6-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Climb
A private 6-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route, starting near the Kenyan border, camping all the way, with two hotel nights in Moshi, 8 days in total.
Rongai for Climbers with Less Time
The 6-day Rongai climb follows the same quiet path as our 7-day version: up through farmland and forest on the dry northern side, across open moorland to Mawenzi Tarn, over the Saddle to Kibo and down the Marangu path on the south side. The difference is one day: here you walk from Simba Camp straight to Kikelewa instead of stopping at Second Cave.
One day less on the mountain means less time for your body to adjust to the altitude, so the summit chances are a little lower than on 7 days. The 6-day climb suits fit hikers who have been to high altitude before, or who have just climbed Mount Meru. If this is your first high mountain, we recommend the 7-day Rongai.
First time at high altitude? See the 7-Day Rongai Route →
Why Climbers Choose It
- The only route from the north: drier and quieter
- A night at Mawenzi Tarn, below the cliffs of Mawenzi
- One day shorter than our 7-day Rongai, for fit climbers
- Down the Marangu path, so you see both sides of the mountain
- Our own crew, private toilet tent, emergency oxygen and two hotel nights in Moshi
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D6 are the days on the mountain. You go down the Marangu path.
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide visits in the afternoon to explain the climb and check your gear.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 680 m · about 7 km · 3–4 hours
About three hours by road around the eastern side of the mountain bring you to the Rongai gate near the Kenyan border. After registering, you walk past farms and a pine plantation into the forest and up to Simba Camp on the first moorland.
Overnight: Simba Camp (tents)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 975 m · about 12 km · 6–7 hours
A longer day across the moorland, past Second Cave, with Kibo ahead and Mawenzi to the east. You turn towards Mawenzi and drop into the sheltered valley of Kikelewa, where giant groundsels grow.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 730 m · about 4 km · 3–4 hours
A short, steep climb to Mawenzi Tarn, a small lake under the rock walls of Mawenzi. In the afternoon a short walk higher and back helps your body adjust.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 370 m · about 9 km · 5–6 hours
You cross the Saddle, the high stony desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, to the camp below the summit cone. Early dinner, then rest before the midnight start.
Overnight: Kibo camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,190 m, ↓ about 2,175 m · about 11–15 hours
By headlamp you climb the scree to Gilman's Point on the crater rim and follow the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You return to Kibo to rest and eat, then walk down the Marangu path to Horombo.
Overnight: Horombo (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,860 m · about 18–20 km · 5–7 hours
A long walk down through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Our driver takes you back to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or on to a safari or a beach stay with us.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,295 |
| 2 People | $2,045 |
| 3 People | $1,965 |
| 4 People | $1,920 |
| 5 People | $1,895 |
| 6 People | $1,880 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport transfers included)
- 8 days in total: 6 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Up the Rongai route, down the Marangu path
- Best for fit hikers with some high-altitude experience
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Licensed mountain guides, cook and porters from our own crew
- A personal porter to carry your main bag
- Emergency oxygen carried on the climb
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Moshi with breakfast
- Private portable toilet tent
- Transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Questions Climbers Ask
6 or 7 days on the Rongai route?
The path is the same. On 6 days you walk from Simba Camp to Kikelewa in one longer day instead of stopping at Second Cave. One night less gives your body less time to adjust to the altitude, so choose 7 days if this is your first high mountain.
Why choose the Rongai route?
It is quieter than the southern routes, the northern side is usually drier, and the slopes are steady. It is a good choice in the rainier months or if you prefer fewer people on the trail.
Can I climb Mount Meru first?
Yes. Climbing Meru a few days before helps your body adjust and makes a 6-day climb a better choice. See our Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro combination.
What happens if I feel unwell from the altitude?
Your guides check you twice a day and carry emergency oxygen. If symptoms get worse, a guide takes you down at once. Your safety comes before the summit.
What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation. Please check the altitude limit in your policy before you book.
