Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

9 Days Round trip from Moivaro Rd Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Ascend Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route with stunning sunrise and sunset views
02 Spot wildlife including black and white colobus monkeys, forest duikers, and blue monkeys
03 Cross diverse landscapes from pine forest and moorland to the alpine desert of the Saddle
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, and earn a Kilimanjaro National Park summit certificate

Embark on a challenging 7-day trek on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route, crossing diverse habitats from farmland and pine forest to moorland and alpine desert. Along the way, enjoy photo-worthy landscapes, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and possible wildlife sightings including black and white colobus monkeys, forest duikers, and blue monkeys. The trek includes full board on the mountain with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and hot drinks. Your journey culminates at iconic Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Your journey culminates at iconic Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Pre-Climb Briefing

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Private transfer to Arusha Safari Lodge.
Evening pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Confirm mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge. Bed, dinner, and breakfast included.

Day 02

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Drive to Rongai for registration formalities.
Trek from Nale Moru through maize and potato fields into pine forest.
Observe black and white colobus monkeys in the forest.
Arrive at Rongai One Camp (8,500 ft). [3-4 hours walking]
Full board meals included.

Day 03

Simba Camp to Second Cave and Kikelelwa

Ascend steadily to Second Cave (11,300 ft) with views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields.
Trek southeast across moorland towards the Mawenzi peaks.
Camp near Kikeletwa Caves (11,800 ft). [6-7 hours walking]
Full board meals included.

Day 04

Kikelelwa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

Enjoy a short but steep climb with panoramic views.
Reach Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft) below the Mawenzi spires.
The afternoon is free for rest or exploration. [3-4 hours walking]
Full board meals included.

Day 05

Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn

Spend the day acclimatizing while exploring the Saddle and Camel's Back.
Return to Mawenzi Tarn camp. [2-3 hours walking]
Full board meals included.

Day 06

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Cross the lunar desert of the Saddle to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft).
Rest in preparation for the early morning summit ascent. [5-6 hours walking]
Full board meals included.

Day 07

Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

The summit ascent begins at 1 a.m. via a switchback trail to Gilman's Point (18,600 ft).
Optional round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft).
Descend to Kibo Hut and continue to Horombo Hut (12,200 ft). [11-15 hours walking]
Full board meals included.

Day 08

Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha

Descend through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft).
Continue to Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft).
Transfer to Arusha Safari Lodge.
Full board meals included.

Day 09

Departure or Optional Safari Discussion

Private transfer from Arusha Safari Lodge to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Optional discussion for a short safari or other activities.

Where this trip takes you

Rongai Gate, pine forest, Mawenzi Tarn, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moivaro Rd 3 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Marangu and from Marangu to Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
Bed, dinner, and breakfast
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only - not as a summiting aid)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Water for washing up daily
Porter to carry your duffel bag (maximum weight 15 kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
Flying Doctor Service

What's Not Included

Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cook (average tip is anything from $230 to $300 per hiker - depending on the number of days, how many hikers are in the group, and the route chosen)
South African passport holders do not require a visa for Tanzania; however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if traveling to Tanzania recommended)
Highly recommended travel and medical insurance
Personal hiking/trekking gear - some gear can be rented from our equipment store in Tanzania

What to bring

Full payment must be made before departure to start your tour.

Know before you go

Must be physically fit and in strong health.
Tips for the crew are required.
Travel and health insurance are mandatory.
Helicopter rescue is available at an additional cost and is not included in the package.

Logistics