Tanzania · Trekking

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

8 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on its quieter northern approach via the Rongai Route
02 Enjoy gradual slopes and a drier climate, ideal during the rainy season
03 Explore diverse landscapes from lush rainforest to alpine desert
04 Witness a breathtaking sunrise from Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point

Experience a quieter and more scenic ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route, approaching from the northern side near the Kenyan border. Known for its gradual slopes and drier climate, this trek is ideal for hikers with moderate fitness, even during the rainy season. The journey passes through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, with striking views of Mawenzi Peak, before a summit push via Gilman's Point and Stella Point leads to breathtaking sunrise views from Uhuru Peak.

The journey passes through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, with striking views of Mawenzi Peak, before a summit push via Gilman's Point and Stella Point leads to breathtaking sunrise views from Uhuru Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Pre-Climb Briefing

Arrive directly at a lodge in Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Attend an evening pre-climb briefing with your guide and consultant.

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Moshi Lodge

Day 02

Rongai Gate Trek to Simba Camp

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Habitat: Montane forest
Depart Moshi for Rongai Gate and complete registration.
Begin the trek through the forest zone, home to diverse wildlife.
The forest gradually thins out as you approach Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland with wide views.

Overnight: Simba Camp

Day 03

Moorland Trek to Second Cave Camp

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: ~6 km
Habitat: Moorland
Continue with a steady trek into the heather and moorland zone.
Enjoy open views and gradual acclimatisation.

Overnight: Second Cave Camp

Day 04

Steeper Ascent to Kikelewa Cave Camp

Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: ~6 km
Habitat: Moorland
Continue trekking through moorland on a steeper, rockier path.
This stage is more physically demanding than the previous day.

Overnight: Kikelewa Cave Camp

Day 05

Climb to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Hiking time: ~4 hours
Distance: ~5 km
Habitat: Moorland - Alpine desert
Make a steady climb into the alpine desert zone.
Trek towards the jagged Mawenzi cone.
Camp at Mawenzi Tarn, beside a scenic alpine lake under dramatic peaks.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Day 06

Cross The Saddle to Kibo Camp

Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Cross the alpine zone, trekking across "The Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Arrive at Kibo Camp, the final base before the summit attempt.
Rest early for the midnight climb.

Overnight: Kibo Camp

Day 07

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

Hiking time:

6-8 hours ascent to Uhuru Peak

4-5 hours descent to Horombo

Distance:

~6 km ascent

~16 km descent

Habitat: Stone scree & ice-capped summit
Begin the summit push at midnight.
Ascend via Gilman's Point (5,681m) - Stella Point - Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Spend a few minutes celebrating at Africa's highest point.
Descend to Kibo Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Camp.

Overnight: Horombo Camp

Day 08

Final Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Distance: ~20 km
Habitat: Moorland - Montane forest
Make the final descent through heather, moorland, and rainforest.
Reach Marangu Gate (1,860m), complete park formalities, and join a tipping ceremony with your support team.
Transfer by vehicle back to Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Moshi Lodge / End of Tour

The route