From Arusha in Tanzania: 5 Days Group Budget Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route

Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp

After breakfast, your driver will collect you and transport you to Rongai Gate for the permit clearance. While the paperwork is being finalized, you'll have lunch. Once everything is set, your Kilimanjaro journey begins. The route takes you through farmland before steadily climbing into the rich rainforest at Mount Kilimanjaro’s base, arriving at your first overnight destination, Simba Camp.

DAILY INFORMATION

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 5,900 ft to 8,400 ft

Elevation: 1,900m to 2,600m

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Simba Camp to Third Cave Camp

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, the trek resumes through beautiful moorland terrain. As you ascend, you'll begin to feel the effects in your legs and notice changes in your breathing. If you start moving too fast, your guide might remind you to take it “pole, pole” — Swahili for “slowly, slowly.” Along the route, you'll glimpse Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit and the rugged Mawenzi peak far ahead. Lunch is served at Second Cave, a natural shelter formed by lava. At this point, the Rongai Route divides; you’ll follow the right path to Third Cave, while those on the longer trek continue to Kikelewa Camp. Today's climb reaches 3,900 meters, where you’ll camp at Third Cave. At this height, warm clothing is crucial, as temperatures can drop sharply.

DAILY INFORMATION

Simba Camp to Third Cave Camp

Elevation: 8,400 ft to    12,796 ft

Elevation: 2,600m  to 3900m

Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles

Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours

Habitat: Moorland and Heather

Third Cave Camp to Kibo Huts

Today’s journey takes you through a tough climb across a dry montane desert terrain. By evening, you’ll reach Kibo Huts at 4,700 meters, where you’ll rest overnight to prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Your guide will give a thorough briefing on suitable clothing and tactics for the final ascent. Shortly before midnight, you’ll wake, have a warm drink and a light snack, then start your climb to the summit.

DAILY INFORMATION

Third Cave Camp to Kibo Huts

Elevation: 12,796 ft to 15,419 ft

Elevation: 3900m to 4,700m

Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles

Hiking Time: 5 - 7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Kibo Huts – Uhuru Peak Summit – Horombo Huts

Summit night has arrived! After waking up at midnight and enjoying a warm drink, you’ll begin the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft). This is the steepest and most demanding section, requiring careful footing and determination as you navigate loose scree toward Gilman’s Point at the crater rim. After a short rest, you’ll continue onward to Uhuru Peak—the highest summit in Africa! Once you've taken your summit photos, you’ll descend to Kibo Huts for lunch before heading down to Horombo Huts for your final night on the mountain.

DAILY INFORMATION

Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

Elevation: 15,400 ft to 19,340 ft (and descend to 12,200 ft)

Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (and descent to 3,720m)

Distance: 22 km / 14 miles

Hiking Time: 10 - 13 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate - Moshi

After your last breakfast on the mountain, you’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate, where you’ll be awarded your summit certificate and share heartfelt moments with your mountain crew—perfect for giving them the tips they’ve earned. Then, you’ll head back to your budget hotel in Moshi to unwind or celebrate your success!

DAILY INFORMATION

Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 12,200 ft to 6,050 ft

Elevation: 3,720m to 1,830m

Distance: 20 km / 12 miles

Hiking Time: 5 7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

At the arranged time, your driver will collect you from your budget hotel in Moshi and transfer you to either Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can choose to continue your safari journey or head to your beach holiday destination.