Explore the world with tourHQ
Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Embark on an 8-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Rongai Route, ideal for those seeking a scenic and less crowded ascent to Africa's highest peak. Starting from the northern side of the mountain, this itinerary takes you through lush rainforest, open moorlands, and stark alpine desert, with excellent acclimatization and panoramic views throughout. Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters with the support of experienced guides and porters, then descend via Marangu Gate to Moshi.
Embark on an 8-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the Rongai Route, ideal for those seeking a scenic and less crowded ascent to Africa's highest peak.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Attend a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide and trekking consultant to review equipment, route details, and safety procedures.
Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the trek.
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers
Habitat: Montane forest
Depart Moshi and drive to Rongai Gate on the northeastern side of Kilimanjaro.
Complete registration with park authorities and meet your full mountain support team.
Begin trekking through lush montane forest, home to wildlife such as colobus monkeys and forest birds.
Reach Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland zone, offering expansive views across the plains.
Overnight at Simba Camp (altitude 2,650 meters).
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Continue with a gradual ascent into the heather and moorland zone.
Enjoy increasingly open views as the vegetation thins and the mountain becomes more prominent.
Arrive at Second Cave Camp (altitude 3,450 meters) in the early afternoon and rest.
Overnight at Second Cave Camp.
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Trek through the beautiful moorland landscape, following a steeper and rockier trail.
Notice the change in scenery and terrain as you approach Kikelewa Cave.
Reach Kikelewa Cave Camp (altitude 3,600 meters) and rest for the evening.
Overnight at Kikelewa Cave Camp.
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland to alpine desert
Climb steadily out of the moorland and enter the alpine desert zone.
Hike toward the jagged Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro's second-highest summit.
Reach the scenic Mawenzi Tarn Camp (altitude 4,330 meters), nestled beneath the towering Mawenzi spires.
Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and enjoying the surrounding views.
Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp.
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Cross the alpine desert plateau known as 'The Saddle,' a barren stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Reach Kibo Camp (altitude 4,700 meters), your base camp before the summit attempt.
Rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Overnight at Kibo Camp.
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent, 16 kilometers descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Wake around midnight and begin the final ascent under starlight.
Hike to Gilman's Point (5,681 meters), then continue to Stella Point.
After a short rest, proceed to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa.
Spend a few unforgettable moments at the summit before descending back to Kibo Camp.
After a brief rest and meal at Kibo, descend further to Horombo Camp (3,720 meters) for the night.
Overnight at Horombo Camp.
Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland and montane forest
Begin your final descent through the moorland into the lush rainforest zone.
Arrive at Marangu Gate (1,860 meters), where you will complete exit formalities.
Participate in a celebration and tipping ceremony with your guides and porters.
Transfer by vehicle back to your lodge in Moshi for a well-earned rest and shower.
Where this trip takes you
Mawenzi Tarn Camp, The Saddle alpine desert, Uhuru Peak, Marangu Gate
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
