Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through unspoiled wilderness on the Rongai Route of Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Spot wildlife like antelope, elephants, and buffalo during the trek
03 Enjoy panoramic views of the Kenyan plains and Kibo's Eastern ice fields
04 Summit Africa's highest peak, Uhuru Peak, at 5895 meters
05 Experience diverse terrains, including moorlands and lunar deserts

Trek Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route, which starts from the northern, Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience, with chances to spot large wildlife such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo. Along the way, hike through varied landscapes and take in panoramic views of Kibo's Eastern ice fields and the Kenyan plains to the north before reaching Uhuru Peak.

This route offers trekkers a relatively unspoiled wilderness experience, with chances to spot large wildlife such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp Through Farmland and Forest

Drive to the village of Nale Moru for the starting point of the Rongai route.
Trek through farmland and pine forests.
See the beautiful Colobus monkeys or, if lucky enough, elephants or buffalos en route.
Reach Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone at 2625m.

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 02

Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp with Views of Kibo

Hike up to the Second Cave Camp, located in the moorland zone, with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi

Approx. time taken: 3 - 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 03

Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp via Moorland Trails

Leave the pine forest behind and carry on with a steady ascent through moorland.
Enjoy the superb views of the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanoes.
Leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes.
Set up camp today in the sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves at 3630m.

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi

Approx. time taken: 3 - 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 04

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut for Acclimatization

Trek on a short but steep ascent up the grassy slopes, rewarded by a superb view of the Kenyan plains to the north.
Leave the vegetation behind and reach the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn Hut, directly below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi.
Rest in the afternoon and explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

Approx. time taken: 4 - 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 05

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut Across the Saddle

Leave the campsite and cross the lunar desert of the 'saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Reach a spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background.
Reach the camp and spend the remainder of the day resting.
Prepare for the final ascent after a very early night.

Distance covered: 8km / 5mi

Approx. time taken: 5 - 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 06

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Today is "The Big Day" - the summit stage.

Begin the final ascent around midnight, which will be long and strenuous.
Pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m.
At sunrise, reach Gillman's Point (5681m), the crater rim of Kilimanjaro.
Hike for 1 - 2 hours and reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m.
Return to Kibo Hut and enjoy a warm meal.
Take a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi

Approx. time taken: 12 - 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 07

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

Pass through the heath and moor zone to Mandara Hut (2700m), and enjoy a warm lunch.
Pass through the tropical rainforest and, after 6 hours of trekking, arrive back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m).
Say goodbye to your mountain guides and return to your hotel in Moshi.
Take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate the success of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
Mountain tents
Sleeping mats
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
2-way airport transfers
Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeter
2 nights of accommodation at Park View Inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

What's Not Included

Flights
Tips to the mountain crew
Items of a personal nature
Laundry services
A doctor for the group
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)

Logistics