Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

9 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic and less-travelled Rongai Route
  • 02 Spend 7 days on the mountain with 2 nights of comfort in Moshi
  • 03 Summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with expert guides
  • 04 Enjoy panoramic landscapes from lush forests to alpine desert and glaciers

Embark on a thrilling 9-day adventure to the roof of Africa via the scenic Rongai Route. Starting near the Kenyan border, this less-crowded trail offers diverse landscapes and a high success rate. Over 7 days on the mountain and 2 nights in Moshi, you'll trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic rock formations before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. With professional guides, a dedicated support crew, and comfortable accommodations in Moshi and on the mountain, this journey combines challenge, safety, and unforgettable views.

Embark on a thrilling 9-day adventure to the roof of Africa via the scenic Rongai Route.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Trek Preparation

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
  • Meet your guides and prepare for the trek.
2
Day 02

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

  • Drive to Rongai Gate.
  • Begin your trek through farmland and pine forest.

Overnight at Simba Camp (2,600m).

3
Day 03

Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp

  • Hike steadily into the moorland.
  • Enjoy views of Kenya's plains.

Overnight at Second Cave Camp (3,450m).

4
Day 04

Second Cave Camp to Kikelelwa Camp

  • Trek through rocky ridges and heather.

Overnight at Kikelelwa Camp (3,600m).

5
Day 05

Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Camp

  • Ascend gradually to a higher altitude.
  • Camp at the base of Mawenzi Peak.

Overnight at Mawenzi Turn Camp (4,330m).

6
Day 06

Mawenzi Turn Camp to Kibo Hut

  • Cross the alpine desert saddle.
  • Reach Kibo Hut (4,700m).
  • Rest early for summit night.
7
Day 07

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

  • Begin the midnight ascent to Gillman's Point.
  • Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the summit of Africa.
  • Descend to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.
8
Day 08

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Moshi

  • Trek down through the rainforest.
  • Exit at Marangu Gate.
  • Return to Moshi for rest and celebration.
9
Day 09

Departure from Kilimanjaro

  • Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Depart with unforgettable memories.
Rongai Gate, alpine desert saddle, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Rongai Gate, alpine desert saddle, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Return transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport and your Moshi hotel
  • Return transfers from your Moshi hotel to the Kilimanjaro National Park entry gate
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, including conservation, camping, crew, vehicle, and rescue fees
  • Two nights' accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Moshi with Wi-Fi, restaurant, swimming pool, and friendly staff
  • Comfortable 4-season tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (shared basis, single supplement available)
  • Breakfast at the hotel before and after the expedition
  • All meals during the trek, prepared by professional chefs, with vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options available
  • Drinks during the trek, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water
  • Thick sleeping mats for comfort
  • Group equipment, including a dining tent, tables, chairs, crockery, and cutlery
  • Oxygen cylinders, oximeters, and complete medical kits, including Diamox
  • Professional licensed guides certified by Kilimanjaro National Park with 7+ years of experience
  • Dedicated support crew, including assistant guides, porters, cooks, and a camp master
  • Fair and ethical treatment of all porters, cooks, and guides
  • All government taxes, including 18% VAT, 1% TDL, and 0.3% Service Levy

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others)
  • Personal gear rentals
  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel before and after the climb
  • Portable toilets if required (150 USD per unit, shareable between 3 people)
  • Mountaineering insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m

What to bring

  • Sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 0 °C (32 °F) plus a liner
  • Collapsible trekking poles
  • Head lamp with extra batteries
  • Waterproof duffel bag (85L capacity or larger)
  • Daypack (30-35L capacity)
  • Polarized sunglasses or goggles
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • 3 water bottles (32 oz. Nalgene recommended)
  • Water bladder (Camelback type, 3L) or bottles as an alternative
  • Lightweight quick-dry towel (optional)
  • Pee bottle for night use (recommended)
  • Stuff sacks, dry bags, or zip-lock style bags (plastic bags are not permitted in Tanzania)
  • Waterproof jacket or poncho with hood
  • Insulated jacket (synthetic or down)
  • Soft jacket (fleece or soft-shell)
  • Two long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirts
  • One short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt
  • Waterproof pants (breathable, with side zippers ideal)
  • Two hiking pants
  • One pair of fleece pants
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Long underwear (moisture-wicking)
  • Five pairs of underwear (moisture-wicking recommended)
  • Two sports bras (for women)
  • Brimmed hat for sun and rain protection
  • Knit hat for warmth
  • Balaclava, scarf, or Buff
  • Warm waterproof gloves or mittens
  • Liner gloves
  • Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
  • Comfort shoes for camp (optional)
  • Five pairs of wool or synthetic socks
  • Waterproof gaiters
  • Five pairs of liner socks (optional)
  • Toiletries
  • Prescription medicine (Diamox available in Moshi if needed)
  • Sunscreen (high UV protection)
  • Lip balm with UV protection
  • Insect repellent with DEET (not aerosol)
  • Basic first aid kit (for blisters, nausea, and headache)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper (bring an extra roll)
  • Wet wipes (optional but recommended)
  • Dry wipes (optional)
  • Lightweight, high-calorie snacks (optional but useful on summit day)
  • Electrolyte powders or tablets (optional)
  • Camera or phone with extra batteries and memory card (solar charger recommended)

Know before you go

  • Passport
  • Visa (available at JRO Airport upon arrival)
  • Immunization papers (not required unless arriving from a Yellow Fever risk area)
  • Insurance documents
  • Emergency contacts
  • Lead guide tip: USD 20-25 per day
  • Assistant guide tip: USD 15-20 per day
  • Cook tip: USD 10-15 per day
  • Porter tip: USD 8-10 per day

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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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,050.00 — $2,470.00
Double Sharing $2,050.00 — $2,180.00

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