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

• After an early breakfast in Moshi, drive to Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park for the necessary registration formalities, then transfer to Rongai (Nalemoru) Gate (1,800 m/5,900 ft) near the Kenya border.

• Begin your climb on this unspoilt wilderness route with your Kilimanjaro mountain guide.

• Start climbing steadily but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest gradually begins to thin out, and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m), with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

• The first day is only a half-day walk.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave (3,450 m), with incredible views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

• After a hot lunch, enjoy free time to rest at the camp or explore the surrounding area in the afternoon on an acclimatisation walk to Third Cave.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Gradually ascend through beautiful open moorland towards the jagged pinnacles of Mawenzi and continue to Kikelelwa Camp (3,679 m).

• Arrive in the late afternoon at Kikelelwa Caves for dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Embark on a short but steep ascent to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m). Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn.

• Spend the free afternoon helping your acclimatisation.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Hut (4,700 m), reaching the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. There is no running water at Kibo Hut.

• Spend the remainder of the day relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

• Wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness. Begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree with some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater at Gillman's Point (5,685 m).

• Rest there for a few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

• After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, descend to Kibo Hut, which is amazingly fast.

• Stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment.

• Continue descending to reach Horombo Hut.

Hiking Time: 13-15 hours

• Descend past Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.

• From here, transfer to Moshi to your hotel for dinner and overnight, or take an alternative transfer to JRO for departure.

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours