Safari Escort
6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route
Kilimanjaro Trek

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route

Safari Escort trip

Trip Overview

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro over 6 days on the Rongai route, following the actual camp sequence toward the summit.

The 6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Rongai Route follows the Rongai Route through Simba Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, and Horombo Hut. The day-by-day ascent allows the landscape to change from lower forest to open moorland and high alpine terrain before the summit stage.

The itinerary is built around daily trekking, mountain-camp or hut overnights, and the final summit attempt, followed by the documented descent route to the finishing gate.

A memorable mountain journey is about the full route as much as reaching the summit. Explore the daily walking stages, overnight camps and changes in altitude below, then speak with our team about acclimatisation, packing and the pace best suited to your experience and travel window.

One trail, many landscapes, one step at a time
Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the cloudsMount Kilimanjaro
Trekkers climbing through high-altitude terrain on KilimanjaroHigh-Altitude Trekking
Trekkers on a high mountain trail below KilimanjaroKilimanjaro Trail
Trekkers on the snowy upper slopes of Mount KilimanjaroSummit Landscape
Moments along the route
Trip Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Moshi/Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Simba Camp to Second Cave CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo HutContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, DepartureContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Moshi/Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

  • Elevation: 1,950m (6,398ft) to 2,600m (8,530ft)
  • Activity: Trekking & Cultural Experience
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

This morning we will drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route. The first stage of the trek is through farmland and pine forests. You may have a chance to see the beautiful Colobus monkeys or if you’re lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route.

Accommodation

Simba Camp

Your overnight stop is Simba Camp. Rest and prepare for the next stage with the support of your trekking crew. The facilities and conditions reflect the mountain route and altitude.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain camping
Representative mountain-camping photograph; it may not show this exact overnight campsite.
Day 02

Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

  • Elevation: 2,600m (8,530ft) to 3,450m (11,319ft)
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water can be found in an obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. The mountain team will set a measured pace that suits the terrain and supports steady acclimatization throughout the day. Regular pauses allow time for water, snacks and changing weather layers while the guide monitors trail conditions and group wellbeing. As the landscape changes, your guide will explain the route ahead and the natural features around you. Reaching the day’s destination is approached calmly, with safety and consistency taking priority over speed.

Accommodation

Kikelewa Camp

Kikelewa Camp is a designated mountain campsite on Kilimanjaro’s quieter Rongai route. Trekkers sleep in expedition tents supported by their mountain crew, with meals and water organized under simple high-altitude conditions. The camp lies in increasingly open terrain with views toward Mawenzi and the northern side of Kibo. Its overnight position supports the route’s gradual acclimatization before the ascent to Mawenzi Tarn and the summit stages.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain campsite
Day 03

Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

  • Elevation: 3,450m (11,319ft) to 3,600m (11,811ft)
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today's trail offers stunning vistas of the rugged terrain, with Kilimanjaro's iconic peaks looming ever closer. As you hike, you'll notice the landscape becoming more sparse, dominated by rocky outcrops and alpine desert vegetation. Take in the breathtaking views and relish the sense of accomplishment as you settle in for the night.

Accommodation

Kikelewa Camp

Kikelewa Camp is a designated mountain campsite on Kilimanjaro’s quieter Rongai route. Trekkers sleep in expedition tents supported by their mountain crew, with meals and water organized under simple high-altitude conditions. The camp lies in increasingly open terrain with views toward Mawenzi and the northern side of Kibo. Its overnight position supports the route’s gradual acclimatization before the ascent to Mawenzi Tarn and the summit stages.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain campsite
Day 04

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

  • Elevation: 3,600m (11,811ft) to 4,330m (14,206ft)
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trail gradually ascends through alpine desert terrain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. As you approach Mawenzi Tarn, you'll be greeted by a pristine alpine lake, set against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and dramatic rock formations. The mountain team will set a measured pace that suits the terrain and supports steady acclimatization throughout the day. Regular pauses allow time for water, snacks and changing weather layers while the guide monitors trail conditions and group wellbeing. As the landscape changes, your guide will explain the route ahead and the natural features around you. Reaching the day’s destination is approached calmly, with safety and consistency taking priority over speed.

Accommodation

Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Your overnight stop is Mawenzi Tarn Camp. Rest and prepare for the next stage with the support of your trekking crew. The facilities and conditions reflect the mountain route and altitude.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain camping
Photograph of the named mountain hut or campsite.
Day 05

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 4,330m (14,206ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft)
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the culmination of your journey as you set out for the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. The ascent begins in the early hours of the morning, under the glow of starlight, as you make your way up steep and challenging terrain. As the sun rises, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, you'll push onward, fueled by determination and the support of your experienced guides. Upon reaching the summit, take a moment to savor the incredible sense of achievement and enjoy panoramic views stretching across the vast African plains below.

Accommodation

Horombo Hut

Your overnight stop is Horombo Hut. Rest and prepare for the next stage with the support of your trekking crew. The facilities and conditions reflect the mountain route and altitude.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain hut
Photograph of the named mountain hut or campsite.
Day 06

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Departure

  • Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,860m (6,102ft)
  • Activity: Departure & Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

On the last day of your trek, you'll descend through the lush rainforest, retracing your steps back to Marangu Gate. Here, you'll bid farewell to your guides and porters, who have supported you throughout the journey. Take time to explore the local markets, interact with the friendly Tanzanian people, and soak in the vibrant culture before departing for your onward journey.

Plan your safari
Your Tour Package

Included & Excluded

Included

Included in the published itinerary

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
Not included

Additional costs

  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
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Before you go

Trip Questions,
Simply Answered

Ask our travel team

6 days / 5 nights. The day-by-day itinerary shows where each overnight falls. Check arrival and departure flight times before arranging onward travel, and ask us if you would prefer a slower pace or an extra night.

From $1,990 per person. Ask for a quote for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, room choice and any flights or extras. Request a written breakdown of park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers and exclusions before you book.

Quiet & Remote – Fewer trekkers for a peaceful climb., Wilderness Feel – Passes through remote landscapes., Different Descent Route – Descend via Marangu for varied scenery. Use the day-by-day route above to see the order of visits. Ask for estimated road or flight times between stops for your chosen dates; that is often more useful than counting destinations alone.

Ask our team for the confirmed accommodation plan. Exact properties and room types depend on availability. Ask us to confirm each stay, its location, meal plan and any proposed alternative in writing before paying a deposit.