8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi and gather at the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.

After breakfast, transfer to the Nalemoru Rongai starting gate and complete the necessary registration formalities at the National Park gate.

Begin the climb from Nale Moru (1,950 m) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering the pine forest.

The trail climbs consistently but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long 'cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out, and the first camp, Rongai One, is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m).

Start the morning walk with a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450 m), with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Icefields on the crater rim.

After lunch, leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path toward the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3,600 m).

Go on a short but steep climb, rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness.

Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

In the afternoon, rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]

Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.

Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent before a very early night.

Start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight at around 1 a.m.

Plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m). Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.

Those feeling strong can take the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m) is surprisingly fast.

After some refreshment, continue the descent to reach Horombo Camp (3,720 m).

Take a steady descent through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700 m), the first stopping place on the Marangu Route.

Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu, then sign out and transfer to Moshi (1,830 m).

Return to Moshi and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight back home.