5-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Experience a scenic, less-crowded trek to Kilimanjaro's summit via the Rongai Route
• 02 Enjoy diverse landscapes from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and breathtaking summit views
• 03 Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the highest point in Africa
• 04 Trek beneath the striking peaks of Mawenzi and cross the lunar-like saddle to Kibo Hut

Embark on a 5-day trek along the Rongai Route, a scenic and less-traveled path to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. Hike through lush rainforests, vast moorlands, and alpine deserts before conquering Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Witness breathtaking landscapes, spot unique wildlife, and celebrate your achievement with a rewarding descent back to Moshi/Arusha.

Hike through lush rainforests, vast moorlands, and alpine deserts before conquering Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp Through Montane Forest

• Elevation: 1,387 m / 915 m to 1,950 m to 2,750 m
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi/Arusha to Rongai Gate, the starting point of your trek. The hike starts from Nale Moru Village, gradually ascending through the lush rainforest zone. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including elephants and buffalos, as you make your way to Simba Camp for dinner and an overnight rest.

2

Day 02

Simba Camp to Mawenzi Tarn via Kikelewa Tarn

• Distance: 16 km
• Hiking Time: 9 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert
• Today's trek is longer but rewarding, offering breathtaking views as you ascend through the moorland and semi-desert landscapes. A midway stop at Kikelewa Tarn allows you to enjoy a hot lunch before continuing to Mawenzi Tarn, located beneath the striking peaks of Mawenzi. Rest, have dinner, and spend the night at camp.

3

Day 03

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut for Summit Preparation

• Elevation: 4,330 m to 4,695 m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• After an early breakfast, the trek takes you across the lunar-like desert saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, arriving at Kibo Hut by early afternoon. This is a crucial rest and preparation day for the upcoming midnight summit ascent. Spend the remainder of the day hydrating, eating, and preparing your gear.

4

Day 04

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 4,695 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) - Descend to 3,690 m
• Distance: 5 km ascent + descent to Horombo Hut
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent + descent
• Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
• Your summit push begins at midnight, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. Trek up steep scree and switchbacks, reaching Gilman's Point (5,685 m) before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
• After capturing unforgettable sunrise views and summit photos, descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing further down to Horombo Hut, where you'll enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest.

5

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

• Elevation: 3,690 m to 1,830 m to 1,387 m
• Distance: 18 km
• Descending Time: 5-7 hours
• After a good night's sleep, enjoy breakfast before descending through the moorland and lush rainforest to Mandara Hut for lunch. The final stretch leads to Marangu Gate, where you'll sign out and receive your climbing certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi/Arusha, where celebrations await!

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport transfers: Round-trip transfers between the airport and your hotel
• Accommodation in Moshi: 2 nights at a comfortable hotel in Moshi town before and after the climb
• Transport: All transfers to Rongai Gate and back to your hotel after the climb
• Expert guides and crew: Professional, first-aid-qualified, and experienced mountain guides
• Health and safety: Twice-daily medical check-ups and monitoring
• Park fees and permits: Conservation fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
• Porters and cook services: Salaries and fees for guides, porters, and cooks
• Quality camping equipment:
• Four-season waterproof tents for accommodation
• Comfortable sleeping mattress
• Spacious mess tent with tables and chairs
• Emergency equipment: Supplemental oxygen cylinder for safety
• Nutritious meals and hydration:
• All meals provided while on the mountain
• Large portions of fresh, healthy food
• Unlimited supply of clean, purified drinking water
• Official summit certificate: Awarded upon successful completion of the climb
• VAT and government taxes: All necessary taxes, including 18% VAT

What's Not Included

• Tanzania Visa - Travelers must obtain a visa upon arrival or in advance
• Flights - International and domestic flights are not included
• Personal trekking gear - Items such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothing (available for rent if needed)
• Tips and gratuities - Recommended for guides, porters, and cooks
• Travel insurance - Strongly advised to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of valuables
• Personal expenses - Including laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, and beverages
• Meals not listed in the itinerary - Additional meals before or after the trek
• Alcoholic and bottled beverages - Liquors, beer, and bottled drinks are not included
• Online payment surcharge - A 5% fee applies to online payments for advance deposits and balances

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Uhuru Peak, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.