The Ultimate 7-Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route Adventure to Uhuru Peak

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Tour Overview

This 7-day trek through the Rongai Route of Mount Kilimanjaro offers an exciting and scenic journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. The route, less trafficked than others, provides a more serene and unique experience as you ascend through varying landscapes, from lush forests to alpine deserts, and ultimately to the summit at Uhuru Peak. The Rongai Route is known for its gradual ascent, making it ideal for acclimatization.

Day By Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Moshi – Rongai Gate to Simba Camp (9 km, 4 - 5 hours)

    • Elevation: 1,387/915 m to 1,950 m to 2,750 m
    • Distance: 9 km
    • Hiking Time: 4 hours
    • Habitat: Montane Forest

    Early morning departure from Moshi with a hearty breakfast to fuel the day. Your adventure begins with a scenic 2-3 hour drive through lush coffee plantations and vibrant villages to the Rongai Gate (1,950 m/6,398 ft). After signing in and organizing your gear with the porters, you will begin your ascent along a wide, meandering path that cuts through fields of maize and potatoes. Gradually, you will enter the enchanting Montane forest, home to a variety of wildlife. As the forest begins to thin, you’ll arrive at Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530 ft), where the panoramic views of the Kenyan plains await you.

  • Day 2: Simba Camp – Kikelewa Camp (17 km, 7 - 8 hours)

    • Elevation: 2,750 m to 3,600 m
    • Distance: 17 km
    • Hiking Time: 7 hours
    • Habitat: Moorland

    After a satisfying breakfast, embark on a steady climb to the second cave for a well-earned lunch break. From here, you will veer off the main trail and navigate the moorland, heading toward the majestic Mawenzi peak. Finally, you will descend into the sheltered valley that leads to Kikelewa Camp, where you’ll settle in for a warm meal and a night under the stars.

  • Day 3: Kikelewa Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Hut (7 km, 4 - 5 hours)

    • Elevation: 3,600 m to 4,330 m
    • Distance: 7 km
    • Hiking Time: 4 hours
    • Habitat: Semi-Desert

    Today, enjoy a short, steep climb up the grassy slopes of the Mawenzi Tarn. The reward: breathtaking views of the vast wilderness below, offering a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks. Soon, you’ll reach Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4,330 m/14,200 ft), nestled in a spectacular cirque directly beneath the striking Mawenzi Peak. Take a moment to marvel at the undried lake with no inlet or outlet, then enjoy a relaxing lunch at camp. Afterward, take in the serene beauty before enjoying a hearty dinner and overnight rest.

  • Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Acclimatization Day

    • Elevation: 4,330 m
    • Distance: Nil
    • Hiking Time: Nil
    • Habitat: Semi-Desert

    This is your acclimatization day, designed to help your body adjust to the high altitude. Take a leisurely hike toward the base of Mawenzi Peak, soaking in the majestic surroundings and enhancing your stamina for the days ahead. Return to camp for lunch, followed by some relaxation and a delicious dinner.

  • Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut – Kibo Huts Camp (8 km, 5 - 6 hours)

    • Elevation: 4,330 m to 4,695 m
    • Distance: 8 km
    • Hiking Time: 5 hours
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

    Start your day with a hearty breakfast before crossing the lunar desert of the Saddle, the plateau that sits between Mawenzi and Kibo. The path will lead you to Kibo Huts Camp (4,695 m/15,400 ft), located at the base of Kibo Peak, where you will spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent.

  • Day 6: Summit Day! Kibo Huts Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts Camp (18 km, 10 - 15 hours)

    • Elevation: 4,695 m to 5,895 m to 3,690 m
    • Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
    • Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

    The day of triumph arrives! After a light breakfast at midnight, your journey to the summit begins. As the darkness fades, ascend the steep scree toward Gilman’s Point (5,861 m/18,640 ft) on the crater rim. Enjoy spectacular views of the crater’s ice caps and the surrounding wilderness as you continue to the ultimate destination: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,341 ft). Here, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views and the immense satisfaction of reaching the highest point in Africa. After spending some time to celebrate, descend back to Kibo Huts for lunch and a short rest before continuing your descent through the Saddle to Horombo Huts.

  • Day 7: Horombo Huts Camp – Marangu Gate to Moshi (18 km, 5 - 7 hours)

    • Elevation: 3,690 m to 1,830 m to 1,387 m
    • Distance: 18 km (Descending)
    • Time: 5 – 7 hours

    On your final day, enjoy a well-deserved breakfast and start your descent from Horombo Huts through the moorland to Mandara Huts. After a lunch stop here, continue your journey through the lush rainforest all the way to the Marangu Gate. Once there, you will sign out and be congratulated for completing the climb with a Kilimanjaro certificate. From there, take a vehicle back to Moshi to celebrate your incredible achievement.

Accommodations

Included

  • All transfers from and to Nairobi Hotel or Airport
  • All accommodations during the trek
  • All meals, hot and unlimited drinking water during the tour
  • Flying Doctors medical, emergency, and rescue cover
  • Well experienced, English speaking tour leader and guide
  • Dedicated support crew: assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks
  • Hiking and safety equipment: Sleeping Mats, Oxygen cylinders, Medical kits including Diamox.
  • All applicable government taxes, levies and entry fees
  • Eco-friendly, stainless steel, safari water bottle
  • Personalized private service

Excluded

  • International flights and taxes
  • Passports and visa applications and processing
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for drivers/guides
  • Personal laundry
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance fee for activities noted as optional
  • Sleeping bag
  • Walking stick

Tour Cost

  • 7 DAYS MOUNTAIN  CLIMBING
    Standard ACCOMMODATIONS 1PAX 2-3PAX 4-5PAX 6+PAX
    APRIL -MAY 2380 2270 2200 2150
    JUNE – OCT 2590 2470 2400 2355
    NOV – 15 DEC 2890 2370 2260 2150
    16 DEC – 31MARCH 2985 2460 2370 2240

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