7-Day Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek the serene and less crowded Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
• 02 Ascend through lush montane forest and breathtaking moorland landscapes
• 03 Acclimatize beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak at Mawenzi Tarn
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise

Embark on a 7-day adventure on the Rongai Route, following the northern approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Known for its gradual ascent and breathtaking scenery, this route offers a more serene and less crowded path to the summit. Trek through montane forest, moorland, alpine desert, and rugged high-altitude landscapes before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. It is an excellent choice for climbers seeking a peaceful yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.

The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Moshi or Arusha to Rongai Gate and Simba Camp

• Elevation: 1,387m to 1,830m to 3,690m
• Distance: 101 km
• Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• After an early breakfast at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, you will be transferred by Origin Ventures and Safaris through scenic villages and coffee plantations to Rongai Gate.
• Upon arrival, registration and porter preparations will be completed before beginning the trek. The journey starts on a wide path through maize and potato fields, gradually entering the lush montane forest.
• You will trek through this beautiful forest, home to various wildlife species, before reaching Simba Camp, where you will settle in for the night.

2

Day 02

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp via Second Cave

• Elevation: 2,750m to 3,600m
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• After an early breakfast, you will ascend steadily to Second Cave, where you will stop for lunch.
• Leaving the main trail, you will trek towards Mawenzi Peak, passing through moorland landscapes. The day's trek ends at Kikelewa Camp, a scenic site in a sheltered valley, where you will enjoy dinner and rest overnight.

3

Day 03

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

• Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Semi-Desert
• The day begins with a short but steep ascent up grassy slopes, offering stunning views over the vast wilderness. As you continue, the vegetation disappears, revealing a rugged alpine environment.
• You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. A fascinating undried lake with no inlet or outlet is found here. After lunch, you will rest and later enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

4

Day 04

Acclimatization Hike at Mawenzi Tarn

• This day is dedicated to acclimatization, improving your ability to adapt to high altitudes.
• You will take a short hike towards Mawenzi Peak, then return to Mawenzi Tarn Camp for lunch, dinner, and overnight rest.

5

Day 05

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Huts Camp

• Elevation: 4,330m to 4,695m
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Today's trek takes you across the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The route features a dry, rocky desert landscape, with little vegetation but striking mountain views.
• Upon reaching Kibo Huts Camp, located at the base of Kibo's crater wall, you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt.

6

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Huts

• Elevation: 4,695m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,690m
• Distance: 6 km up, 14 km down
• Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• At midnight, after a light breakfast, you will begin your summit attempt. The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. The climb follows a zigzag path up steep scree slopes to Gilman's Point, where you will be rewarded with spectacular crater and glacier views. From here, a final 2-hour push leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa!
• After celebrating your incredible achievement and taking photos, you will descend back to Kibo Huts, rest, and then continue to Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy dinner and a well-deserved sleep.

7

Day 07

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

• Elevation: 3,690m to 1,830m to 1,387m
• Distance: 18 km
• Descending Time: 5-7 hours
• After a long rest, you will descend through the moorland to Mandara Huts, where you will stop for lunch.
• The journey continues through the lush forest, leading to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle from Origin Ventures and Safaris will then take you back to your hotel for celebrations and relaxation after your successful Kilimanjaro climb.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport transfers - round-trip airport pick-up and drop-off for a seamless experience
• Hotel accommodation in Moshi - 2 nights' stay in a comfortable hotel in Moshi before and after the climb
• All transfers - private transportation to and from Rongai Gate and back to your Moshi hotel
• Expert mountain crew - professional, first-aid-qualified, and experienced guides, porters, and cooks
• Daily medical monitoring - twice-daily medical check-ups to ensure your safety and well-being
• Crew salaries and park fees - all required fees for guides, porters, and cooks are fully covered
• Premium camping equipment - accommodation in high-quality, four-season waterproof tents with sleeping mattresses
• Emergency oxygen support - oxygen cylinders available for safety during high-altitude trekking
• Nutritious meals and drinks:
• Fresh, healthy, and energy-rich meals prepared by professional cooks
• Clean, purified drinking water provided throughout the climb
• Quality mess tent with tables and chairs for dining
• Park and conservation fees - includes:
• Conservation fees
• Camping fees
• Rescue fees
• Government VAT (18%) - all government taxes and fees included
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate - a well-earned certificate upon successfully reaching the summit

What's Not Included

• Tanzania visa - travellers are responsible for obtaining a Tanzanian visa before arrival
• International and domestic flights - airfare to and from Tanzania is not included
• Personal trekking gear - essential items such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, trekking poles, and clothing (available for rent)
• Tips and gratuities - recommended tipping for guides, porters, and cooks

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Mawenzi Peak, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.