From Moshi in Tanzania: 5 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route

Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp

After breakfast, your driver will collect you and transfer you to Rongai Gate for permit processing. While the paperwork is underway, you’ll have lunch. Once everything is set, your Kilimanjaro journey begins. The route takes you through farmland before steadily climbing into the vibrant rainforest at Mount Kilimanjaro’s base, ending the day at your first camp—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 proceeds through beautiful moorland terrain. As you gain altitude, you’ll start to feel it in your legs and notice your breathing change. If you move too fast, your guide might remind you to go “pole, pole,” which means “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. Along the route, you’ll glimpse Kilimanjaro’s snowy summit and the rugged Mawenzi peak far away. Lunch is served at Second Cave, a natural lava shelter. Here, the Rongai Route divides; you’ll take the right path toward Third Cave, while those on the longer trek head to Kikelewa Camp. Today’s climb reaches 3,900 meters, where you’ll camp at Third Cave. At this height, warm clothes are 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 trek takes you through a rugged dry montane desert environment. By evening, you’ll reach Kibo Huts at an altitude of 4,700 meters, where you’ll spend the night resting and preparing for the midnight summit attempt. Your guide will give a thorough briefing on suitable clothing and tactics for the final climb. Shortly before midnight, you’ll awaken, have a warm drink and a light snack, then start your ascent 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 start your ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft). This final stretch is the most challenging and steepest, demanding steady footing and determination as you climb over loose scree to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. After a short rest, you’ll continue onward to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! After taking your summit photos, you’ll descend to Kibo Huts for lunch, then proceed down to Horombo Huts for your last 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 enjoying your last breakfast on the mountain, you’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate, where you’ll be awarded your summit certificate and share memorable moments with your mountain crew—perfect for showing appreciation with well-deserved tips. Then, you’ll head back to your mid-range hotel in Moshi to unwind or celebrate your accomplishment!

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 arranged time, your driver will collect you from your mid-range hotel in Moshi and transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can continue your safari journey or head to your beach vacation.