Day 01
Arrival in Moshi and Pre-Climb Briefing
- Arrive at a lodge in Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. This evening, you will have a pre-climb briefing with your guide and a consultant.
Tanzania · Trekking
8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route Trek to Uhuru Peak
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Climb Kilimanjaro from the remote northern side with fewer crowds and scenic solitude
- 02 Trek through diverse, wildlife-rich landscapes along a gradual ascent
- 03 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m via a route known for good acclimatization
- 04 Descend via the Marangu Route for a different perspective of the mountain
Experience Kilimanjaro from the remote northern side via the Rongai Route, the only trail starting near the Kenyan border. Enjoy a gradual ascent that is ideal for acclimatization while trekking through diverse, wildlife-rich landscapes. Escape the crowds on this low-traffic route, which is also well suited to the rainy season thanks to its drier conditions. Summit at Uhuru Peak and descend via the Marangu Route for a different perspective of the mountain.
Experience Kilimanjaro from the remote northern side via the Rongai Route, the only trail starting near the Kenyan border.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
8 Days
Tour type
Shared
Activity level
Moderate
Accommodation
Included · Standard
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
Yes
Cities
Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Rongai Gate to Simba Camp
- Depart from Moshi to Rongai Gate and complete your registration.
- Start your trek through the forest zone, which shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out, and Simba Camp sits at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometres
Habitat: Montane forest
Day 03
Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
- Continue a steady trek into the heather and moorland.
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres
Habitat: Moorland
Day 04
Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Cave Camp
- Continue your way through the heather and moorland on a steeper, rockier, and slightly more physically demanding journey than the previous day.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Day 05
Kikelewa Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
- Continue from the heather and moorland into the alpine desert zone toward the jagged Mawenzi cone.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers
Habitat: Moorland
Day 06
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp
- Today, you will cross the alpine zone and journey across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to your final camp before the summit attempt.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 07
Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Camp
- Around midnight, start for the summit to Gilman's Point (5681 m), then proceed to Stella Point, take a short rest, and continue to Uhuru Peak (5895 m).
- Spend a few minutes at the peak, then descend to Kibo Camp for a short rest and continue to Horombo Camp to wind up your day.
Hiking time: 6-8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 4-5 hours to descend to Horombo Hut
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres ascent and 16 kilometres descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 08
Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi
- Make your final descent on Kilimanjaro through the heather and moorland, and then into the rainforest zone to Marangu Gate (1860 m).
- Upon arrival at the gate, complete park formalities and a tipping ceremony with your support team. Our driver will then transfer you to Moshi.
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: Approximately 20 kilometres
Habitat: Montane forest
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Pre- and post-trek accommodation
- Private pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Park fees, hut fees, rescue fees, and 18% VAT on tour fees and services
- 4-season big sleeping mountain tents
- Double-layered sleeping mats
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- Transportation to and from the mountain gate
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Filtered water throughout the trek
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips to the mountain crew
- Laundry services
- Insurance
What to bring
- On the Rongai Route climb on Mount Kilimanjaro, pack versatile clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, a good-quality sleeping bag, and essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit. Don't forget a daypack, trekking poles, and a headlamp for summit night. Consider bringing a camera, binoculars, and a book or e-reader for downtime.
Know before you go
- The Rongai Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a less crowded approach with a good acclimatization profile, typically leading to higher summit success rates. It is known for its gradual ascent, particularly in the initial days, and a descent via the Marangu Route. Climbers experience diverse ecological zones, from rainforest to arctic, and traverse a wilderness area with stunning views.
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
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USD
2,825
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