6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through lush rainforest and see the plains of Kenya from Simba Camp
• 02 Cross the moorland toward Mawenzi side peak and camp in a sheltered valley
• 03 Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at dawn for a breathtaking sunrise
• 04 Descend through Kilimanjaro's moorland and woodland to Marangu Gate

Embark on a 6-day adventure ascending Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. Trek through lush rainforest and moorland, climb toward Kibo Huts, and make your summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) in time for a breathtaking sunrise. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views, including the plains of Kenya from Simba Camp, before descending through moorland and woodland to Marangu Gate, where you receive your certificate of accomplishment.

Reach the summit at dawn and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sunrise over the surrounding landscape.

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 Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Rongai Gate Through Rainforest to Simba Camp

• Drive from Rongai Gate (1,860 m) to First Cave Camp (2,600 m) via the lush rainforest. After an early breakfast, transfer to Rongai, arrange the porters, and begin hiking through thin forest, wildlife shelters, fields of maize and potatoes, and Montana forest until you reach Simba Camp, which offers breathtaking views of the plains of Kenya.

2

Day 02

Steady Ascent from Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

• After an early breakfast, make a steady ascent to the second cave at Kikelewa Camp, where you will stop for lunch. Leave the direct trail at this point and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path toward Mawenzi side peak to Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley. At Kikelewa Camp, settle in for dinner and an overnight rest.

3

Day 03

Climb to Mawenzi Tarn and Mawenzi Turn Hut

• Following breakfast, go on a brief but strenuous climb up grassy hills, rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Before long, emerge from the flora and reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set in a breathtaking cirque just below Mawenzi Peak's towering spires. Following this journey, arrive at Mawenzi Turn Hut Camp, where you will also be able to witness the breathtaking undried lake that has neither an exit nor an inlet. Here, you will have lunch, relax, eat dinner, and spend the night.

4

Day 04

Across the Saddle to Kibo Huts Camp

• Following an early breakfast, travel to Kibo Huts, located at the base of Kibo's crater wall, across the lunar desert that forms the saddle between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and getting ready for your summit hike.

5

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

• Start your ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at midnight, taking advantage of the cool night air for better acclimatization. Reach the summit at dawn and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sunrise over the surrounding landscape. Descend back to Horombo Hut (4,700 m) for a well-deserved rest.

6

Day 06

Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

• After a restful night's sleep, wake up for breakfast and make your way down through the moorland to Mandara Huts for lunch. Then continue back through the lush woodland to Marangu Park Gate, receive or present your certificate, and complete your descent.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All activities as specified in the itinerary
• Professional mountain guide and porters
• Park entrance fees
• Government fees or taxes
• Transfer to or from the airport
• 18% VAT on tour fees and services
• All meals and water
• Transportation costs
• Accommodation

What's Not Included

• All alcoholic beverages, soda, and items of personal use
• Laundry services
• Pre- and post-safari accommodation in Moshi/Arusha
• Tips or gratuities
• Personal travel insurance
• Visas
• Flights

What to bring

• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Insulated jacket and gloves for cold weather
• Warm hat and scarf
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items
• Water bottle and water purification tablets
• Snacks and energy bars
• Map and compass
• Camera and extra memory cards

Know before you go

• The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable, and it is important to be prepared for rain, snow, and extreme cold.
• The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, and it is important to recognize the symptoms and take the necessary precautions.
• The trail can be challenging, and it is important to have good physical condition and mental preparation.
• It is important to respect the environment and the local culture, and to follow the rules and regulations of the park.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Motamburu Kitendeni, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.