7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Rongai Route to Uhuru Peak

• After stopping at Marangu Gate for permits, proceed to the wooden village of Nale Moru, where the trailhead begins.

• The trail winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkey.

• Camp at Rongai Cave.

Elevation (ft): 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

• After breakfast, begin the morning hike with a steady incline and reach the 2nd Cave en route to Kikelewa Cave. Views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim begin to emerge.

Elevation (ft): 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Health

• Today's hike is short and steep, climbing up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning.

• As you leave the heath zone and emerge into the alpine desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi.

• Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring the area.

Elevation (ft): 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• This is an acclimatisation day.

• Hike steadily up a ridge with fantastic views on both sides as the landscape becomes rugged and rocky.

• After spending some time exploring Mawenzi Ridge, head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.

• Extra days on the trail give your body the opportunity to acclimatise and assist with summit day.

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft to 14,160 ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 2-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• The trail climbs gradually across the rocky lunar landscape as you traverse the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.

• The campsite for the night sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.

• Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the final ascent in the early morning.

Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Wake up in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa.

• The trail to Gilman's Point is very steep, and the ascent will be slow and steady.

• From Gilman's, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak.

• Stay at the summit for a short time.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 22 km

Hiking Time: 10-13 hours

Habitat: Arctic

• A long trek is in store for today; however, it is mostly downhill.

• Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, pick up your certificate that proves your achievement and catch the vehicle for your transfer to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest