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

Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp

After breakfast, your driver will collect you and drive you to Rongai Gate to complete the necessary permit procedures. While the paperwork is being processed, you’ll have lunch. Once everything is settled, your Kilimanjaro journey will commence. The route starts by crossing farmland and then steadily climbs into the dense rainforest at Mount Kilimanjaro’s base, ending the day at your first campsite—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 proceeds through beautiful moorland scenery. As you climb higher, your legs will feel the strain and your breathing will adjust. If you start to move too fast, your guide might remind you to go “pole, pole,” meaning “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. Along the route, you’ll enjoy views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit and the rugged Mawenzi peak in the distance. Lunch is served at Second Cave, a natural lava shelter. Here, the Rongai Route divides: you’ll take 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 vital due to the significant temperature drops.

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 across a rugged, arid montane desert. By evening, you’ll reach Kibo Huts at 4,700 meters altitude, where you’ll spend the night preparing for the midnight ascent to the summit. Your guide will give you thorough guidance on the right clothing and techniques for the final climb. Just before midnight, you’ll wake up, have a warm drink and a light snack, and then start your climb to the peak.

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 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 careful footing and determination as you make your way over loose scree to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. After a short rest, you’ll continue to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point! Once you’ve taken 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 will begin your descent to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll be awarded your summit certificate and have the perfect moment to share heartfelt thanks with your mountain crew through well-deserved tips. Then, you’ll head back to your luxury hotel in Moshi to unwind and celebrate your incredible 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 Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

At the arranged time, your driver will collect you from your luxury hotel in Moshi and transfer you to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can extend your journey with a safari or continue on to your beach vacation.