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

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Ascend to Second Cave for breathtaking views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields
• 02 Explore the Alpine Desert zone beneath Mawenzi's jagged spires at Mawenzi Tarn
• 03 Summit Uhuru Peak for an unforgettable African sunrise on Christmas Day
• 04 Cross the lunar desert saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
• 05 Celebrate your achievement with summit certificates at Marangu Gate

Embark on a 7-day Christmas trek to Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Rongai Route, culminating in a magical Christmas Day summit. This journey offers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to the stark beauty of the Alpine Desert, along with acclimatization hikes, breathtaking vistas, and the awe-inspiring sunrise from Africa's highest peak. Experience the thrill of adventure and the spirit of the holidays in one unforgettable trek.

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 7 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

Arrival in Moshi and Trek Briefing

• Once you have arrived safely at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by one of our friendly drivers, who will transfer you to the White House Hotel in Moshi. If you arrive early, you can explore the small town of Moshi, which is only a short taxi ride away, or relax at the lodge and prepare for the days ahead. You will also meet one of our operations staff and your guide, who will explain everything you need to know regarding your trek and check all your equipment.

2

Day 02

Simba Camp to Second Cave and Kikelewa

• The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (11,300 ft), with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and head southeast across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley, decorated with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (11,800 ft).

3

Day 03

Kikelewa Caves 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.
• Superb all-around views and a tangible sense of wilderness reward this short but steep climb. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft), 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

Acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn

• We have an additional day to acclimatize. The day will be spent exploring the area by walking up onto the Saddle towards Camel's Back. Afterwards, we will return to camp at Mawenzi Tarn (14,200 ft).

5

Day 05

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

• We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

6

Day 06

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to 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.

7

Day 07

Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

• 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
• 5 breakfasts
• 6 lunches
• 6 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 20th 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 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' in that it is not particularly challenging to reach the summit. 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.