6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from 2C8X+C96 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek the remote and scenic Rongai Route through forests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and volcanic landscapes
  • 02 Climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa
  • 03 Admire breathtaking sunrise views above glaciers, volcanic terrain, and endless mountain horizons
  • 04 Acclimatize at Mawenzi Tarn beneath the dramatic Mawenzi Peak
  • 05 Cross the vast alpine desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks
  • 06 Experience peaceful wilderness trails with panoramic views of the Kenyan plains

Experience a 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the scenic Rongai Route, exploring remote wilderness landscapes, lush forests, open moorlands, alpine deserts, and dramatic volcanic terrain on Africa's highest mountain. Follow the peaceful northern slopes with breathtaking views of the Kenyan plains, giant senecio plants, Mawenzi Peak, and the vast Saddle between Kilimanjaro's volcanic cones. Acclimatize at spectacular mountain camps, including Mawenzi Tarn and Kibo Hut, before a thrilling overnight summit ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Witness spectacular sunrise views above glaciers and endless mountain horizons while enjoying professional trekking support on one of Tanzania's most rewarding high-altitude trekking experiences.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp Through Forest Trails

  • Begin the adventure with a morning drive from Moshi to Rongai Gate on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Complete registration formalities and meet the mountain crew before starting the trek.
  • Hike through beautiful pine forests and cultivated farmlands while enjoying peaceful wilderness scenery.
  • Spot possible wildlife such as colobus monkeys along the trail.
  • Arrive at Simba Camp in the late afternoon and enjoy stunning views of the Kenyan plains.
  • Relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day of trekking.

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours.
Distance: Approximately 8 km.
Overnight: Simba Camp.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

2
Day 02

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp Across Open Moorland

  • Continue the ascent after breakfast through open moorland landscapes with magnificent mountain views.
  • Leave the forest zone behind while entering terrain filled with giant heathers and volcanic scenery.
  • Trek steadily toward Kikelewa Camp, located in a sheltered valley surrounded by giant senecio plants.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro's rugged peaks throughout the hike.
  • Arrive at camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Hiking Time: 5-6 Hours.
Distance: Approximately 11 km.
Overnight: Kikelewa Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

3
Day 03

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn for Acclimatization

Day 3 - Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

  • Begin a shorter but steeper trek designed for altitude acclimatization.
  • Ascend through alpine vegetation toward the scenic Mawenzi Tarn Camp beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak.
  • Admire spectacular views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks during the journey.
  • Spend the afternoon resting, acclimatizing, and exploring the surrounding mountain landscapes.
  • Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at camp.

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours.
Distance: Approximately 6 km.
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

4
Day 04

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut Across the Saddle

  • Cross the vast alpine desert known as the Saddle, located between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
  • Trek across barren volcanic landscapes while enjoying dramatic mountain scenery.
  • Arrive at Kibo Hut Camp by early afternoon and spend time resting before the summit attempt.
  • Enjoy an early dinner and prepare equipment for the overnight climb to Uhuru Peak.

Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours.
Distance: Approximately 9 km.
Overnight: Kibo Hut Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

5
Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

  • Begin the summit attempt around midnight beneath the star-filled African sky.
  • Trek toward Gilman's Point on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa.
  • Witness breathtaking sunrise views over glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and endless mountain horizons.
  • Celebrate the successful summit achievement and capture memorable photographs at Uhuru Peak.
  • Descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing toward Horombo Hut for an overnight stay.

Hiking Time: 10-14 Hours.
Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

6
Day 06

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

  • Descend through moorland and lush rainforest zones toward Marangu Gate.
  • Enjoy the changing scenery and final views of Mount Kilimanjaro's remarkable ecosystems.
  • Receive summit certificates upon arrival at Marangu Gate.
  • Meet the transfer vehicle and return to Moshi after completing the Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.
  • Celebrate the successful climb and reflect on the experience at the Roof of Africa.

Hiking Time: 5-7 Hours.
Distance: Approximately 20 km.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from 2C8X+C96 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
  • Two nights of hotel accommodation before and/or after the climb (Bed & Breakfast)
  • All park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
  • Professional, English-speaking mountain guides with extensive Kilimanjaro experience
  • Assistant guides, trained porters, and a mountain cook
  • All wages for guides, porters, and mountain crew as required by park regulations
  • Quality mountain tents and camping equipment
  • Sleeping mattresses for use during the trek
  • All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Boiled and filtered drinking water throughout the climb
  • Dining tent and camping furniture as required
  • Daily health monitoring, including pulse and oxygen saturation checks
  • Emergency first-aid kit and oxygen cylinder
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters in accordance with Kilimanjaro National Park regulations
  • Summit certificate for successful climbers
  • Comprehensive pre-climb briefing by the Pure African Expeditions team
  • Government VAT and all applicable taxes

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance, including high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage
  • Personal climbing gear and equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, cooks, and mountain crew
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, telephone calls, and snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Additional hotel nights before or after the scheduled itinerary
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Costs incurred due to delays, route changes, weather conditions, flight cancellations, illness, or other circumstances beyond the company's control
  • Personal medications and medical expenses
  • Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
  • Insulated down or synthetic jacket
  • Fleece jacket or warm mid-layer
  • Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
  • Hiking trousers
  • Thermal underwear for summit night
  • Long-sleeved trekking shirts
  • T-shirts for lower elevations
  • Warm hat/beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Neck gaiter or buff
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Insulated waterproof gloves for summit night
  • Several pairs of hiking socks and warm thermal socks
  • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
  • Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
  • Gaiters (recommended for dust and cold conditions)
  • Daypack (30-40 liters) for daily essentials
  • Duffel bag for porter-carried gear
  • Waterproof dry bags or pack liners
  • Rain cover for your backpack
  • Four-season sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C to -20°C
  • Travel pillow (optional)
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Water bottles and/or hydration bladder (minimum 3 liters capacity)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher)
  • Lip balm with UV protection
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Personal medications
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Biodegradable toiletries
  • Energy bars
  • Trail mix and nuts
  • Electrolyte tablets or drink powders
  • Favorite snacks for summit day
  • Passport
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Flight tickets and travel confirmations
  • Cash for tips and personal expenses

Know before you go

  • Good physical fitness is recommended.
  • No technical climbing experience is required.
  • Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level.
  • Follow your guide's instructions and maintain a slow, steady pace.
  • The Rongai Route is a camping route.
  • Daily health and altitude checks are conducted by the guides.
  • Weather conditions vary significantly with altitude.
  • Temperatures can drop well below freezing near the summit.
  • Layered clothing is essential for comfort and safety.
  • Safe, treated drinking water is provided throughout the trek.
  • All meals on the mountain are freshly prepared by our mountain chef.
  • Porters carry your main luggage; you only carry a daypack.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
  • A valid passport and visa (where applicable) are required.
  • Tipping the mountain crew is customary and appreciated.
  • Respect park regulations and Leave No Trace principles.
  • Summit success depends on fitness, acclimatization, and weather conditions.
  • January-March and June-October are generally considered the best climbing seasons.
  • Personal trekking gear is not included in the package price.
  • High-quality mountain gear and equipment rentals are available through Pure African Expeditions upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
2C8X+C96, Rongai, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in 2C8X+C96.

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USD 1,900 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,900.00 — $1,920.00
Double Sharing $1,900.00 — $1,920.00

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