6 DAYS | 5 NIGHTS Rongai Route Northern Kilimanjaro Photo Trek
Tour Overview
The Rongai Route is a peaceful and scenic way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenya border. It takes you through thick green forests, wide moorlands, dry alpine desert, and finally to the snowy summit. Because this route is less crowded, you enjoy a quiet and relaxed walking experience. Each day brings something new to see soft morning mist, sunlight touching the hills, long shadows across the slopes, and bright glaciers higher up.
The gentle trail gives you enough time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy different landscapes. Wildlife, special plants, and long mountain views add beauty to every step. The journey is challenging but full of amazing moments that stay with you long after the climb is over.
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Duration: 6 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a driver will take you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for resting, meeting your guide, checking your equipment, and learning about the climb. As the sun sets, warm light spreads over the hills around your hotel. It is a peaceful time to relax after your flight and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 1:
Nale Muru Gate – Simba Camp
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Change: 1,950 m → 2,700 m
Your climb begins at Nale Muru Gate, where the trail immediately enters a peaceful green forest. The trees are tall and covered with moss, and small birds sing as you walk. Sunlight passes through the leaves, creating soft patterns on the ground. The air is fresh, and the gentle uphill path allows you to enjoy the forest without rushing.
As the trees thin out, you begin to see open views of valleys and rolling hills behind you. The quiet feeling of being deep in nature grows stronger. At Simba Camp, you settle in as the air becomes cooler and the sky turns colorful during sunset. It is a calm and relaxing start to the climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Simba Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch & Dinner
Day 2:
Simba Camp – Second Cave Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Change: 2,700 m → 3,200 m
After breakfast, the trail leaves the forest and enters open moorland. The sky opens wide, and the land is covered with tall grasses and heather. The walking is gentle, giving you time to take photos and enjoy the silence of the mountain.
With every step, the view becomes wider. You can see the slopes of Kilimanjaro rising in front and long valleys behind. As you approach Second Cave Camp, the mountain feels closer and stronger. The evening light spreads golden colors across the ground, making it a beautiful place to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Second Cave Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Second Cave Camp – Third Cave Camp
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Change: 3,200 m → 3,900 m
Today you walk through gentle moorland mixed with rocky areas. The mountain views grow sharper, and you can often see snow high up on Kibo Peak. The air becomes cooler and thinner as you gain height.
The trail is calm and wide, giving you time to enjoy the openness of the land. As you reach Third Cave Camp, the scenery becomes quieter and more dramatic. Long shadows stretch over the rocks, and the sky slowly changes colors as evening comes. It is a peaceful place to end the day and prepare for higher altitude tomorrow.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Third Cave Camp – Kibo Huts
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,900 m → 4,700 m
The trail climbs slowly across a dry alpine desert. Plants are few, and the land feels wide and open. Kibo Peak stands directly ahead, showing the challenge that waits on summit night.
The air becomes colder, and the wind is stronger. As you walk, you see glaciers shining far above. Reaching Kibo Huts gives you time to rest, eat, and prepare for the long summit climb. The quiet night sky is full of stars, making the camp peaceful and beautiful in its own way.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Kibo Huts
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Kibo Huts – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
Distance: ~22 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Change: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Summit day begins before midnight. With your headlamp lighting the path, you follow a slow, steady pace up the steep slopes. The air is thin and cold, and the mountain is silent except for your footsteps.
As sunrise approaches, golden light spreads across the glaciers and the sky turns pink and orange. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is an unforgettable moment filled with pride and joy.
After celebrating and taking photos, you begin the long descent back to Kibo and then down to Horombo Huts. As you go lower, the air becomes warmer, and the landscapes slowly return to life. By the time you reach Horombo, you can breathe easily again and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Horombo Huts
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Hotel
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,720 m → 1,840 m
The last day of the climb takes you through moorland and back into the green rainforest. You can hear birds again, see thick trees, and enjoy the fresh smell of nature. The soft, shaded forest makes the final walk pleasant after many days in the high, open mountains.
When you reach Marangu Gate, you receive your summit certificate and celebrate finishing the climb. A car will take you back to your hotel for a warm shower, a good meal, and well-deserved rest.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
After resting at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or your next travel plan. This day gives you time to relax, reflect, and enjoy your success on Africa’s highest mountain.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$ 567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
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