Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Rongai Route Kilimanjaro Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

6 Days Round trip from Rongai Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Conquer Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa
02 Trek the scenic Rongai Route with stunning mountain vistas
03 Pass through diverse landscapes from forest and moorland to alpine desert
04 Camp beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi at Mawenzi Tarn
05 Witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak during the summit push

Embark on an exhilarating trek on the Rongai Route to Mount Kilimanjaro and ascend Africa's highest peak through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest with wildlife to rugged alpine terrain. This route approaches the mountain from the north and offers stunning mountain vistas along the way. Trek with experienced guides, spend your nights on the mountain, and experience the unforgettable summit push to Uhuru Peak. Your climb is crowned by a breathtaking sunrise from the highest point in Africa.

At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Rongai Gate to Rongai Cave Through Forest Trails

We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and climbs gently through the forest, home to various wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

Day 02

Rongai Cave to Second Cave and Kikelewa Cave

We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking through moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.

Day 03

Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn

The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. The landscape changes dramatically as we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.

Day 04

Cross the Saddle to School Hut

On a good, firm path, you will cross the Saddle today. You will feel the altitude and might experience symptoms of altitude sickness - headache and nausea. Take lots of fluid and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole - slowly, slowly. One last tough section, and you will be there. You will camp at School Hut tonight, but not before some dinner and hot chocolate. Get your daypack ready and go to bed early, as you will be woken up at around 00:00 to start the final stretch to the summit.

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

We begin our push to the summit early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Rongai 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guide
Park fees
Tax
Meals according to the itinerary
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Fair and sustainable salary crew wages
Environment fees
During the climb, you will sleep in huts
4 breakfasts
5 lunches
5 dinners
Drinking water
Guide
Porters
Cook

What's Not Included

Flights
Items of a personal nature
Laundry services
Tips to the mountain crew

Know before you go

The six days Rongai route is the only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain's other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, those who would like a more remote hike, and those who are climbing during the rainy season, as the north side receives less precipitation. Rongai is a moderately difficult route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rainforest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro's routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Logistics