6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore diverse forests and encounter wildlife along the Rongai route
• 02 Marvel at the magnificent peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo
• 03 Conquer the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
• 04 Descend through Kilimanjaro's captivating cloud forest for a rewarding finish

Traverse diverse forests on the Rongai route and encounter wildlife as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Marvel at the magnificent peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo along the way, before taking on the demanding ascent toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend through Kilimanjaro's captivating cloud forest to complete this unforgettable trekking journey.

We will rest there briefly to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Nale Moru to Rongai One Camp

• After completing the necessary registration formalities at the Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to Rongai.
• The climb begins from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest.
• The track then climbs consistently but gently through a beautiful forest that shelters various wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey.
• These monkeys are black with a long "cape" of white hair and a flowing white tail.
• The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

2

Day 02

Rongai One Camp to Kikelewa Caves via Second Cave

• The morning walk is a steady ascent to the "Second Cave" (3,450 m) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim.
• After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi.
• Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m).

3

Day 03

Second Cave to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• Superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness reward this short but steep climb.
• We leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
• The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

4

Day 04

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Campsite

• We cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
• The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

5

Day 05

Kibo Campsite to Horombo Camp via Uhuru Peak

• We will start the final and, by far, the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight at around 1 a.m.
• We plod slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m).
• We will rest there briefly to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.
• Those still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.
• The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue descending to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).

6

Day 06

Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

• After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate.
• Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at the lower station of Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi.
• You sign your name and details at the gate in a register book.
• This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reach Gilmans Point are issued green certificates, and those who reach Uhuru Peak (5895 m) receive Golden certificates.
• You now drive back to Moshi for a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, a decent bed, and celebrations.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Hotel accommodation in Moshi - Kilimanjaro White House Hotel (2 nights with half-board meal plan)
• 3 meals while on the mountain
• Kilimanjaro camping facilities such as tents, chairs, tables, and mattresses
• Professional Kilimanjaro guide, safari guide, porters, and cook
• Park fees and camping fees
• Rongai forest fees
• Oxygen cylinder, first aid kit, and oximeter while climbing
• 18% VAT
• 3-4 litres of mineral/treated water per climber, provided daily during the climb

What's Not Included

• Other personal expenses such as shopping in gift shops, laundry, binoculars, telephone, and beverages
• Personal mountain equipment
• Tips and gratuities for your crew
• Visa

What to bring

• Visa
• Passport
• Cash

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kikelelwa, Tanzania

Tour start

Kikelelwa, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.