Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from 2C8X+C96 Challenging pace

at stella point near to the peak of mount kilimanjaro

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through diverse landscapes, from pine forests to alpine desert
02 Witness sweeping views of the Kenyan plains and Kibo's ice fields
03 Explore the dramatic Mawenzi spires and camp beneath towering cliffs
04 Acclimatize effectively with gradual elevation gain and rest periods
05 Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa
06 Descend via the scenic Marangu Route to complete a full traverse of the mountain

Embark on a thrilling 7-day Kilimanjaro trekking expedition via the remote and scenic Rongai Route. Begin through quiet farmlands and lush pine forests before ascending into high-altitude moorlands and stark alpine desert. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kenyan plains, the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, and the vast ice fields of Kibo. With a well-paced acclimatization schedule and experienced mountain crews, prepare for a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak - the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Rongai Gate and Trek to Simba Camp

Drive to the wooden village of Nale Moru, located near the Rongai Gate.
Sign in at the park gate and complete porter preparations.
Begin hiking along a wide trail that passes through fields of maize and potatoes.
Enter a pine forest, where the trail gently ascends through wildlife-rich vegetation.
Continue until the forest thins out and reach Simba Camp, located at the edge of the moorland with sweeping views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 02

Ascend Through Moorland to Second Cave Camp

Begin a steady ascent through the moorland zone, surrounded by heather and volcanic rock.
Marvel at excellent views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.
Reach Second Cave Camp and rest for the evening at this scenic site.

Day 03

Traverse Open Moorland to Kikelewa Camp

Traverse across open moorland on a smaller, narrower trail.
Head toward the jagged spires of Mawenzi Peak.
Arrive at Kikelewa Camp, nestled in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios dotting the landscape.

Day 04

Climb to Mawenzi Tarn for Acclimatization

Ascend steep grassy slopes with breathtaking views along the way.
Leave behind the last of the vegetation zones and enter alpine terrain.
Reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, dramatically situated in a cirque below the towering cliffs of Mawenzi.
Spend the afternoon resting or exploring nearby areas to enhance acclimatization.

Day 05

Cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut

Cross the wide, barren desert of the Saddle, lying between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the base of the Kibo crater wall.
Rest for the remainder of the day in preparation for the final summit attempt.

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

Wake before midnight and begin the ascent under moonlight with headlamps or flashlights.
Climb steep scree slopes to reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim.
Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.
Celebrate the achievement and capture summit photos.
Descend to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch.
Continue the descent to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay.

Day 07

Descend to Marangu Gate and Transfer to Hotel

Begin the final descent through moorland and forest zones.
Reach Mandara Hut for a short rest and refreshments.
Proceed through the rainforest to Marangu Gate.
Sign out and receive summit certificates.
Transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Where this trip takes you

Kenyan plains, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from 2C8X+C96 2 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees and permits: These are mandatory and cover entry into Kilimanjaro National Park.
Guides and porters: Licensed guides are essential for navigation and safety, and porters carry equipment and supplies.
Accommodation: This usually includes tents (or huts on the Marangu route).
Meals: All meals on the mountain are typically included and are often prepared by a mountain chef.
Transfers: Transfers to and from the mountain are usually included.
Safety equipment: Basic safety equipment, such as first-aid kits and emergency oxygen, may be included, according to Climb Kili.
Pre- and post-climb support: Some packages include briefings, gear checks, and celebration dinners.

What's Not Included

Flights: International flights to and from Tanzania are generally not included.
Visas: Tanzanian visas are typically the climber's responsibility.
Tips: Tips for guides, porters, and other support staff are rarely included.
Personal gear: Climbers need to bring their own gear, such as appropriate clothing, boots, and a sleeping bag.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical and evacuation coverage, is usually not included.
Pre/post-climb accommodation and meals: Unless specifically stated, accommodation and meals in Moshi before and after the trek are not included.
Personal spending money: Expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and snacks are not included.