6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

6 Days Round trip from 2C8X+C96 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest free-standing peak
02 Cross varied habitats from montane forest to alpine desert and arctic conditions
03 See the mesmerizing undried lake at Mawenzi Tarn beneath Mawenzi Peak
04 Walk the Rongai route from the northern side near the Kenyan border
05 Take in views of the Kenyan plains, serene mountain scenery, and the lunar desert
06 Spot wildlife on the trail, including colobus monkeys

Embark on a 6-day hike to Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai route from Moshi and climb to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest free-standing peak. This route approaches the mountain from the northern side near the Kenyan border, passing through maize and potato plantations, montane forest, moorland, semi-desert, alpine desert, and arctic conditions. Along the way, enjoy serene mountain views, the Kenyan plains, the lunar desert, and the mesmerizing undried lake at Mawenzi Tarn. The Rongai route also offers a real chance of spotting wildlife, including colobus monkeys, during the first days of the climb.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

From Nalemuru Gate to Simba Camp

After an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and begin a three-hour drive to Rongai Gate, where all formalities will be handled.
After that, the hike passes through maize and potato plantations to the montane forest. The climb is steady but gentle and leads to the first camp, which offers a magnificent view of the Kenyan plains.

Elevation (m): 915-1950-2750
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 4 hours
Climatic condition: montane forest

Day 02

Trek from Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

On this day, you ascend to the second camp, where lunch will be served.
After that, you leave the direct path and branch off across the moorland on a smaller trail toward the Mawenzi side peak and continue to Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley. Dinner and an overnight rest will be at the camp.

Elevation (m): 2750-3600
Distance covered: 17 km
Hiking time: 7 hours
Climatic condition: Moorland

Day 03

Trek from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Immediately after breakfast, you face a short but steep climb up grassy slopes, offering magnificent all-around views.
After that, you leave the vegetation behind and head to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located in the amazing cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak.
After this short hike, you arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp, where you can spot the mesmerizing undried lake with neither an outlet nor an inlet. Lunch and dinner will be served here, followed by an overnight rest.

Elevation (m): 3,600-4,330
Distance covered: 7 km
Hiking time: 4 hours
Climatic condition: Semi-desert

Day 04

Trek from Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Camp

After breakfast, you cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Rest as much as possible here and preserve your energy for the summit.

Elevation (m): 4,330-4,695
Distance covered: 8 km
Hiking time: 5 hours
Climatic condition: Alpine desert

Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and descend to Horombo Camp

You wake up around midnight and begin the challenging hike to the highest peak in Africa. The path to Gilman's Point is steep, so the hike will be steady, with frequent short breaks.
You then traverse the crater rim from Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak. After taking pictures at the peak, you descend to Horombo Camp.

Elevation (m): 4,695-5,895
Distance: 22 km
Hiking time: 10-13 hours
Climatic condition: Arctic
Accommodation: Horombo camp

Day 06

Descend from Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate

You will have a long descent trek to Marangu Gate, where certificates will be awarded, and a car will be waiting to transfer you to Moshi.

Descend (m): 3,690-1,830
Distance: 20 km

Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Climatic Habitat: Rainforest

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

Guide
Park fees
Tax
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Environment fees
During the climb, you will be staying at campsites
5 breakfasts
6 lunches
5 dinners
Drinking water
Cook
Porters

What's Not Included

Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas

Know before you go

The Rongai route is the only route approaching the mountain from the northern side near the Kenyan border. The route is still new and not very popular. It may be considered an easy route because of its gradual slope. It is recommended for those who wish for a more solemn climb and can be the best during the rainy season, as the north side receives less precipitation. The scenery on this route is not very popular, but it offers a spectacular view of the mountain and passes through an actual wilderness area for almost the entire trail. Our Rongai itinerary has a seven- or six-day option, with the seven-day variation offering an extra day for acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn. This is the only route with a real chance of spotting wildlife, including colobus monkeys, in the first few days of climbing.

Logistics