Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

6 Days Round trip from 2C8X+C96 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the quiet Rongai Route from the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Experience diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert zones
03 Reach Uhuru Peak and witness a stunning sunrise from Africa's highest point
04 Descend via the Marangu Route for a varied trekking experience

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Rongai Route on this 6-day trekking adventure from the quiet northern side. Experience diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert while enjoying a gradual ascent ideal for acclimatisation. Reach Uhuru Peak for a breathtaking sunrise from Africa's highest point, then descend via the Marangu Route for a varied trekking experience. This guided trek includes camping stays, professional support, and incredible views, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced climbers seeking a rewarding high-altitude adventure.

Reach Uhuru Peak for a breathtaking sunrise from Africa's highest point, then descend via the Marangu Route for a varied trekking experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp Through Rainforest and Moorland

Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Rongai Gate (1,990m/6,529ft). Once registration is complete, begin your trek through the forest zone. This area is rich in wildlife and birdlife. The trail gradually climbs through the rainforest and opens up to the moorlands before reaching Simba Camp (2,625m/8,610ft). Enjoy your first night under the stars with a hearty dinner.

Landmark: Simba Camp
Accommodation: Camping

Day 02

Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp Across Open Moorland

After breakfast at Simba Camp, continue trekking through the moorland zone with open views and gentle slopes. The trail offers a gradual ascent with good acclimatization as you enjoy the wide landscapes of the northern Kilimanjaro side. Arrive at Second Cave Camp for rest, dinner, and overnight camping.

Start Point: Simba Camp (≈2,600m / 8,530 ft)
End Point: Second Cave Camp (≈3,450m / 11,320 ft)
Distance: ~6-7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
Accommodation: Camping

Day 03

Second Cave Camp to Third Cave Camp with Northern Plains Views

After breakfast, trek through the open moorland with wide views of the northern plains. The trail is gentle, with a gradual ascent for good acclimatization. Arrive at Third Cave Camp for rest and overnight camping.

Start: 3,450m / 11,320 ft
End: 3,900m / 12,800 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
Accommodation: Camping

Day 04

Third Cave Camp to Kibo Hut Across the Alpine Desert

Continue across the alpine desert zone with rocky and dry landscapes. The route crosses the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut for rest and preparation for summit night.

Start: 3,900m / 12,800 ft
End: 4,700m / 15,420 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hrs
Accommodation: Camping

Day 05

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Down to Horombo Hut

Descend from Kibo Hut through alpine desert and moorland zones. Pass the Mawenzi area on the way down and continue to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.

Start: 4,700m / 15,420 ft
End: 3,720m / 12,200 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Camping

Day 06

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Through Lush Rainforest

Final descent through lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. On arrival, receive certificates and transfer to the hotel.

Start: 3,720m / 12,200 ft
End: 1,870m / 6,135 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: End of trek / Hotel transfer

Where this trip takes you

Rongai Route, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Marangu Gate

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from 2C8X+C96 2 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional, experienced mountain guides and bearers throughout the trek
Guide, porter, and cook salaries included
Park fees (including conservation fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fees)
Emergency oxygen cylinder
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (twin-sharing basis)
All meals provided while on the mountain
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
VAT (18% charged by the government)
All transfers to and from the mountain and your Moshi hotel
2 nights' hotel stay (1 night pre-summit and 1 night post-summit)
Portable private toilet

What's Not Included

International flights - airfare to and from Tanzania is not covered.
Visa fees - travellers must arrange and pay for their own Tanzanian visa.
Personal gear - climbing equipment such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, and personal clothing.
Travel insurance - global insurance is recommended.
Tips for crew - gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks are not included.
Extra drinks & snacks - soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and personal snacks.
Additional hotel stays - extra nights in Moshi before or after the trek.
Medical expenses - personal medications, vaccinations, and any emergency medical costs.
Optional activities - excursions or city tours before or after the climb.

What to bring

Warm down jacket
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Fleece jacket
Thermal base layers, including tops and bottoms
Hiking trousers
Quick-dry T-shirts
Underwear and socks
Warm hat and sun hat
Gloves, including warm and light pairs
Waterproof hiking boots
Camp shoes or sandals
Thick hiking socks
Sleeping bag suitable for minus 10 to minus 15 degrees Celsius
Daypack
Duffel bag
Power bank
Camera or phone
Extra batteries
Passport and travel documents
Cash for tips
Energy snacks, including bars, nuts, chocolate, and dried fruits
Trekking poles
Headlamp with spare batteries
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen
Water bottles or hydration system
Personal medications
Basic first aid kit
Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
Toilet paper
Toothbrush and small toiletries
Pack light, but ensure you carry sufficient warm clothing
Layering is essential instead of carrying heavy items
Keep important items easily accessible in your daypack
Ensure all belongings are waterproof and well protected

Know before you go

Route: Northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro (quiet & less crowded).
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging - good fitness required.
Accommodation: Camping in mountain tents throughout the trek.
Altitude: Up to 5,895m / 19,341 ft (risk of altitude sickness).
Climate: Cold nights and freezing summit temperatures.
Fitness: Basic hiking experience and preparation recommended.
Pace: Slow walking ("pole pole") is essential for success.
Meals: All meals provided during the climb.
Water & Hygiene: Treated drinking water provided daily.
Communication: No mobile network or internet on most of the mountain.
Included: Guides, porters, park fees, camping equipment, meals.
Not included: Tips, personal gear, travel insurance, flights, hotel.
Health: Medical consultation before booking is strongly advised.
Best Season: January-March & June-October.
Success Tip: Proper acclimatization and following guide instructions increase summit success.