Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

6 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Scenic Rongai Route ascent from Nale Moru through forest and moorland
02 Superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields from Second Cave
03 Reach Gilman's Point and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
04 Midnight summit push with unforgettable views from the crater rim
05 Descend through moorland and lush forest to Marangu gate

Embark on an exhilarating 6-day journey to summit Kilimanjaro via the scenic Rongai Route. Led by experienced guides, this expedition promises stunning scenery, camaraderie, and the ultimate achievement of standing atop Africa's highest peak.

Led by experienced guides, this expedition promises stunning scenery, camaraderie, and the ultimate achievement of standing atop Africa's highest peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

From Moshi to Simba Camp via Nale Moru

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours), including a stop at Marangu to obtain permits. After signing in and preparing the porters, begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest. The track then climbs consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters various wildlife. The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone, which has extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Steady Ascent from Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave, which offers superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03

Hike from Second Cave to Third Cave

Today, continue the hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

To Kibo Hut for Summit Preparation

Hike to Kibo Hut at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the very early final ascent.

Elevation: 3880m/12,700ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05

Summit Day to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing on, ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here, descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.
This climb begins in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you descend, so you will need all your warm layers. This is the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and having an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06

Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you through the moorland to Mandara Hut. Then descend through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
A Horizon Seeker Adventure vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Where this trip takes you

Nale Moru moorland, Second Cave views of Kibo, Uhuru Peak summit

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced mountain guides
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a sharing basis)
Sleeping mattress
Emergency oxygen cylinder
All meals while on the mountain
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

Tanzania visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

What to bring

Preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb requires careful consideration of the gear and equipment needed to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Clothing:
Moisture-wicking base layers: Tops and bottoms to help regulate body temperature and manage sweat.
Insulating layers: Fleece jackets, down jackets, or synthetic insulated jackets to keep warm at higher altitudes.
Waterproof and windproof jacket: Protection against rain, snow, and wind.
Hiking pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants for trekking.
Convertible pants: These pants can be converted into shorts for variable weather conditions.
Synthetic or wool socks: Several pairs of moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with ankle support and good traction.
Gaiters: Keep snow, rocks, and debris out of your boots.
Sun hat and warm hat: Protection from the sun during the day and warmth at night.
Gloves: Lightweight gloves for hiking and warmer gloves or mittens for colder temperatures.
Buff or neck gaiter: This versatile accessory protects the neck and face from sun, wind, and cold.
Gear:
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for carrying essentials during daily hikes.
Sleeping bag: Rated for cold temperatures (0°F to -10°F or lower) to stay warm at night.
Sleeping pad: Insulated sleeping pad for cushioning and insulation from the ground.
Trekking poles: Adjustable poles for stability and to reduce knee strain during descents.
Headlamp or flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark and for nighttime use.
Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses with high-quality lenses to shield eyes from glare and snow reflection.
Water bottles or hydration system: Insulated water bottles or a hydration reservoir to stay hydrated.
Water purification: Water purification tablets or a filtration system for refilling water along the trail.
Duffel or dry bag: Pack gear for porters to carry between campsites.
Toiletries: Including biodegradable soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and toilet paper.
Personal first-aid kit: Including basic medications, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
Miscellaneous:
Passport and permits: Required documents for entering Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro.
Cash: For tipping guides, porters, and other expenses.
Camera or smartphone: For capturing memories of the journey.
Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen to protect from sunburn at high altitudes.
Lip balm with SPF: To prevent chapped lips in dry and windy conditions.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, trail mix, and energy bars for on-the-go fuel.
Notebook and pen: For journaling or taking notes along the journey.
Optional:
Portable battery charger: To recharge electronics like cameras or smartphones.
Portable oxygen: In case of altitude sickness, especially for those prone to it.
Trekking towel: Quick-drying and compact towel for personal hygiene.
Trekking snacks: Favourite snacks for extra energy during long hikes.

Know before you go

Supplements:
Off-season supplement = USD 75.
Charges apply for solo trekkers starting a new departure in March, April, May, and November. It does not apply if you join an existing group, or if other trekkers also join your new group.

Logistics