6-Day Climb · mid-range
6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route
8 days in total · 6 on the mountain · 2 hotel nights
Price for 1 person
$3,250
per person
Less in a group: $2,300 each for 7+ climbers. See every group size
Discover Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes with Trust Tours & Safaris. Six days on the mountain, two hotel nights and an unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.
The Rongai Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border, offering a different experience from the busier southern routes. The trail begins in the countryside before passing through montane forest, open moorland and spectacular high-altitude landscapes beneath the rugged peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Rongai is particularly attractive to climbers seeking a quieter trail, wide views across the northern plains and a route that is often drier than Kilimanjaro's southern slopes. It can be a good option during wetter periods, although weather conditions vary and rain is still possible.
At Trust Tours & Safaris, we organise your climb with professional mountain guides, a support crew, camping arrangements and meals according to your confirmed package. We provide a clear itinerary, practical preparation guidance and a written breakdown of the costs so you know what to expect before booking.
Important advice: the six-day Rongai Route is a relatively compressed itinerary with limited time for acclimatisation. It is best considered by suitably prepared, physically fit trekkers who understand the demands of high altitude. For many first-time climbers, we recommend comparing it with the seven-day Rongai Route, which allows more time on the mountain.
- Package
- 6 days trekking + 2 hotel nights = 8 calendar days
- Highest point
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Start / finish
- Rongai trailhead near Nale Moru / Marangu Gate
- Mountain nights
- Simba Camp, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Camp, Horombo Hut
- Hotel
- One night in Moshi before and one after the climb
- Age policy
- 12–70 years, subject to fitness and medical suitability
Highlights
- A quieter northern approach, often drier than the southern slopes
- Wide views across the northern plains towards Kenya
- Camp at Mawenzi Tarn beneath Mawenzi's jagged peaks
- Summit via Gilman's Point, descend via Horombo Hut and Marangu Gate
- Two hotel nights and airport transfers
Best months to climb: Jan · Feb · Mar · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
6-day climbing
Price per person · includes 2 hotel nights (8 days in total)
| Route | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax | 7+ pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rongai route 6 days | $3,250 | $2,750 | $2,550 | $2,450 | $2,400 | $2,350 | $2,300 |
Package duration: 6 days trekking + 2 hotel nights = 8 calendar days.
How the prices work
The following are proposed indicative planning prices for Trust Tours & Safaris for 2027–2028.
The solo price reflects the higher cost of organising a private expedition for one climber, while two-person and larger groups can share certain operational costs. The price for seven or more climbers is a starting estimate and may change according to the final group size, travel dates, accommodation arrangements before and after the climb, and any additional services requested.
These prices are intended for a quality guided mountain expedition rather than a stripped-down budget climb. They are realistic planning prices for 2027–2028. The 2-person rate assumes two climbers booking together and sharing a hotel room. Solo pricing includes the additional cost of operating the expedition for one climber. Larger groups require confirmation of crew capacity and safe guide-to-climber ratios.
Before you pay a deposit, we confirm your final price, payment schedule, cancellation terms and any optional services in writing.
Guides, crew and transport are shared by the whole party, so the more of you there are, the less each person pays. Travelling alone? You can also join a group departure.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Route profile
6 days on the mountain · highest point 5,895 m · about 51 km
Swipe sideways to see every day →
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome, Hotel Check-in and Climb Preparation
Welcome to Tanzania! On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel if airport pickup is included in your booking. Your hotel provides a place to rest after your journey and prepare for the mountain adventure ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, your team will arrange a pre-climb briefing and equipment check, explaining the daily route, camping arrangements, weather conditions, altitude risks and the importance of walking at a steady pace. This is your opportunity to ask questions about clothing, sleeping equipment, meals, drinking water and the support available during the climb.
Because the Rongai trailhead lies on Kilimanjaro’s northern side, the journey to the starting point is longer than the transfer to some southern trailheads. Your team will confirm the departure time and transport arrangements in advance.
- Overnight:
- Hotel in Moshi
- Meals:
- According to the confirmed hotel meal plan
- 2
Day 2
Rongai Gate to Simba Camp – Begin Your Northern Approach
1,950 m → 2,650 m7–8 km3–5 hours
After breakfast, travel towards the Rongai trailhead near Nale Moru village on the northern side of Kilimanjaro. Your guides and support crew will complete the required registration and organise the equipment before you begin the trek.
The first section passes through cultivated countryside and montane forest, where the trail gradually climbs away from the lower slopes. You may see local farmland, forest vegetation and birdlife before the landscape begins to open up as you gain elevation.
This opening day is generally shorter than the later stages, giving you time to establish a comfortable walking rhythm and become familiar with your mountain team. Although the ascent is gradual, you should still conserve energy, drink water regularly and avoid walking too quickly.
By afternoon, arrive at Simba Camp, where your crew will organise the tents and prepare your evening meal. The camp sits in the high heathland zone, with open views towards the northern plains and the upper mountain when the weather is clear.
- Overnight:
- Simba Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Lunch and dinner
- 3
Day 3
Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp – Cross the Moorland
2,650 m → 3,600 m9–12 km6–8 hours
After breakfast, leave Simba Camp and continue across the northern slopes, gradually moving away from the forest and into open heathland and moorland. The trail offers expansive views over the surrounding plains, while the changing vegetation reveals the transition to Kilimanjaro’s higher ecological zones.
You will generally pass the Second Cave area, which is a useful place to stop for a rest and lunch before continuing towards Kikelewa Camp. The landscape becomes more exposed, and temperatures can fall noticeably as the altitude increases.
This is a longer day than the first, so maintaining a steady pace and following your guide’s advice is important. Your crew will work ahead to organise the campsite, allowing you to arrive, rest and enjoy your meal without needing to manage the main camping equipment yourself.
Kikelewa Camp lies in a sheltered area beneath the dramatic Mawenzi massif. Its setting provides a memorable view of the mountain’s rugged volcanic formations, especially when the clouds lift.
- Overnight:
- Kikelewa Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 4
Day 4
Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Climb Beneath Mawenzi Peak
3,600 m → 4,330 m5–7 km3–5 hours
Today, the trail climbs more steeply through high moorland towards Mawenzi Tarn Camp, one of the most scenic overnight locations on the Rongai Route. The vegetation becomes sparse, the terrain more rugged and the mountain views increasingly dramatic as you approach the striking spires of Mawenzi.
Although the walking distance is relatively short, the elevation gain can make the day challenging. Your guide will encourage a slow pace and regular breaks, while monitoring how the group is coping with the increasing altitude.
Mawenzi Tarn Camp is located beneath the jagged Mawenzi massif, in an impressive high-altitude setting. Depending on the weather, you may see the surrounding ridges reflected in the tarn or enjoy wide views across the rocky landscape. Temperatures can become very cold after sunset, so warm layers and a suitable sleeping bag are essential.
After arriving at camp, enjoy a meal and rest. The camp is also an opportunity to discuss the following day's crossing towards Kibo and the importance of conserving energy before the summit attempt.
- Overnight:
- Mawenzi Tarn Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 5
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp – Cross the High-Altitude Saddle
4,330 m → 4,720 m8–10 km4–6 hours
After breakfast, leave Mawenzi Tarn and continue across the broad, exposed saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape becomes increasingly barren, with volcanic gravel, rocky ground and little vegetation. The vast open terrain gives you a sense of the scale of Kilimanjaro as you approach the base of the summit cone.
This stage is important preparation for summit day, but the high elevation can make even moderate walking feel demanding. Stay close to your group, follow your guide’s pace and take breaks as needed. Your crew will help organise the campsite and prepare meals, while you focus on conserving energy for the night ahead.
Arrive at Kibo Camp, located at approximately 4,700 m, where you will have an early meal and receive a summit briefing. Your guide will explain the planned departure time, clothing requirements, weather considerations and the importance of reporting any symptoms of altitude sickness immediately.
The summit attempt usually begins around midnight or during the early hours of the following morning. Rest as much as possible and prepare your headlamp, warm clothing, gloves, water and essential personal equipment before going to sleep.
- Overnight:
- Kibo Camp (tents)
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and an early dinner
- 6
Day 6
Kibo Camp to Uhuru Peak and Horombo Hut – Summit and Descent
4,720 m → 3,720 mHighest point 5,895 m11–16 hours or more
This is the most demanding day of your expedition, combining the summit attempt with a long descent to Horombo Hut. You normally begin walking around midnight, ascending slowly through cold, dark terrain towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim.
The climb is physically demanding because of the steep terrain, low temperatures, fatigue and reduced oxygen at high altitude. Your guides will set a careful pace and monitor the group, but you must also communicate openly if you feel unwell. Severe headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual breathlessness or confusion should never be ignored.
If your health and mountain conditions allow, continue from Gilman’s Point towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit is a remarkable achievement, and you will have an opportunity to celebrate and take photographs when conditions allow.
After the summit, descend carefully to Kibo Camp and continue towards Horombo Hut on the Marangu side of the mountain. The descent is long, and fatigue can affect balance and coordination, so follow your guide’s instructions and maintain a controlled pace.
This is a very strenuous day, often requiring approximately 11–16 hours or more, depending on conditions, the climber’s pace and the time spent at the summit. Not every climber will reach Uhuru Peak, and the guide may instruct a climber to turn back if safety requires it.
- Overnight:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals:
- Summit-day meals and drinks
- 7
Day 7
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Complete Your Kilimanjaro Climb
3,720 m → 1,860 m18 km5–7 hoursAfter breakfast, begin the long descent from Horombo Hut through the moorland and down into the rainforest towards Marangu Gate. The trail passes through several ecological zones, allowing you to experience a final change in scenery as the air becomes warmer and vegetation grows denser.
Although the route is downhill, the distance can be demanding after the summit day. Take care on uneven or slippery sections, wear appropriate footwear and follow your guide’s advice throughout the descent.
At Marangu Gate, complete the required park procedures and arrange your summit certificate according to your achievement and the park’s rules. Your driver will then transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or another agreed destination if this service is included in your booking.
Enjoy a well-deserved shower, rest and reflect on the journey. Your hotel night after the trek is one of the two hotel nights included only when specified in your final quotation.
- Overnight:
- Hotel in Moshi
- Meals:
- Breakfast and lunch
- 8
Day 8
Departure from Tanzania
Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel according to your flight schedule. If an airport transfer is included in your confirmed package, your driver will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport or another agreed departure point.
If you have additional time in Tanzania, you can ask our team about a wildlife safari or a Zanzibar extension. These services are quoted separately unless specifically included in your booking.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
What's included in the price
- Park fees: Applicable Kilimanjaro National Park entry and conservation fees.
- Camping fees: Required camping fees and overnight charges for the confirmed route.
- Mountain team: Professional mountain guides and the required support crew.
- Porters: Porter services for permitted group equipment and supplies, within applicable park weight limits.
- Mountain cook: Meal preparation throughout the climb.
- Camping equipment: Mountain camping equipment and dining arrangements specified in the quotation.
- Meals: Meals during the climb, according to the daily itinerary.
- Drinking water: Drinking-water arrangements as stated in the final package.
- Rescue: Applicable park rescue arrangements and mandatory charges, as confirmed in the quotation.
- Summit certificate: Arranged according to park procedures and the climber's achievement.
- Hotel: One hotel night before the climb and one hotel night after the climb.
- Transfers: From the agreed pickup point to the Rongai trailhead, and from Marangu Gate to the agreed hotel or drop-off point.
- Airport transfers.
- Preparation: Pre-climb briefing and equipment guidance.
- Applicable taxes.
What's not included
- International flights and visa fees.
- Additional hotel nights and room upgrades.
- Personal trekking equipment, including hiking boots, waterproof clothing, warm layers, gloves, headlamp, sleeping bag, trekking poles and daypack.
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
- Tips for guides, porters, cooks and other support crew — about $350 per person for the whole climb.
- Personal snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry, telephone charges and other personal expenses.
- Medical expenses outside the agreed package and applicable insurance.
- Optional private toilet hire — $200 for the whole trip (tick it under Add-ons).
- Additional meals outside the stated meal plan.
- Safari extensions, Zanzibar holidays and other activities beyond the eight-day package.
What does the eight-day package mean?
This structure includes one hotel night before the climb and one after the climb. The six-day mountain itinerary itself includes five overnight stops: Simba Camp, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Camp and Horombo Hut.
- Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania and hotel check-in.
- Days 2–7: Six days trekking on the Rongai Route.
- Night after the trek: Hotel accommodation following the descent, included within the two hotel nights.
- Day 8: Departure from Tanzania.
Is the six-day Rongai Route right for you?
The Rongai Route offers a quieter northern approach and a distinctive landscape, but the six-day itinerary is compressed. The ascent from Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn is followed by a high-altitude crossing to Kibo, then a summit attempt and long descent to Horombo.
Although the northern approach is often drier than the southern slopes, weather conditions remain unpredictable. The six-day itinerary also provides less time for acclimatisation than the seven-day version.
For many first-time climbers, we recommend considering the seven-day Rongai Route, which adds time on the mountain and allows a more gradual schedule. A longer itinerary cannot eliminate altitude sickness, but additional acclimatisation time can improve the opportunity to adjust to altitude.
Our team will ask about your travel dates, hiking experience, fitness and preferred comfort level before recommending a suitable route. We want you to choose a climb that is realistic for your abilities, not simply the shortest option available.
Safety first: age and preparation
To maintain our stated safety standards, Trust Tours & Safaris accepts mountain expedition participants aged 12–70 years, subject to individual fitness, medical suitability, applicable park regulations and any additional requirements for the specific trip.
Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude mountain, and even very fit people can develop altitude-related illness. No responsible operator can guarantee that every climber will reach Uhuru Peak.
Before travelling, prepare with regular walking, uphill training and longer hikes where possible. Bring suitable clothing and equipment, follow your guide's pacing advice, and report any symptoms promptly. If you have medical concerns, seek appropriate medical advice before booking.
Our priority is to help you prepare responsibly, travel with realistic expectations and receive professional support throughout your expedition.
Why book with Trust Tours & Safaris?
Choosing a mountain operator is about more than finding a low price. You need clear communication, a realistic itinerary, properly organised camping and meals, experienced guides and a team that takes your wellbeing seriously.
Trust Tours & Safaris aims to make the booking process straightforward. We explain what your package covers, provide a written quotation, help you prepare your equipment and discuss the challenges of each stage before you commit.
Whether you are climbing alone, travelling as a couple or organising a group expedition, we can discuss the arrangements that best suit your dates, experience and budget.
Six days on the mountain. Two hotel nights. One extraordinary challenge.
Request your 2027–2028 Rongai Route quotation
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of climbers, country of residence and accommodation preferences. We will prepare a written quotation confirming the price, hotel arrangements, transfers, inclusions, exclusions and payment terms.
Start planning your Kilimanjaro adventure with a local team that values clear information, careful preparation and service you can trust.
- WhatsApp: +255 785 938 860
- Email: info@trusttourstz.com
- Website: trusttourstz.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Ombeni directly on WhatsApp.
Compare every Kilimanjaro climb
Prices per person in US dollars. Open any climb for its full itinerary and price table, or see all routes side by side.
| Climb | On the mountain | Difficulty | 1 person | Groups from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Marangu | 5 days | Challenging | $2,850 | $1,999 |
| 6-Day Marangu | 6 days | Moderate | $2,627 | $1,950 |
| 6-Day Machame | 6 days | Challenging | $3,250 | $2,250 |
| 6-Day Rongai (this climb) | 6 days | Moderate | $3,250 | $2,300 |
| 6-Day Umbwe | 6 days | Tough | $3,250 | $1,990 |
| 7-Day Machame | 7 days | Challenging | $3,233 | $2,350 |
| 7-Day Lemosho | 7 days | Challenging | $3,250 | $2,450 |
| 8-Day Lemosho | 8 days | Challenging | $3,850 | $2,550 |
| 9-Day Northern Circuit | 9 days | Challenging | $4,550 | $2,850 |
| 11-Day Northern Circuit + Crater Camp | 11 days | Tough | $6,250 | $3,590 |
Read before you go
Free, no-fluff guides from the people who run the trips.
How Long Does It Take to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Five to nine days — and why the longer routes reach the summit far more often.
Read guide →Kilimanjaro · 12 min readClimbing Kilimanjaro: The Complete Guide
Everything that actually decides whether you stand on the Roof of Africa — routes, days, fitness, altitude, cost and timing — in one honest read.
Read guide →Kilimanjaro · 9 min readClimbing Kilimanjaro for Beginners
Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro? Yes — most reasonably fit first-timers can, with the right route, some training and a slow pace. An honest first-timer's guide.
Read guide →Ready to climb?
Plan your 6-Day Rongai with Ombeni
Per person in US dollars. The 2-person rate assumes two climbers sharing a hotel room; the solo rate carries the full cost of a private expedition. Final price confirmed in your written quote.
1 person
$3,250
per person