Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

9 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through diverse habitats including montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert
  • 02 Summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for breathtaking panoramic views
  • 03 Cross the dramatic lunar desert 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks
  • 04 Descend through lush forests and moorland back to Marangu Gate

Discover a comprehensive 9-day Kilimanjaro trekking itinerary via the Rongai route, starting and ending in Moshi, Tanzania. Trek through montane forests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and lunar landscapes while camping at scenic spots like Simba Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, and Kibo Hut. Summit Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, with expert guides supporting you every step.

Summit Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, with expert guides supporting you every step.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Moshi, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Moshi

  • Arrive any time at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
  • Arrange a private transfer from the airport to Moshi.

  • Gather at the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.

  • Confirm mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Rest and prepare for the trek.

2
Day 02

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp Trek

  • Drive approximately 2 hours to Nale Moru village.
  • Obtain permits at Marangu Gate.

  • Sign in and prepare the porters.

  • Hike through maize and potato fields into the montane forest.

  • Ascend gradually to Simba Camp at the edge of the moorland, with views of the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m to 2650m.

Distance: 6 km.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Simba Camp (budget).

3
Day 03

Simba Camp to Second Cave

  • Begin a steady ascent through moorland terrain.
  • Enjoy views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the crater rim.

  • Reach Second Cave Camp.

Elevation: 2650m to 3450m.

Distance: 6 km.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (budget).

4
Day 04

Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp

  • Follow a smaller path across the moorland towards the Mawenzi peaks.
  • Camp in a sheltered valley with giant senecios nearby.

Elevation: 3450m to 3600m.

Distance: 9 km.

Hiking time: 2-3 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (budget).

5
Day 05

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

  • Climb steep grassy slopes to Mawenzi Tarn.
  • Rest or explore the surrounding area to aid acclimatization.

Elevation: 3600m to 4330m.

Distance: 6 km.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (budget).

6
Day 06

Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

  • Cross the lunar desert 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo.
  • Reach Kibo Hut campsite at the base of the crater wall.

  • Rest and prepare for the summit attempt.

Elevation: 4330m to 4750m.

Distance: 9 km.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Kibo Hut Camp (budget).

7
Day 07

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

  • Start the summit climb early, before dawn.
  • Ascend scree or snow to Gilman's Point.

  • Continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m).

  • Descend to Horombo Hut for an overnight rest.

  • Wear warm layers and use headlamps.

  • Maintain a slow, steady pace.

Elevation: 4750m to 5895m up / 3700m down.

Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down.

Hiking time: 6-8 hours up / 4-5 hours down.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut Camp (budget).

8
Day 08

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

  • Descend through moorland and forest paths to Marangu Gate.
  • Use gaiters and trekking poles in wet or muddy sections.

  • Meet the vehicle and drive approximately 1 hour to your hotel in Moshi.

  • Celebrate your achievement and rest.

Elevation: 3700m to 1700m.

Distance: 20 km.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi.

9
Day 09

Departure from Tanzania

  • Arrange a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your next destination.
  • Proceed to safari, Zanzibar, or your flight home.

  • Reflect on your unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Simba Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Simba Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 4 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation to and from your selected route.
  • Airport pick-up.

  • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent for the camp route.

  • Certified, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides.

  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees included.

  • Government climbing taxes included.

  • All hot meals prepared by our cook while on the mountain.

  • Salaries for guides, porters, and cook included.

  • Enough porters to carry your luggage.

  • Personal summit certificate signed by the National Park and your guide.

What's Not Included

  • Personal items and toiletries.
  • Accommodation before and after the trek.

  • 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 for guides, porters, and cook.

  • International airfares and departure taxes.

  • All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, fax, email, etc.

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

  • Visa and international flight ticket fees.

What to bring

  • Bring a well-equipped backpack for your personal gear.

  • Use a duffel bag for your sleeping bag and other equipment.

  • Carry a smaller daypack for daily essentials.

  • Pack sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.

  • Include warm clothing layers.

  • Bring a warm sleeping bag.

  • Take trekking poles.

  • Carry a headlamp.

  • Use sunscreen for protection.

Know before you go

  • Understand the challenges and requirements before embarking on a Kilimanjaro climb.
  • Recognize that climbing Kilimanjaro is both challenging and rewarding.

  • Prepare thoroughly with proper training and planning.

  • Build endurance and strength through regular physical exercise.

  • Acclimatize yourself to altitude to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

  • Arrange all necessary gear and equipment in advance.

  • Ensure you have appropriate medical coverage and travel insurance.

  • Consult with experienced guides for advice and support.

  • Other language guides such as French, Spanish, and German are available upon request with a $25 per day supplement, subject to availability.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Tour start
Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Mt Kilimanjaro.

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