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

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through forests with a chance to spot wildlife
• 02 Enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks
• 03 Experience the exhilarating final ascent to Uhuru Peak
• 04 Descend through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest for a beautiful finish

Embark on a 7-day trek to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit via the Rongai Route. Hike through forest and moorland landscapes, with chances to spot wildlife along one of the mountain's least crowded trails. Enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, then take on the challenging final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend through Kilimanjaro's captivating cloud forest for a memorable finish to the adventure.

Enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, then take on the challenging final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Rongai Gate to First Cave Camp

• After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive to the Rongai Gate near Kenya.
• After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.
• During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife.
• Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first campsite. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.
• The Rongai Route is one of the least crowded routes on Kilimanjaro because of the long drive to the gate.
• The Rongai trail is thought to have the best chance of viewing wildlife.

2

Day 02

First Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp

• During day two, hike through Kilimanjaro's moorland.
• The Rongai Route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times.
• During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead.

3

Day 03

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• This acclimatization day allows you to hike at the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep.
• The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

4

Day 04

Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• Day four is an acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn. We advise hiking a bit higher this day before returning to Mawenzi Tarn in the afternoon.

5

Day 05

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp

• Cross the lunar landscape of the saddle on this day to arrive at the final campsite. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo Cone, giving you views of your final destination.

6

Day 06

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

• Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point.
• The hike from Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult.
• The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours.
• Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos with your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

7

Day 07

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

• 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 wait at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha.
• You will be able to buy T-shirts and sodas at the gate.

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 exameter 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

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.