, where the terrain becomes rockier and more barren. This hike lasts 5 to 6 hours, and you’ll start feeling the effects of the increasing altitude. As you approach Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet), you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the mountain and surrounding valleys. This camp is an excellent location to acclimatize, relax, and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 04: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

The trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp takes about 5 to 6 hours. This section is challenging but rewarding, with rocky terrain as you approach the base of Mawenzi Peak. At 4,330 meters (14,200 feet), Mawenzi Tarn Camp offers incredible views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak. This camp is an excellent spot for acclimatization, offering a chance to rest and take in the stunning surroundings.

Day 05: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Uhuru Peak

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day five is the summit day. The climb to Uhuru Peak starts early in the morning to avoid the harsh midday sun. It will take about 6 to 8 hours to reach the summit, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of glaciers and the surrounding landscape. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters / 10,171 feet) for the night, feeling the sense of accomplishment from reaching the summit.

Day 06: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

On the final day of the trek, you’ll descend from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate. The descent takes around 3 to 4 hours and will lead you through lush rainforest. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi to celebrate your success and reflect on the incredible experience you’ve just had. The memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure will last a lifetime!