Arusha 6-Day Rongai Route Trek: Expert Review and Tips

So, thinking about ticking Mount Kilimanjaro off your bucket list? If so, you’re looking at one fantastic experience! Of all the ways to get to the top, the Rongai Route might be just a bit more up your alley, especially if you’re after something very scenic that’s also perhaps a tad less crowded than, like, the Marangu or Machame routes. This review zooms in on what a 6-day trek via the Rongai Route, starting from Arusha, is actually like. Very practically, it aims to help you get prepped and understand, just, what to expect.

Why Choose the Rongai Route?

Now, you see, the Rongai Route comes at Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. So it’s a bit unique. It is arguably the only route with very gently gradual inclines, that, too, will very gradually allow you to ascend to higher altitudes, especially useful in your preparation. So, for this reason, it’s often favored, very naturally, by folks seeking very high summit success rates, plus, quite frankly, folks who dislike busy trails. Basically, you get scenery that’s seriously amazing and you aren’t, maybe, bumping elbows with everyone and their cousin along the way. Because of the gradual rise and just the fact that you approach Kili from the northern slopes that, honestly, shelter you a bit, you avoid long hikes in direct burning sun that, naturally, beat down on the Western-approaching climbs. That being said, it’s quite remote and lacks a little of the dramatic, you know, change in views of, for example, the popular western route, but the serene beauty and relative quiet might very much be just what you’re seeking.

Pros of the Rongai Route

Higher Summit Success: Arguably a great way to improve your chances of getting to Uhuru Peak, just because you are given longer to acclimatize.
Less Crowded: You are likely to enjoy much more peaceful hiking that’s simply, by the way, less crammed than the more beaten paths.
Amazing Scenery: Expect various different wilderness landscapes.
Good Acclimatization Profile: The trail’s, arguably, gradual ascent really makes it ideal for your body getting used to the altitude.

Cons of the Rongai Route

Longer Drive to the Gate: The drive to the starting point from Arusha is pretty lengthy. That’s to say, it takes hours.
Fewer Acclimatization Options: Although it’s naturally more gradual, very few routes give you a, maybe, good “climb high, sleep low” opportunity early on.
Less Variety in Descent Route: Most, that is to say, descent follows the Marangu route, and I mean that can feel a bit crowded after your solitary climb.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: What to Expect

Alright, this is what your typical 6-day Rongai adventure from Arusha really might look like:

Day 1: Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

First, your morning probably starts quite early with a drive from Arusha to the Rongai Gate, that’s around a four-hour ride. As a matter of fact, from there, registration takes a little bit, and you’ll finally, really, start trekking through a forest that changes pretty quickly into moorland. The hike is moderately easy, just under four hours, give or take. So, your destination that night, Simba Camp, is, pretty much, sitting pretty at about 9,500 feet (2,900 meters).

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Leaving Simba Camp is an easy climb, more or less. The trail tends to, generally, get steeper as you leave behind the first camp site. Walking across the moorland gives, really, stunning views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields that, again, might interest some folk who climb Kilimanjaro. It takes, at a moderate pace, between six to seven hours, maybe. The destination, Kikelewa Caves at 11,811 feet or 3,600 meters above sea level, provides spectacular views, particularly, clearly, if you’re, too, that little bit fortunate to get some clear morning air. This is an altitude that some feel, very, quite a bit, and its where acclimatisation hikes and good hydration plans are beneficial.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

This part involves an easy, arguably, fairly short trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, under four hours perhaps. The landscape definitely changes so, seemingly, drastically, getting close to the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Camp is, actually, nestled in a very scenic valley, offering really impressive views, and it’s placed strategically for a high-altitude acclimatization trek, if needed, to prepare your body to endure what the next days may throw your way. This camp is roughly at an elevation of 14,400 feet (4,330 meters) above sea level.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Huts

Today’s hike is a pretty challenging, but amazing climb. It can take up to five to six hours, maybe. You cross a barren, lunar-like place linking Mawenzi to Kibo that, honestly, provides a rather dramatic change of view. Getting to Kibo Huts, you will get a bit tired but at least it will provide that small breather you probably will seek prior to summit day. You see, Kibo Huts is quite barren at 15,430 feet (4,700 meters). Getting ready for the summit push now needs very thoughtful preparation, the goal now will be to get rest and well hydrate to ensure what limited amounts of sleep is achievable at this altitude will enable success tomorrow!

Day 5: Summit Day: Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

It really might be the day you’ve waited and paid for, however, it definitely presents its own challenges. So you get awakened around midnight (I’m very much just kidding. It will very much not feel anything like awakened!) for your summit try. You start, arguably, in the dark. So, moving through very rocky areas towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim takes around five to seven hours! And it is bitterly cold. The reward will be, should you, too, very much wish it, the beautiful dawn from Gilman’s Point (18,652 feet, 5,685 meters), before hiking on another couple of hours around the rim, where, finally, you’re standing at Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet, 5,895 meters). Then there is, like, taking photographs to evidence to anyone that, quite frankly, really cares, that you climbed to the very top. Your very next objective, just as importantly, arguably more so, you get back down, all the way to Horombo Huts (12,200 feet, 3,720 meters). That is to say, your descent, combined with the summit, will equate to over fourteen hours.

Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha

After summit day, which definitely left some mental bruises for days, the trek on day six is all downhill as you head towards Marangu Gate. You may get the odd glimpse of black and white Colobus monkeys skipping and jumping within the tree branches! But honestly it may not leave so much an impression after the physical activity you put your body through. From this Gate, transfer back to Arusha. That can give you time for, more or less, reflection and give your body some TLC.

What to Pack: A Quick Checklist

Clothing: Very good moisture-wicking base layers, warm fleece or insulated mid-layers, wind- and waterproof outer shells.
Footwear: Well-broken-in hiking boots, a second spare pair of dry shoes if you get cold wet feet.
Headwear: You will absolutely need a sun hat, a warm beanie, and a balaclava or neck gaiter.
Gloves: Layering is good – so thin inner gloves plus insulated outer mitts/gloves.
Other: Water bottles or hydration reservoir, water purification tablets or filters, trekking poles (a serious plus for the downhill sections!), a headlamp with extra batteries, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a simple first-aid kit.

Choosing a Trek Operator

Selecting a climb operator is seriously important, really! Make pretty darn sure they are reputable. Then, look at guides that have good ratings. It is actually one good measure of client satisfaction to check what their previous hikers suggest regarding guide experience.

Check Reviews: So, explore testimonials, climbing forums and independent review web sites.
Verify Credentials: That really might involve checking with organizations such as KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project).
Understand Inclusions: As a matter of fact, know just what their climbing price point involves – that, potentially, could prevent really difficult and expensive, quite frankly, surprises after!

Acclimatization: Listen to Your Body

The key on Kilimanjaro, no matter the route, is acclimatization. Basically, this is all about going slow and hydrating really really well! And I really mean really well!

Pole Pole: ‘Slowly, slowly’ is not, arguably, just a catchy phrase; that’s the mentality you want when on that hillside!
Hydrate: Seriously. If in doubt, really, take another slug from the camelback. It’s, actually, cheaper than chopper evacuation and also it, arguably, will result in better hiking fun and summit chances.
Listen to your guides: They are experienced. Because, after all, it’s, literally, their place of work. They’re seeing stuff day after day. Also they have local medicinal knowledge about coping, just in case!

Final Thoughts: Is the Rongai Route Right for You?

So, in the end, your six-day Rongai Route journey from Arusha on Kilimanjaro will make some pretty cool memories. Basically it involves being physically active at higher elevation. But, arguably, it may really, very actually be pretty fun times. Hopefully your photos will also do it justice, as I can say as I looked back, it truly looked like an out-of-this-ordinary experience, something people should arguably explore!