There are seven established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe route all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. The illustrations below depict a three-dimensional view of Kilimanjaro's climbing routes and a close up of the approaches to the summit.
6 days Rongai route climbing
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high.
The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many viewpoints.
The drive to the trailhead takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.
The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including the border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba CampDrive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu). After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
· Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
· Distance: 6km/4mi
· Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
· Habitat: Montane Forest
· Meals: LD
· Budget Lodging: Simba Camp
Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second CaveThe morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
· Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
· Distance: 6km/4mi
· Walking Time: 3-4 hours
· Habitat: Moorland
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Second Cave Camp
Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Third CaveToday we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.
· Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
· Distance: 9km/5mi
· Walking Time: 2-3 hours
· Habitat: Semi-desert
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Third Cave Camp
Day 4: Hike Third Cave to Kibo HutHike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!
· Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
· Distance: 5km/3mi
· Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
· Habitat: Alpine Desert
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut Camp
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo HutVery early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
· Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
· Down to 3700m/12,200ft
· Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
· Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
· Habitat: Alpine Desert
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut Camp
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to the trailhead, drive to MoshiAfter breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy) today is your last day to tip your Team Crews.
Trust Tours And Safari vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 2 hours).
· Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
· Distance: 20km/12.5mi
· Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
· Habitat: Forest
· Meals: B
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Mount Kilimanjaro Includes· Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
· 2 Nights’ accommodation before and after climbing
· Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
· All Park fees
· Rescue fees
· All meals while on the Mountain
· Arrival and Departure transfers
· Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
· Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
· Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
· Clean, purified drinking water:
· Crisis management and safety procedures:
· Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
· Sleeping Mattress:
· Emergency Evacuation by Flying Doctor Society of Africa:
Excludes:
· Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
· Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
· Meals not listed above
· Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
· Tips and any items of personal nature.