6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek with Christmas Day Summit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through wildlife-rich forests home to black and white colobus monkeys
• 02 Ascend beneath the jagged peaks and spires of Mawenzi
• 03 Cross the Saddle into Kilimanjaro's stark alpine desert zone
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa
• 05 Watch a magnificent sunrise from Gilman's Point on summit night

Join this 6-day Christmas trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Rongai Route. The journey takes you through diverse ecosystems, from lush forests and moorland to stark alpine desert, before reaching majestic Uhuru Peak. Along the way, look out for wildlife such as the black and white colobus monkey and take in the dramatic landscapes of Mawenzi and the Saddle. The experience culminates with the thrill of standing on Africa's highest peak on Christmas Day.

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 Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Moshi / Arusha to Rongai Gate and Rongai Cave

• 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 then climbs gently through the forest, home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.

2

Day 02

Rongai Cave to Kikelewa Camp

• 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.

3

Day 03

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Hut

• 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.

4

Day 04

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to School Hut or Kibo 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 fluids and keep going very slowly. You will hear your guide say pole 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.

5

Day 05

School Hut or Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Horombo Hut

• We begin our push to the summit very 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.

6

Day 06

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Moshi / Arusha

• On our last day, we have a long trek, mostly downhill, through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

The route

Where you'll travel

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

• Hiking starts from 21st December to 26th December, so you will be on top of Mount Kilimanjaro on 25th December, Christmas Day.
• If you are still wondering what to do over the festive season, why not spend your Christmas on Mount Kilimanjaro? Mountain climbing can be an exhilarating experience and is a perfect adventure for you and your best friend or your spouse.
• Kilimanjaro, especially, is one of a kind. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Also known as the Roof of Africa, the mountain is quite "walkable," so reaching the summit is not particularly challenging. Essentially, most people can do it if they are fit and healthy.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.