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

Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up and take you to the Rongai Gate, where the necessary permit clearance will be completed. While this is being processed, you'll enjoy your lunch. Once ready, you'll begin your Kilimanjaro adventure. The trail passes through farmlands and gradually ascends into the lush rainforest at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, leading you to your first overnight stop—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 a hearty breakfast, the trek continues through the scenic moorland. As the altitude increases, you'll feel it in your legs and notice a change in your breathing. If your pace is too quick, your guide may remind you to go “pole, pole” — Swahili for “slowly, slowly.” Along the way, you'll catch sight of Kilimanjaro’s snow-covered summit and the rugged peak of Mawenzi in the distance. Lunch will be at Second Cave, a lava-formed natural shelter. Here, the Rongai Route splits; you'll take the right fork toward Third Cave, while those on the longer route head to Kikelewa Camp. Today’s climb reaches 3,900 meters, where you’ll set up camp at Third Cave. At this altitude, warm clothing becomes essential, as temperatures can drop significantly.

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 involves a challenging ascent through a dry montane desert landscape. By evening, you'll arrive at Kibo Huts, situated at 4,700 meters, where you'll spend the night and rest in preparation for the summit attempt at midnight. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on appropriate clothing and strategies for the final push. Just before midnight, you'll wake up, enjoy a warm drink and a light snack, then begin 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

It's summit night! After a midnight wake-up and a warm drink, your journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) begins. This is the toughest and steepest part of the climb, requiring steady steps and strong will as you make your way through loose scree to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. After a brief rest, you’ll push on to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa! Once you’ve captured your summit photos, you’ll descend to Kibo Huts for lunch, then continue down to Horombo Huts for your final overnight 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

Following a final breakfast on the mountain, you’ll make your descent to Marangu Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate and enjoy some meaningful moments with your mountain crew — an ideal time to offer their well-earned tips. Afterwards, you'll return to your budget hotel in Moshi to relax or celebrate your achievement!

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 Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

At the scheduled time, your driver will pick you up at your budget hotel in Moshi and take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight back home. Alternatively, you may proceed with your safari adventure or continue to your beach holiday.