Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

6 Days Round trip from W99Q+CJF Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience the scenic and less crowded Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro
02 Gradual ascent helps with acclimatization, reducing altitude sickness risk
03 Encounter diverse wildlife and unique flora during the journey
04 Reach Uhuru Peak for breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views

Embark on a 6-day trekking adventure on the Rongai Route, one of the most scenic and less crowded paths to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. Traverse lush rainforests, vast moorlands, and rugged alpine deserts before conquering Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Experience breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and an unforgettable sense of achievement as you descend via the Marangu Route and celebrate your success.

Embark on a 6-day trekking adventure on the Rongai Route, one of the most scenic and less crowded paths to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha/Moshi to Simba Camp via Rongai Gate

Elevation: 1387/915 m -> 1950 m -> 2750 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Arusha/Moshi to Rongai Gate. After registration, start the trek through the lush forest, winding past fields of maize and potatoes.
As you hike, enjoy the diverse wildlife in the forest before reaching Simba Camp for a restful overnight stay with views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 02

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp Across the Moorland

Elevation: 2750 m -> 3600 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Start your day with a steady ascent to Kikelewa Camp, passing the Second Cave along the way. The hike takes you across the moorlands, offering spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak.

Day 03

Steep Ascent to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Elevation: 3600 m -> 4330 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert
Today, tackle a short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
You'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the wilderness. This camp sits below the towering Mawenzi Peak, and after reaching the camp, enjoy lunch, rest, and a scenic overnight stay.

Day 04

Cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 4330 m -> 4695 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The journey today takes you across the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Hut. This is the final stop before the summit, where you'll rest and prepare for the challenging ascent.

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

Elevation: 4695 m -> 5895 m -> 3690 m
Distance: 6 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start the summit ascent at midnight, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak before or just after sunrise. The trek is demanding, with steep scree and possible snow, but the views from Gilman's Point and along the Kibo crater rim are awe-inspiring.
Once at Uhuru Peak, take in the breathtaking summit panorama and capture the moment.
Afterward, descend back to Kibo Hut for lunch and rest before heading down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Day 06

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha/Moshi

Elevation: 3690 m -> 1830 m -> 1387 m
Distance: 18 km
Descending Time: 5-7 hours
After a restful night at Horombo Hut, descend through Moorland and Mandara Hut. Enjoy lunch at Mandara before continuing through lush forest to Marangu Gate, where you'll sign out. Your adventure concludes with a vehicle transfer back to your hotel for a celebration and certificate presentation.

Where this trip takes you

Rongai Gate rainforest, Kikelewa Camp moorland, Kibo Hut alpine desert, Uhuru Peak sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from W99Q+CJF 4 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transfers to and from the mountain
Comfortable transport from your hotel in Moshi to Rongai Gate and back at the end of your trek
Experienced mountain guides
Professional, knowledgeable, and certified guides who will ensure your safety and provide expert insight along the way
Porters and cook services
Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, ensuring you receive top-tier service throughout your climb
Camping gear and accommodation
Four-season waterproof tents for your stay, on a twin-sharing basis, providing comfort and protection from the elements
A sleeping mattress for rest at every campsite
Emergency supplies
Emergency oxygen cylinder available for use in the event of altitude sickness or emergency situations
Meals and dining
All meals on the mountain, including a variety of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food to fuel your climb
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs for comfortable dining
Drinking water
Clean, purified drinking water provided throughout the trek to ensure your hydration and well-being
Park and rescue fees
Conservation fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fees are included in the park fees to cover your contribution to the preservation of Mount Kilimanjaro and any emergency services
VAT
18% government VAT is included in the total package price
Summit certificate
After reaching Uhuru Peak, you will receive an official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate to commemorate your achievement!

What's Not Included

Here's a breakdown of what is not included in the 6-day Rongai Route package, helping customers understand additional costs they might need to plan for:

Not included in the package:

Tanzania visa
You will need to arrange your own Tanzania visa prior to arrival, unless you're from a visa-exempt country.
Flights
Both international and domestic flights to Tanzania (Moshi or Arusha) are not included.
You will need to book flights separately.
Transfers (optional add-on)
Transfers from the airport to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha and back to the airport can be arranged as an optional add-on for an additional fee.
Personal trekking equipment
Trekking gear, such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc., is not included.
These are available for rent, or you can bring your own.
Tips and gratuities
Tips for your guides, porters, and cook are not included and are highly appreciated. A recommended tip range will be provided.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation is not included and is recommended for all trekkers.
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone bills, and beverages (other than those included with meals) are not included.
Meals not listed
Meals not listed in the itinerary, for example meals before and after the trek, are not included.
Alcoholic beverages
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages are not included in the package.
Online payment surcharge
There will be a 5% surcharge for any online payment of advance and balance fees.