5 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route from Arusha in Tanzania (2026 - 2027)

Moshi – Rongai Gate – Simba Camp

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up and take you to Rongai Gate for registration and permit formalities. While the documents are being processed, you’ll enjoy lunch. Once all is in order, your Kilimanjaro adventure begins. The trail starts by passing through farmland, then gradually ascends into the lush rainforest at the mountain’s base, concluding the day at 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 filling breakfast, the trek continues through scenic moorland landscapes. As you ascend, you’ll begin to feel the effects of the altitude in your legs and breathing. Should your pace quicken, your guide may gently remind you to go “pole, pole,” Swahili for “slowly, slowly.” Along the way, you’ll catch distant views of Kilimanjaro’s icy summit and the jagged peak of Mawenzi. Lunch is enjoyed at Second Cave, a lava-formed shelter where the Rongai Route splits. You’ll follow the right-hand path toward Third Cave, while others taking a longer journey head to Kikelewa Camp. The day’s hike concludes at 3,900 meters, where you’ll camp at Third Cave. At this elevation, warm clothing is essential due to the significant drop in temperature.

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 leads you through a harsh, dry montane desert landscape. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Kibo Huts, located at 4,700 meters, where you'll rest and get ready for the summit push at midnight. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on appropriate clothing and strategies for the final ascent. Shortly 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

Summit night is here! After waking at midnight and sipping a warm beverage, you’ll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft). This is the toughest and steepest part of the journey, requiring determination and careful steps over 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! After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll descend to Kibo Huts for lunch, then continue 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 final breakfast on the mountain, you’ll start your descent to Marangu Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate and share a few last special moments with your mountain crew—an ideal time to express gratitude with well-earned tips. From there, you’ll return to your comfortable mid-range 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 Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

At the scheduled time, your driver will pick you up from your mid-range hotel in Moshi and take you to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your adventure with a safari or proceed to a relaxing beach holiday.